Have You Been to Widmer-World's Holiday Lights Display Yet?

By AUTUMN JOHNSON

Live in Pleasanton for any length of time at all and locals will tell you that no holiday season is complete without a visit to see the incredible lights display at Widmer-World.

Widmer-World is and always has been a family affair comprised of a tireless crew of Bob Widmer’s children and their spouses, grandchildren and a few close family friends. The rigorous set-up process starts in September and takes four months to put it all away after New Years, according to Kim Eicher, Widmer’s daughter.

According to Eicher, her dad, a retired software consultant, makes all of the wooden displays and moving carousels seen in the front and back yard of her parent’s home in the Fairlands area of Pleasanton.

“Dad’s first major display was the large wooden reindeer and sleigh, Santa and Mrs. Claus in 1980,” Eicher said in a previous Patch article. “Since then he continues to add new items every year. First it was just the front yard, then we added the side yard. It has been at least 10 years since we started decorating the back yard.”

So what’s new at Widmer-World this year? You have to stop by and see for yourself but we can tell you we did see a reference to the popular movie Frozen on the scavenger hunt list for the kids.

“We have some new displays featuring Santa checking his list, a different scavenger hunt every week, a 6 foot Knex ferris wheel, and an extra large Santa chair to grab a seat and take a picture,” Eicher said.

Cash donations are accepted to help offset the cost of providing free pictures with Santa and the presumably hefty PG&E bill. According to the Widmer-World website, any extra donations over the costs of electricity and St. Nick are forwarded on to the family’s favorite charities.

Just how much is the electricity bill for Widmer’s fantastic lights exhibits? Only Widmer knows for sure, although in a previous Patch article, he did offer a hint two years ago.

“I never tell anyone about my bill but think thousands,” Widmer said in a previous Patch article. This year, Patch once again asked Widmer about his electric bill and he only smiled.

The Widmer family also took part in Pleasanton’s annual holiday parade earlier this month. The Widmers and their float have been in the parade every year since 2010. Craig Eicher said when the Widmer family returned home from the parade, residents were already gathering to see the popular lights display.

Previous: Widmer-World’s Holiday Display Lights Up Pleasanton

Widmer-World, located at 3671 Chelsea Court in Pleasanton, will run every night between 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. until Dec. 31. Eicher says Santa Claus will take time out from his busy holiday schedule to visit Widmer-World for complimentary photos on Dec. 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., according to Facebook.

Due to the heavy rains this month, Widmer has had to close the back yard portion of the display several nights. Follow Widmer World on Facebook to find out when the entire display is open or closed due to inclement weather.

Have you been to Widmer World? How many years have you visited? Tell us in the comments section below.
Photo courtesy Autumn Johnson. Video courtesy Widmer-World via YouTube