E-Mail This Article to a Friend Bright lights, nostalgia city Go retro with your holiday illuminations BY GENEVIEVE RAJEWSKI

Boston winters are so long and dark that frankly, any reprieve from the dreariness should be welcome. Still, December’s onslaught of animated reindeer, chilly icicle lights, and inflatable Santas may well have you longing for the holidays to be over.

For many, though, holiday-light displays were once an occasion for wonder — a miraculously bright and fantastic blur that disappeared too quickly from view as your parents’ car whisked you to another hectic family gathering. Fortunately, they still can light up your season ... if you seek out the kind of riotous colors and plastic kitsch that fill your childhood memories.

At Inman Square Hardware, you’ll find strings of multicolored big-bulb Christmas lights ($7.99/25) to deck your halls or porch. You’ll also find an impressive array of plastic illuminated Santa paraphernalia, including a 36-inch standing Santa ($31.99), 36-inch standing reindeer with large antlers ($56 each), and an 80-inch Santa with a reindeer and sleigh ($94.99). Plastic light-up Noel candles ($11.99) and toy soldiers ($12.99) complete the "my own private North Pole" look.

If you have a good-size lawn and feel the need to put the "Christ" back in "Christmas," well, only a nearly life-size illuminated nativity scene will do. Inman Square Hardware again has the goods, including a three-piece set that includes Joseph, Mary, and their new arrival ($89.99); a set of three five-foot wise men ($150); and a menagerie-worthy selection of sheep ($12.95), donkeys ($21.99), cows ($23.99), and camels ($59.95).

For nondenominational yet seasonal plastic illuminations, opt for Inman Square Hardware’s 40-inch snowman ($29.99) or Kmart’s equally jolly snowmen in three sizes ($14.99–$39.99).

Despite its name, the classic 1983 film A Christmas Story appeals to people of all backgrounds who can relate to Ralphie’s childhood triumphs and disappointments. Fortunately, you don’t need to win a major award to bask in the glow of the movie’s "Fra-gee-lay" leg lamp ($200). Just order one through the Urban Outfitters’ Web site, put it in your front window, and watch your neighbors go green with envy.

Prefer to let someone else do all the work? On December 20, the Somerville Arts Council’s Illuminations Trolley Tour ($10/adults; $5/children and seniors) will circle the city to view spectacular displays of lights, illuminated ornaments, and shrines of devotion. Trolleys depart from and return to Somerville City Hall, where you can enjoy coffee, hot chocolate, cookies, and choral music. Tickets are available at McIntyre and Moore Booksellers. Those taking a date on the tour may want to surprise their companion with Gemini holiday specs ($2) from Joie de Vivre; just don the Noel-, Hanukkah-, or winter-themed 3D-esque glasses and look at lights to see a corresponding image.

For those unable to make the scheduled tour, McIntyre and Moore Booksellers carries the Official Illuminations Tour Map ($2), as well as holiday cards featuring illuminated Somerville houses ($1.50/each; $10/pack of eight) by fine-art photographer Stefanie Klavens. And from December 15 to January 15, Somerville City Hall will host the Somerville Arts Council’s exhibit of night photographs taken in Somerville (free), including those of houses decorated for the holidays.

Where to find it:

• Inman Square Hardware, 1337 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, (617) 491-3405.

• Joie de Vivre, 1792 Mass Ave, Cambridge, (617) 864-8188.

• Kmart, various locations; www.kmart.com.

• McIntyre and Moore Booksellers, 255 Elm Street, Somerville, (617) 629-4840.

• Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Avenue, Somerville, (617) 625-6600.

• Urban Outfitters, various locations; www.urbanoutfitters.com