The Best House in Walnut Creek for Christmas Lights?

Christmas starts around Halloween for Richard and Carolyn Hiland.

For the past 30 years, the couple have spent four to five weeks decking out their Candleberry Road home and yard with lights, a train display, a merry go round, and other decorations for all to enjoy.

This year's official lighting took place on Dec. 4, with about a hundred holiday fans coming out to see the spectacular lights and music. Even before the power switch was thrown on, there was a line of energized children waiting for the one, the only, Santa Claus. The man in the red suit made a cameo appearance. 

Richard and Carolyn's daughter, Julie Hiland Rattaro, teaches at nearby Valle Verde Elementary, and has two daughters. She told me what inspires her parents to continue this tradition:

"Little children," Julie Rattaro said. "It started with me and then continued with all the neighborhood kids and adults enjoying the decorations."

Some of the decorations are personal, with grandkids names painted on the colorful train. Julie Rattaro's husband, Jeff, helped his father-in-law put up the lights and decorations--and to carry on the family tradition. 

The Hilands' home is in the 500 block of Candleberry Road. You can see the lights Thursday until 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m. The lights will be on through Christmas evening. 

The Hilands also have a donation drop box for the U.S Marine Corp Reserves Toys for Tots program. Bring new, unopened and unwrapped toys to donate to needy kids in the area. 

Drive slowly and check out some other homes in this incredibly festive neighborhood! 

You can also find the locations of other homes in Walnut Creek and surrounding towns featuring extraordinary Christmas light displays at the Lights of the Valley website.