SAUGUS Town Hall was aglow with festive lights Friday night as Santa Claus led the countdown to kick off the holiday season.

The evening began with Town Manager Scott Crabtree welcoming everyone to the celebration. “I’m very, very happy to have everybody here. It’s a cold night, but everybody’s here, and all the families are waiting for Santa,” Crabtree said.

At precisely 7 p.m., Santa arrived with his sleigh, guided by a horse, to the delight of families gathered outside Town Hall.

Before the ceremonial lighting, Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta addressed the crowd. “Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays for whatever you enjoy,” Panetta shared. “We wish you, on behalf of the Board of Selectmen, a very happy and healthy New Year. I want to thank the police, the fire, the DPW, the town manager, Jeannie (Meredith), and Mike (Gaffney) from his (Crabtree’s) office. I want to thank the Saugus High School band for coming out in this frigid weather. Thank you, they did a great job!”

Panetta also expressed gratitude to Santa, Building and Maintenance, and Youth and Recreation, recognizing their efforts in making the event possible.

As the countdown concluded and the switch was flipped, the trees surrounding Town Hall and the town center burst into light, officially ushering in the holiday season for Saugus.
https://itemlive.com/2025/12/05/saugus-shines-bright-at-annual-tree-lighting/