AUBURN HILLS ILLUMINATES THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH 24th ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY ON DECEMBER 1 

Media contacts: Zack Thomas, Management Assistant, City of Auburn Hills; 248.364.9440; zthomas@auburnhills.org; Kyle Scislowicz, Media Communications Specialist, City of Auburn Hills; 248.364.6726; kscislowicz@auburnhills.org 

Auburn Hills, MI-November 27, 2017- the City of Auburn Hills, a dynamic community committed to innovational growth, is excited to kick off the holiday season as it celebrates the 24th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Auburn Hills on Friday, December 1st from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Join the Mayor, and members of City Council, as they welcome special guests Santa and Mrs. Claus to light up the beautiful Christmas tree in downtown Auburn Hills at the corner of Squirrel and Auburn Roads. This joyous festival is a free event for all to attend. 

Following the Tree Lighting Ceremony, everyone is invited to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in The Downtown Education Nook (DEN) and take a memorable photograph home as a keepsake. Participants can also enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through town, snack on s’mores at the bonfire pit, participate in a Project Linus charity project, and walk through downtown to see the specials the stores and restaurants have to offer. Santa may even bring a couple of reindeer from the North Pole for all to see. 

The holidays are a time for compassion and giving. Auburn Hills has fostered a partnership with Project Linus to help provide warmth and comfort to children with life-threatening illnesses. Guests at the ceremony will have the opportunity to craft fleece blankets and write letters of support to the children who need it most during the event at the University Center. Visitors are encouraged to donate items or bring items for crafting. A full list of accepted donation items is located at www.auburnhills.org. 

“The Tree Lighting Ceremony is the perfect time for all to experience what our quaint downtown has to offer as we kick off the holiday season,” says Auburn Hills Mayor Kevin McDaniel. “In addition to the great activities planned, our businesses will be open for everyone to visit.” 

Additionally, Auburn Hills has a special mail route that goes directly to the North Pole! This holiday mailbox will be on display from Thanksgiving through Christmas. Kids and families can write a letter to Santa at home and bring it downtown to be mailed. 

This cherished celebration is a great way to build memories surrounded by family and friends. Auburn Hills invites you to experience this great holiday tradition that allows you to explore Auburn Hills’s expanding downtown. 

This event is sponsored by the Auburn Hills Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA). For more information and a full schedule of events please visit the City’s website and download the Holiday guide at www.auburnhills.org. 

About Auburn Hills 
The City of Auburn Hills is a distinguished leader in southeast Michigan. Home to approximately 23,000 residents, as well as a workday population of approximately 100,000, Auburn Hills continues to be a thriving global business address. It is home to over 70 international corporations and hosts the World and North American headquarters for numerous outstanding businesses such as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Continental Automotive Systems, Faurecia, and BorgWarner. Auburn Hills’ residents enjoy the amenities of city and suburban living with parks, a revitalized downtown district and a welcoming city complex with a library and community center. Additionally, the city has five colleges and universities, and Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, one of the state’s largest destination shopping centers, providing a variety of cultural, social and educational opportunities to residents, workers, and visitors. Learn more at www.auburnhills.org. 

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