Yet, in a safe, deconstructed way. Time to light things up Somerville —and take self-guided tours, while supporting local businesses.

Even though, they  will not be conducting traditional trolley tours this winter, the bright spirit of Somerville will shine on. So whether you’re a business or a resident, time to deck the halls and plug things in!  Somerville Arts Council is  hoping that each neighborhood and square gets involved. They’ll  then create a digital map so folks can take a “deconstructed tour” on their own time, supporting local businesses as they go. So, as a participant or tour goer, let’s celebrate the folk artistry and creativity of residents and businesses that transform their spaces and yards with lights, ornaments, and shrines of devotion and fantasy.

Illuminations 2020 map will be available starting on December 12. Illuminations (lights and business specials) will continue through January 1st, 2021. 

The map will include different emojis and map layers to indicate different highlights you can visit, for example: 

• Our traditional Illuminations “winners” houses– with history and descriptions you can read about
• New additions– Crowd-sourced suggestions of snazzy displays not to be misses
• Art Installations around the city including the Lantern Community Project
• Participating businesses that will be offering Illuminations specials

Do you want to be part of this year’s Illuminations? Are you illuminating your home or is your business offering something special? Tell us more here, submit by December 6th. https://forms.gle/K1x53vimTadT1k1d6

Community Lantern Project: The Neighborhood Edition
Create your own Community Lantern installation in your neighborhood! Building off the creative energy of the recent Ignite installation, we will be encouraging residents to recreate their own lantern displays in their neighborhoods and Squares. If you are interested in leading the charge in your neighborhood, contact us by December 6 and we will put you on the official Illuminations Deconstructed Map. Submit the information here via the Google Forms https://forms.gle/Kea4haTn2Ws2PmrF8