Holiday Happenings with Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation

 

Festival of Trees – A Literary Forest On Exhibit November 17, 2021 - January 9, 2022 White River Valley Museum This holiday season the Museum will host a special display of book themed trees in partnership with the King County Library System. From Dickens to Tolkien, these trees will surely delight readers of all ages! The Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday and admission is FREE.  Gingerbread Contest  Register by Monday, November 22 Gingerbread structures will be on display December 1 - 17 at the Auburn Community & Events Center This fun event celebrates the holidays and brings the community together to see what Auburn can build!  Register as a individual, group, family, or business and show off what you can create! We have space for 16 entries.  All gingerbread displays must register in advance no later than Monday, November 22, 2021. There are two categories, youth and adult. The winner in each category will be selected by votes from the public. Displays must be appropriate for all ages, built in 2021, and 90% edible on the exterior. Any structure, real or imaginary is eligible for entry. Nominate a child to help Santa flip the switch and light the City Hall holiday tree  Nomination deadline: November 29 at 5pm Santa is looking for a special helper to light the tree in front of City Hall. Nominate a child between the ages of 5 and 9 for their chance to visit with Santa and make holiday memories. Nominations are due by Monday, November 29th at 5 PM Flip the Switch Tree Lighter Nomination Form Saturday, December 4 Cookies, Crafts & Carols Auburn Community & Event Center Fee per session: $8 resident/$10 non-resident Get in the holiday spirit with this cozy hour of cookie decorating, holiday crafts and festive carol music! Bring the family for sweet treats and a crafty good time. Two sessions available. Ages 2 & up. Register for 1:00-2:00pm session Register for 3:00-4:00pm session Santa Parade Saturday, December 4  Parade at 4:30pm | Main Street in downtown Auburn Auburn's Lighted Santa Parade returns!  From Auburn High School to City Hall, lighted entries will fill Main Street with holiday joy! Beginning at 4:30 PM the parade will feature lighted vehicles, floats, cars, and walking entries. Join us for live music before and after the parade at City Hall. We'll wrap up the event with the annual tree lighting at City hall plus a visit from Santa. All community, families, non-profits, and businesses are welcome to participate. All entries wishing to participate in the parade must register in advance by Wednesday, December 1st, 2021.  All entries must have a lighted element. Registration link All entries must adhere to the Rules & Regulations Please note that King County outdoor mask mandate will be in effect which currently requires face masks for all attendees 5 years of age and older. Vaccination verification is not required.  Sunday, December 5 | 2pm Red, White & Blue Holiday Concert Auburn Performing Arts Center, 702 4th St. NE Tickets are free, but required for admission. Limit 6 per family. Sing in the holidays with this annual free community concert performed by the 133rd Army Band of the Washington National Guard. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear this festive and rousing concert of patriotic music honoring our troops, together with all of your favorite holiday music and carols.  Tickets are free, but required for admission. Limit 6 per family. December 10, 11, 16, 17 & 18 | 7:30pm December 11, 12, 18 & 19 | 2pm Auburn Community Players -  Elf the Musical Auburn Avenue Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. Pre-Sale: Regular: $18 | Student/Senior: $15 Door Sale"  Regular: $23| Student/Senior: $20 Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh realities that his father is on the naughty list and his half-brother doesn't even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. Santa Photos Saturday, December 11 8:30 am-12:30 pm Auburn Community & Events Center Pre-register for a visit and photo with Santa! This outdoor event will take place on the back patio of the Auburn Community & Events Center.  Be sure to bring your camera or phone for Santa's Elves to snap your picture! To allow for social distancing and to keep everyone safe, time slots will be available upon registration. There will be a table with refreshments and drinks while you wait for your visit with Santa. Kids under 16 will also receive a goodie bag that includes fun prizes and a holiday craft! Cost to participate: 1 - 6 people in your party........$20/$25 per group (resident/non-resident) 7+ people in your party............$30/$38 per group (resident/non-resident) Pre-registration is required. Space is limited. Call 253-931-3043 for photo reservation.

For complete event information and registration or entry forms, visit www.auburnwa.gov/events.