Town embraces the holiday season

Tree Lighting Ceremonies and Festivities are set for Saugus Center tonight with a Town Hall visit from Santa

By Mark E. Vogler

Tonight will be a special one at Saugus Center, as the town will host its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Festivities – a signature community event that’s expected to draw up to 3,000 people.

“Please join us for the Tree Lighting to celebrate the start of the holiday season,” Town Manager Crabtree said in a press release posted on the Town of Saugus website. “This is a wonderful event for the whole community to enjoy. We can’t wait to see you there!”

Residents young and old are invited to Saugus Town Hall today (Friday, Dec. 5) from 5 to 8:30 p.m. for a fun-filled evening, which will feature the arrival of Santa Claus at 7 p.m. just before the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Hundreds of grownups and kids – some of them decked out in festive outfits – will gather around the steps of Town Hall to embrace the holiday spirit as Santa turns on thousands of colorful lights strung up on trees on the front lawn and on the Saugus rotary. The town’s official Christmas Tree has already been decorated with big red bows.

The Tree Lighting event has become so popular that it draws people from surrounding communities, some of them former Saugus residents who come to see relatives or old friends.

Highlights of the night include:

• Complimentary treats, such as cookies, hot cocoa and cider
• Riding the trackless train (weather permitting)
• A petting zoo, where big kids and little kids get to cuddle furry and fluffy animals
• Sleigh rides
• Playing in the Bounce house
• Photos with winter characters
• Santa is expected to spend about an hour accommodating a long line of children and grownups who want to share a photo opportunity with him.

Town Manager Crabtree credited the dedicated municipal employees, volunteers and local businesses whose contributions help make the Tree Lighting such a success each holiday season. The Youth and Recreation Department, Department of Public Works, Building Maintenance Department and other town employees all play key roles in planning and setting up the event.