Once again, the Somerville Arts Council is justifying the thousands of holiday light sets purchased on clearance last year by all the "Griswalds" of the world by hosting their annual Illuminations Holiday Tour. The tour goes round trip from Somerville city hall, lasts 45 minutes, and "celebrates the folk-artistry of the many city residents who transform their houses and yards with lights, illuminated ornaments, and shrines of devotion and fantasy during the darkest time of the year."

Did Bostonist mention that tour takes place in a trolley AND includes coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies at the end? We didn't think so. Also, this year, the Council has added a new Holiday Light Contest, where Somerville residents can vote on “Best Holiday House” and “Best Holiday Street.” The three voting methods are outlined on the website, and Mayor Curtatone is taking credit for this new addition to the festivities...he calls it a way "cultivate a sense of community cheer — and a little friendly competition." Apparently, he wasn't trying to find a parking spot for his car during any of the 2005 snow storms, because Bostonist can assure him that competive spirit is certainly alive and well in Somerville.

Tickets for the Tour are available now at McIntyre and Moore Booksellers, 255 Elm Street in Davis Square. The start times range from 6:15 to 8:45, and the event generally sells out early. Procrastinators, not to worry – the Coucil sells maps for self-guided tours at the Somerville City Hall once all the tickets are gone. Overachievers also need not fret...now is the perfect time to plan next year's luminescent extravaganza.

Photo courtesy of Flikr –user: prettywar-stl