Santa Parade, tree lighting ceremony coming to the plaza

City tradition returns Saturday to downtown Auburn

November 28, 2016 2:00 pm
Mayor Nancy Backus, Stefany Sanchez and Santa help turn the switch on to light up the Christmas tree in the City Hall Plaza last year. RACHEL CIAMPI, Auburn Reporter

An Auburn holiday tradition – the Santa Parade and City Hall Christmas Tree lighting – returns Saturday.

The parade begins at 4:30 p.m. on Main Street, followed by community caroling, the tree lighting and a synchronized light show in the plaza.

It is free to the public.

Holiday lineup Saturday

For more information on Auburn’s holiday events, contact the Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation Department at 253-931-3043. The park’s office is at 910 Ninth St. SE.

Santa Parade and Tree Lighting: 4:30 p.m. downtown Auburn. Festive and fun children’s parade, followed by community caroling, the lighting of the City Hall Christmas tree and synchronized light show. Parade lineup begins at 4 p.m. on E Street Northeast. Free entry open to all children’s groups. Holiday costumes encouraged. Registration required and participants are asked to review the parade rules and regulations. Both can be found at auburnwa.gov/events. Leashed, licensed and well-behaved pets welcome. Pre-parade entertainment from 4-4:30 p.m. in front of City Hall.

Holiday Snack and Craft: 2-4 p.m., Washington Elementary, 20 E St. NE. Opportunity for families to create fun holiday gingerbread houses and ornaments. Pre-registration entry fee is $3 for residents, $4 for non-residents and $5 day of the event.

“Yule Be Rockin”: 6:30 p.m., Auburn Avenue Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. Special holiday family concert, featuring Eric Herman and the Thunder Puppies. Advance tickets available at auburnwa.gov/arts.or by calling the parks office.

Also

Late Play Date: 6-8 p.m. Dec. 1, White River Valley Museum, 918 H St. SE. Free program for children ages 3-12 and features holiday-themed crafts and activities with an international flair. Snap a picture of your children with Santa Claus in the Town Square exhibit. Drop-in program. No registration required. For more information, call 253-288-7433 or wrvmuseum.org.

Red, White & Blue Holiday Concert: 2 p.m. Dec. 4, Performing Art Center, 702 Fourth St. NE. The 133D Washington Army National Guard performs holiday classics and favorites of the season. Tickets are free with food donation, but required and can be picked up in advance at the parks office.

Santa Breakfast: Seatings at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., Dec. 10, Auburn Community and Events Center, 910 Ninth St. SE. Parks, Arts & Rec hosts a breakfast served by Santa’s elves, musical entertainment and a special visit from Santa. Cost: $5 for residents, $7 for those living outside the city ($6/$8 for adults). Pre-registration required.

Parents Night Out: 5-10 p.m. Dec. 10, Les Gove Gym, 910 Ninth St. SE, A. If parents are looking for some “kid-free” time for a night out, or to do some last-minute shopping, send them to the holiday-inspired event. Games, crafts, a bouncy house, a pizza dinner and more kid-approved fun.

Santa visits: 10-11 a.m. Dec. 7, 9, Indoor Playground at the gymnasium at Les Gove Park, 910 Ninth S. SE. Great photo op for children. Entrance into the indoor playground is $2 and photos with Santa are an additional $2.

“A Christmas Story, The Musical”: 7 p.m. Dec. 9, 10, 15, 16, 17; 2 p.m. Dec. 10, 11, 17, 18, Auburn Avenue Theater. Performed by the Auburn Community Players. This classic tale of bunny pajamas, a leg lamp, and the ultimate Christmas gift, a Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. Tickets are available at the Parks Office, online at auburnwa.gov/arts, or at the box office one-hour prior to the show (if tickets remain).