SAUGUS — The tree in the Saugus Center Rotary and the surrounding trees in front of the Town Hall were lit in festive and bright colors in front of a huge crowd of visitors as part of the annual tree lighting on Friday.
“It’s really a wonderful site,” Beverly Vasquez, who watched the tree lighting with her family, said.
The night of festivities drew a nice crowd of people of all different ages, enjoying activities like a petting zoo, mini-train rides, horse-drawn sleigh ride, moon bounces, and even a chance to meet Santa himself.
Five-year-old Riley Lanzillo along with her cousins Peter, 10, and Julian, 2, were eager to get on a sleigh ride after enjoying a train ride down Taylor Street.
“It was great,” Riley said.
Visitors also got a chance to watch a preview of a Charlie Brown Christmas performed by the kids at the Saugus Theatre Company.
The Saugus High School Band and Chorus were also performing in front of Town Hall, playing festive songs and preparing for their Winter Concert on Wednesday, Dec. 6.
“it’s a nice time,” band director Justin Jones said. “There are all kinds of kids here, it’s a great thing.”
The live music finished up just in time for the arrival of Santa Claus himself.
Behind a police escort, Santa pulled up to Town Hall on his sleigh greeted by “Santa” chants by his many adoring fans.
“Merry Christmas everyone,” he said before moving inside so kids could take their picture with him and tell him what they wanted for the holiday.
One of the many children who was excited to meet Santa was 7-year-old Christopher Coppen, excited to ask Santa for some Star Wars toys.
“I can’t believe he’s here,” he said.
“Every year this gets bigger and better,” Town Manager Scott Crabtree said.
“Tonight is all about family, bringing the community together, and all the hardworking and wonderful people that made this happen.”
