December may not seem like the obvious time to take an evening stroll, but it's one of the best ways to see spectacular holiday lights this season. These 8 towns close to Boston go all out at this time of year. So bundle up and prepare to be wowed by cheerful lights, Christmas trees, and seasonal window displays.

1. Somerville

Come Christmastime, Somerville is festooned with lights — it has one of the most impressive displays in Massachusetts. Each year, the Somerville Arts Council organizes a tour of the lights. In 2017, the Illuminations Tour will take place on December 16. Buy tickets here or pay $3 to pick up a map at Blue Cloud Gallery, Davis Squared or Porter Square Books and take a self-guided Christmas Lights Tour.

2. Concord

Concord is even more charming than usual around Christmas. There’s a new holiday event in Concord this year: Light up West Concord. Held on December 4, 2017, between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., this celebration features plenty of lights, festive window displays, and free goodies like mulled cider and hot chocolate. This is in addition to the usual Concord Holiday Stroll Tree Lighting Event, which takes place on December 3, 2017, from 2 p.m until 10 p.m.

3. Lowell

Lowell is another city that fully embraces the holiday spirit. The City of Lights event has come and gone, leaving the town decked out in glittering holiday lights that are delightful to see. Check out the window displays along Merrimack Street and Market Street.

4. Newburyport

Newburyport is a quaint place to visit any time of year, but it becomes even more alluring when bathed in the warm glow of holiday lights. During the first part of December, the town puts on fun events like the holiday arts and craft fair, and there are several chances for little ones to meet Santa. Stop by Partridge in a Bear Tree to pick up festive decorations for your own home.

5. West Newton

Tucked away, where Cherry Street meets Washington Street in West Newton, is a tiny green space that shines with colorful lights come Christmastime. The town’s official holiday lighting display is held at City Hall on December 7 at 6 p.m. this year.

6. Saugus

Lynn Fells Parkway in Saugus is lined with private homes, glowing so brightly that they're probably visible from space! This tradition has been kept alive by many local families for over half a century.

7. Taunton

On December 2, 2017, the Taunton Green is lit with twinkling holiday lights (festivities run from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m.) Taunton bills itself as "The Christmas City" so, when you come here, you know that you’re in for a festive treat. This large holiday light display is a tradition stretching back a century and it’s just as enchanting now as it must have been when it first started!

8. Rockport

Rockport looks too cute to be real at any time of year; in winter, this seaside town is strewn with lights and decorations. It’s adorably welcoming. On December 2, Santa arrives by boat (naturally) for the tree lighting ceremony. Other seasonal events include a Christmas pageant on December 16 and the chance to tour some of Rockport’s best decorated inns on December 9 and 10, 2017.

Which Boston-area town do you think becomes most magical during the holidays?

You'll find several dedicated light displays in Greater Boston this year. To view them, take this Christmas lights road trip, for a unique way to celebrate the season.