By Savath Yong

The Somerville Arts Council’s 15th annual Illuminations Trolley Tour took place on Saturday, December 17, to sold out crowds who ventured bravely into the chilly New England air to experience the holiday lights display of East, Central and newly added to the tour this year, West neighborhoods of Somerville.

The 45 minute trolley tour celebrates the holiday spirit of Somerville residents and boasts their artistry and creativity as they illuminate their houses and yards with lavish displays of lights and ornaments to observe the festive holiday season.  The 27 tours departed from City Hall Concourse and waiting guests mingled at City Hall where hot chocolate, coffee and cookies were served and children participated in arts and crafts, while the Somerville Community Chorus serenaded the crowd with holiday music.

Rachel Strutt, Program Manager of SAC, believes the event always sells out because the public wants to see the residents’ and their neighbor’s love of the holidays on display and combined with the excitement of bright lights around winter solstice, the darkest time of year, the event is a sold out success every year.  “The tour is also peppered with stories of families and their homes and decorations, and you will see some members of the families come out on their porches and wave when the trolley driver rings the bell, so it really gets everyone in that joyful spirit. Also, for the first time this year, we are adding tours in West Somerville, so you will get to hear interesting historical tidbits of that area as well.”

If you were unable to attend the event, you can also purchase an Illuminations Tour map for $3 and take a self-guided tour at your own pace.  The map also includes President Obama’s address when he was a student at Harvard. They can be purchased at Blue Cloud Gallery in Ball Square and Magpie in Davis Square and all proceeds support the Somerville Arts Council’s public programming.

(photos by Bobbie Toner)