What's Happening in Auburn, WA…

The city of Auburn is planning an entire afternoon of fun to celebrate the holidays.

Things get started as parade participants line up at Auburn High School. Once it gets moving, the parade will go along East Main Street west through the city’s downtown, then heads north and finally east to loop around Auburn City Hall. The route ends at Division Street.

This is the Lighted Santa Parade, and lighted cars, floats, vehicles, and pedestrians are included, and businesses, non-profits, families, and community members are encouraged to take part. The first rule is that all entries must be lighted, and that does not include simply putting a string of lights on a car. The entries must be decorated in light.

Once the parade has returned to City Hall, people should make their way there to watch the official Tree Lighting which will take place in front of the building. Santa will be on hand accompanied by a local child, between five and nine years of age, who will be his helper for the evening. Nominations for 2026’s Santa’s Helper are open now.

The festivities are scheduled for December 5. The parade assembly starts at 3.30 pm, and the parade itself begins at 4.30 pm. In between, people can enjoy live music starting at 4.00 pm. All the events on the schedule are free, and everyone is invited to attend. Outdoor events like this can benefit when organizers use banner printing to create sturdy seasonal decorations.