Where are the big Christmas light displays in Saugus, MA

December 11, 2010 1:12 PM

There is (or was) a neighborhood in Saugus, Massachusetts where whole streets do over-the-top Christmas light displays. We would like to see this. Can you tell me what streets I am looking for?

The colloquial name for the neighborhood contains an ethnic slur, so I'm not going to say it but I assume that if you know enough to answer the question you probably know what I mean. If it has a proper name, I don't know it and I'm sorry about that.

I saw the lights a few times when I was a kid and it was fantastic. We went a couple of years ago and couldn't find the expected displays or expected crowds. So while I know that I was in the right general area, either I wasn't on the proper streets or the tradition has died out. So my questions are:

1. Does this still go on?
2. Which specific streets/areas am I looking for
3. Is there a proper name for this area of Saugus?

posted by Mayor Curley to Grab Bag (5 answers total)

Best answer: I'm from Melrose, so most of my experience with Saugus is in the form of going up Route 1 (and I know nothing about the names for its neighborhoods, colloquial or otherwise) so I'm not sure if this is what you're looking for, but the big houses along Lynn Fells Parkway leading up to the Route 1 interchange have light displays that are bright and elaborate enough that they're borderline traffic hazards from people slowing to look at them.
posted by Kosh at 1:40 PM on December 11, 2010

Best answer: Lynn Fells Parkway. Judging by the photos, you can just drive towards the beam of light shooting skyward from the 400 block.
posted by prinado at 1:51 PM on December 11, 2010

Best answer: I agree with Kosh that you're looking for the stretch of the Lynn Fells Parkway from the Melrose border to Rt 1. Here's a random blog entry detailing it*** (I'm pretty sure the house in that entry also has ridiculous lights for other random holidays like Easter and Halloween too) I haven't gotten out and walked around since I was a kid, but I remember that some of the houses on the side streets in that area also having elaborate lights. I also vaguely remember there being a really intensely decorated house that has since donated their display to the Stone Zoo.

***Scooped by prinado!

I'm also really curious about the type of racial slur that would apply to that area - message me it?
posted by fermezporte at 1:52 PM on December 11, 2010

I know your question was about Saugus specifically. I will take the liberty of suggesting the Christmas lights in Somerville, MA, about 20 minutes from Saugus. Some of the displays are fantastic really old school with lots of illuminated candy canes, Santas, reindeer, etc. Maps available at several local businesses, and trolley tours also available.


posted by pavi at 1:52 PM on December 11, 2010 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Yup, that's exactly it. Lynn Fells Parkway from the intersection where Pace's and Esposito's bakery used to be up to the Kelly's Roast Beef/Target area. I used to go there all the time as a kid. It's still there, and still just as tacky.
posted by Sal and Richard at 3:35 PM on December 11, 2010