Downtown Auburn’s beloved holiday parade is officially off the calendar—but a new tree lighting celebration is stepping in to take its place.
Instead of marching bands and floats, families can head to the State Street Event Plaza on Saturday, Nov. 29, from 4 to 6 p.m. for a festive tree lighting event. The City of Auburn is teaming up with the Auburn Downtown Partnership, A.T. Walley’s, and the Parks & Recreation Department to host the gathering. More details are expected soon.
City leaders say the change wasn’t made lightly. After evaluating logistics with the Department of Public Works and Auburn Police, officials concluded they didn’t have the staff or resources to safely manage a large nighttime parade downtown. That includes handling traffic, crowds, and emergencies.
“While this decision was not made lightly, it reflects our commitment to safeguarding the community,” the City of Auburn and the Auburn Downtown Partnership said in a joint statement.
The new tree lighting event is part of a broader effort to create safer, more manageable holiday traditions in the heart of the city.
On Sunday, Dec. 14, the city will host another annual favorite: The Historic & Cultural Sites Commission’s holiday open house.
The Equal Rights Heritage Center at 25 South Street will be filled with music and family fun from noon to 5:30 p.m.—including a visit from Santa Claus between 4 and 5:30 p.m. More details on the day’s lineup are coming soon.
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