AUBURN, ME (December 2, 2022) — The City of Auburn invites residents and visitors to spend this holiday season in the heart of downtown Auburn. This year’s exquisite 40’ city Christmas tree – a blue spruce that was generously donated by the Auburn Housing Authority – has been decorated with care by the team at Auburn Public Works. It will be illuminated on Thursday, December 8 at 6:00PM to the delight of spectators at the city’s annual tree lighting event, officially kicking off the holiday season in beautiful downtown Auburn.

The Auburn Business Association will be on hand at the tree lighting, offering free cocoa and donuts, as well as free mittens and gloves. The tree lighting event will feature our very special guest, Santa Claus, who will arrive at Festival Plaza escorted by the Auburn Police, Fire, Public Works, and Recreation Departments.

It will also mark the grand opening of the city’s inaugural Christmas Shopping Village. This very special shopping experience is Auburn’s version of a European Christmas market, with tiny shops nestled around the Christmas tree. There will be six new vendors each week, offering unique, local gifts & products. The Village shops will be open from 4:00 – 8:00PM on the evening of the tree lighting.

The Village will “officially” open on Saturday, December 3 at 3:00PM. Following the tree lighting on December 8, the Village will be open each Thursday and Friday from 4:00 to 8:00PM and on Saturdays from 10:00AM to 3:00PM, with several more appearances by Santa.

For a complete schedule and a list of vendors, visit www.goauburn.me/christmas-village.

The Edward Little High School Grandstand Club will be among the Shopping Village vendors. This non-profit organization will be set up at the Village all month, selling hot cocoa, coffee, and delicious snacks to help support student athletes in Auburn.