Cold rain didn’t keep Santa from stopping in Auburn and it didn’t keep citizens from coming out either.

Saturday, about 300 people gathered outside of City Hall with their umbrellas lifted to the sky, to welcome in the holidays at the city’s annual "Sounding off the Christmas Season."

The Hmong Alliance Church Choir dressed in sparkling costumes and sang Christmas melodies in English and Hmong, for guests who attended.

The Auburn Seventh-day Adventist Church Children’s Choir also sang at the event.

While Christmas Carols were sung in harmony, various lights were displayed throughout the city simultaniously.

During "O Beautiful Star" the water tower star was lit; "Away in a Manger" proceeded the lighting of the gazebo, where the manger scene sits; "Jingle Bells" was belted out as guests paraded down the rain-soaked street to each lighting; "O’ Christmas Tree" brought on the lighting of the tree outside of City Hall; "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer" filled the air as guests strolled back to the Police Department; and of course, "Here Comes Santa Claus" brought in good ol’ Saint Nick, who arrived by police escort in a red Mustang, lights, sirins and all.

More than 80 children sat in Santa’s lap and told him their Christmas wishes thanks to Auburn Dixie Youth who hosted free pictures with Santa.

Free hot chocolate and cookies were flowing too, thanks to businesses that sponsored the "Sound Off."

"Auburn was once again excited about ‘Sounding Off the Christmas Season,’" said Charlotte Ewing, Parks and Leisure Services Coordinator for Auburn.

"We had a very good turn out despite the weather ... We would like to thank our sponsors, McDonald’s of Auburn for donating cookies for the event, Auburn Waffle House for donating the hot chocolate and napkins and Akins Ford for the use of a Mustang Convertible to bring Santa into downtown Auburn," Ewing said.

She also gave thanks to the Auburn Seventh-day Adventist Church Children’s Choir and the Hmong Alliance Church for their participation in the event.

"We feel this event is an excellent way to start off the Holiday Season," said Ewing. "We invite everyone to take a little quality time from their busy schedules. Come walk through downtown Auburn between now and Christmas and enjoy the sights," she said. "You’ll be glad you did."