Auburn, WA’s Lighted Santa Parade and Tree Lighting Brings Holiday Excitement to Downtown

Seeing the first glowing parade float can make kids forget about the cold. As decorated trucks pass by and holiday music fills the air, families gather along Main Street, waiting for the jolly, white-bearded, cookie-loving gift-giver everyone is excited to see. In Auburn, this special moment happens during the Lighted Santa Parade and Tree Lighting, a yearly tradition that brings the community downtown to kick off the holiday season.

On Saturday, December 5th, Auburn will come together for an evening filled with glowing parade floats, live music, and the lighting of the City Hall tree. This free event gives families a chance to enjoy downtown and lets local groups help make the night special for everyone.

“The best part is seeing how much creativity goes into every lighted entry, then watching families gather at City Hall for the tree lighting. Giving a local child the chance to help Santa light the tree makes the evening especially meaningful,” says Mackenzie Mullen, Special Events Coordinator at City of Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation.

Auburn Lights Up Main Street

The festivities begin before the parade reaches the streets. Live music starts at City Hall at 4 p.m., giving families time to find a place to watch before the parade begins at 4:30 p.m.

Starting at Auburn High School, the parade travels west along East Main Street toward downtown and City Hall. Floats, decorated vehicles, cars, and walking groups fill the route with holiday lights. Every entry must be illuminated, making the lights an essential part of the event.

Local businesses, nonprofits, school groups and community members can participate. Their entries add variety to the parade, from holiday-themed floats to creative takes on familiar vehicles.

Past entries have included a Nutcracker-themed float from Children's Dance Theater, dogs wearing reindeer ears with Frank's Towing and Recovery, and a retirement community's decorated van. Auburn Parks staff have also turned a flatbed truck into a reindeer-themed ride.

These entries reflect the community effort behind the event. Participants put time into their decorations, and families lining the route get to see their neighbors contribute to a shared holiday tradition.

One Santa and a Special Tree Lighting

Auburn's parade has one Santa, the community's resident Santa, who arrives as the final entry. His appearance signals the transition from the parade to the evening's main event.

After the parade, Santa heads to City Hall for the annual tree lighting. The ceremony includes a special role for a local child ages 5 to 9 who lives within Auburn city limits. One child is randomly selected to help Santa switch on the tree's lights.

For a young Auburn resident, that opportunity can turn an evening of watching the parade into a memory they will carry for years. For the families gathered nearby, the countdown and the moment the tree lights up give everyone a shared reason to cheer.

Local Talent Will Make the Evening Special

This year's entertainment adds another local touch. The Jet Cities Chorus, an a cappella group, will perform before and after the parade, including during the tree-lighting ceremony. Their participation brings Auburn voices into the celebration and gives residents another reason to gather near City Hall.

The event also offers a simple way for families to enjoy the season without buying tickets or planning a full day around it. Visitors can arrive for the music, watch the parade, and stay for Santa and the tree lighting.

The evening's schedule includes:

• 4 p.m. Live music at City Hall
• 4:30 p.m. Lighted Santa Parade begins
• After the parade, annual tree lighting and Santa's visit
• After the parade, more live music at City Hall

All activities are free to attend.

Make Auburn Part of Your Holiday Plans

Auburn’s Lighted Santa Parade gives residents a chance to celebrate the season together, and visitors can enjoy a tradition shaped by the people who live here. The event also lets community groups and businesses play a big part in creating something families look forward to every December.

“Events like the Lighted Santa Parade give people a chance to experience Auburn through the traditions that matter to Auburn families. When residents, businesses, and community groups take part, they help make the city feel connected,” says Emerson Folker, Economic Development Program Administrator at Auburn Economic Development.

Discover More Events in Auburn, WA

Plan a visit to downtown Auburn on Saturday, December 5th, and join the community for the Lighted Santa Parade and Tree Lighting. Arrive at City Hall by 4 p.m. for live music, then join the parade at 4:30 p.m. Stay afterward to see Santa and watch a local child help light the tree.

Reach out to Auburn Economic Development to learn about more community events and find even more reasons to visit Auburn all year long.