The 2023 edition of the Illuminations tour begin on December 9.

Celebrate the artistry and creativity of residents and businesses that transform their spaces and yards with lights, ornaments, and shrines of devotion and fantasy as the Illuminations 2023 tours kick off in December, hosted by the Somerville Arts Council (SAC).

This year Illuminations includes both self-guided tours and a bike tour led by the Somerville Bike Advisory Committee. They are not doing trolley tours for several reasons, namely the price of trolley rental has become very expensive, which would hike ticket prices considerably. It is felt that the way to make this event as inclusive as possible is to have it be free.

Whether you’re a home decorator, or tour goer, here’s how to take part:

To put your address on the map: Just add your address to the interactive map. Once it is approved, you’ll be able to see your home or business on the map.

To participate as a tour goer:  the map will be available on the SAC website for you to start to plan your routes, however, keep in mind, they will continue to add addresses until December 8, so hold your excitement until then.

Illuminations Dates:

December 8: deadline to be added to the interactive map

December 9 through early January 2024: Self-guided tours using the Somerville’s official online Illuminations Map

December 16: Illuminations Bike Tour, starting at Somerville High School main entrance at 5:45 p.m., departure at 6:00 p.m. Rain date is December 17.

Registration and map here: https://beta.somervilleartscouncil.org/event/illuminations/

More info: https://somervilleartscouncil.org/illuminationstour

Stay updated on social media: FB: facebook.com/SomervilleArts/; Instagram: @SomervilleArtsCouncil