SAUGUS — Despite it being 27 degrees out at the start of the festivities, a large crowd showed up at Town Hall to await the arrival of Santa Claus and see the annual tree lighting ceremony.
Kids and adults of all ages, along with some four-legged furry friends, strolled the sidewalks of Town Hall, the Saugus Public Library, and the First Congregational Church, checking out all of the activities as they waited for the highlight of the night.
The longest line was one that led to a little fenced area of the hall lawn. Those in line were patiently waiting to meet some farm friends who came to the event. These included ducks, chickens, goats, bunnies and little piglets. Little kids were bundled up and standing on tippy toes trying to get a glance at the animals they would soon get to pet.
Another main attraction involving animals was the horse-drawn carriage, which had people eagerly awaiting a ride.
Across the street, many gathered for free hot cocoa. In the center of the crosswalk stood the Grinch, Frosty the Snowman, and a reindeer, ready to take pictures with everyone who stopped by to say ‘hi.’ The Grinch behaved himself for the night and came with holiday spirit and a heart that grew three sizes.
On the other side of the street at First Congregational Church, you could find free apple cider being handed out on the lawn and a sign pointing you to a door leading to their Christmas Market. Inside, there were plenty of tables set up for all your Christmas needs and free cookies for anyone who stopped by.
The Town Hall lawn was also where one could find the 6-12 band set up playing Christmas tunes with people gathering to listen in, hot cocoa in hand. Also scattered around the event were blow up decorations including a penguin, a snowman, and Olaf and Sven from Frozen. Lastly, kids could be found jumping around a bouncy house as they waited for Santa.
Despite all of this excitement, the high point of the night was still the arrival of Santa. Everyone joined in with Town Manager Scott Crabtree and the Board of Selectmen as the countdown began for the lighting of the tree. The kids who were chosen to hit the switches for the lights waited for the crowd to yell one and then quickly lit the tree and were met with cheers.
