I visited this free holiday attraction on Friday, and even with the freezing winter temperatures, I enjoyed my time here. I arrived around opening time (6:00pm), and there was just a short line for entry. With so much to see and admire about this place, the walk thru was much longer than I expected, though that's partly cuz I didn't know you could pass people till I reached the mid-point. It's only one-way through the various pathways and illuminated tunnels that make up this experience, but if people stop and block foot traffic for long periods of time (for instance, families telling their toddler to look at every single doll and figurine in the windows and displays, or having them pose to take pictures like tourists), there's enough space to just pass them. Widmer World presents a range of themes and collections, including Disney (mickey mouse, toy story, disney princesses, etc), Minions, Snoopy, Santa, Abominable Snowman, geese, penguins, and stuffed animals galore. Cardboard cutouts with artwork, inflatables in various characters, moving props and decor, and animated xmas figures. Detailed miniature displays of various scenes including a charming village, a carnival with ferris wheels, roller coasters, and hot air balloons, and a festive model railroad with multiple trains moving along the tracks. It's so much more than a light show lined with impressive displays all around. It's a whimsical wonderland with lots of moving parts and interactive exhibits to delight guests of all ages. There's a scavenger hunt to find 12 gnomes, as well as a Mr. Potato Head coin toss game, and at the end of the walk thru, there's a guest book you can sign. In the front of the house, a giant chair is available for photo ops, along with more holiday lights and decorations. There are also signs directing visitors on where to find street parking (since you can't park in the court where this event is located). read more

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Amazing Christmas displays fill the space with lights and detail. Every area feels thoughtful and festive. A giant chair invites fun photos for kids and adults. The setting feels warm, joyful, and memorable. A great experience for the whole family. read more

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I found this place on Google and decided to come check it out. You definitely need to get out and park to really experience all of this. This isn't a drive-by location so make sure you park in the neighborhood or a short walk away and you can see amazing decor. What this is it's in the backyard of a person's home so you have to make sure you do the walk-through. It does get crowded especially in the evening, but the line does move pretty fast. Overall, this was such a cool experience. I've never seen anything like this. The collections are very cool the way that they set them out and design them is also very impressive. They're usually open from 6 to 9 PM and open from December 1 to December 31 weather permitting. So you have an entire month to go visit this place. read more

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Lovely visit to get into the holiday spirit! So many cute things to see and they have a scavenger hunt. Parking is street parking around the neighborhood. They have several spots for photo opportunities as well. read more

Widmer World - Local Flavor Near Me - Pleasanton, California

My wife had always heard of this place but this was the first time visiting. I never heard of this place but now I do! These two families go all out in their decorating and making a "Christmas World" for all to enjoy! It gets pretty crowded so it is recommended to park in the neighborhood away from the court and walk in. Otherwise you will be blocked in. LOL. They have many themed displays like train sets, Barbie, Disney, Santa, Peanuts, reindeer, etc. It's fun and neat to see all they've amassed and created, built. They even have a "fake snow" maker. You have to take your family, loved ones to experience this! read more

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What an absolutely fun, holiday experience. You start with the beautiful decorations in the front of the house, then you enter a holiday world filled with every type of collections, motorized trains sets, and a roller coaster built with Technics. So much compacted into an acre property. Everything you can imaging in a Christmas theme. The family was there to tell us all about how their collection blossomed and grew into what they have now. It was a real treat! They do close if it rains (due to all the electrical outlets and wires) but worth the drive out to Pleasanton. read more

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Widmer World is amazing! There is a sign to help direct you where to park (neighborhood street parking) nearby. This was our second year visiting and the family hosting this is always so friendly. This year, one of the older ladies even offer to help us take photos outside on the driveway. All of the Christmas decorations, displays, and lights are beautiful. It extends from the front yard through the backyard with many Christmas displays and different cartoon / Disney characters / themes throughout the yard. This is defintely a good stop every year. read more

There was a big line but we lined up anyway. The place was very beautiful, they have different kinds of Christmas characters collection, like Santa, Woodstock, Disney and they have this beautiful Christmas village. They even have this big Christmas lit palm tree and they have a machine that blew fake snowflakes. It was so beautiful, it was free and they just have this box that asked for donations. This place was just so amazing! There was plenty of street parking in the other streets, just have to walk a bit. read more

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Disclaimer: didn't go inside, only parked and walked around to take photos outside. Widmer world is a christmas themed light display which is fun to check out with friends or family! Getting there, parking was surprisingly easy as we were able to park about a block away with not too many issues. The outside was super impressive, and my group enjoyed taking photos out front! We thought about going inside, but to do so we would have to line up in a huge line which didn't seem to be moving very fast. I'm guessing it would take quite a while, so we didn't think it would be worth the wait. I would definitely reccomend any locals to check it out at least once though! read more

The Widmer family do a wonderful job helping spread holiday cheer and wonder with amazing displays and collections that are vast and magical. Just as a recommendation, make sure to bring bring plenty of coins to throw in some of the displays to make a donation... You can imagine the utility cost! read more

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This is the BEST Christmas lights display in Pleasanton! I come here with my family annually when the weather permits. You can find out if they're opened or closed by going to their facebook page. If it's raining that evening, they may close it. This is not your typical Christmas light display where you drive by and look. There's a line to see all the displays in their backyard. This family has opened their homes to share the magic of Christmas! There's quite a bit in the back and it's such a HIT with the kids with the roller coasters, fun displays, stuffies, trees, etc. I am always amazed with what they have built and created, it really is spreading the holiday cheer. It can get pretty crowded when you come here when they open around 6pm and even more crowded on the weekends. Parking is street parking. Although it is busy, we are able to get street parking nearby and walk. We prefer to come on the weekday after dinner as the crowd isn't as crazy as earlier. I highly recommend anyone to check this out! It's truly the best!! read more

We go to check Christmas lights every year at Widmer. Not only lights kids can treasure hunt and check out the amazing collection of toys, trains, Santa and lot more. You can donate using venmo to support this event every year. read more

Wonderful experience! Great to visit with friends and family! We went with our kids 2 and 6 they loved spending time there. read more

Amazing displays, cute and fun scavenger hunt, my toddler loved it, friendly atmosphere read more

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A local favorite for Christmas lights. A huge thank you to the homeowners for their generosity in creating this for everyone to enjoy! If you're looking for a magical and free way to celebrate the season, this light display is a must-see. Don't forget to check out their donation box or support their efforts in any way you can, they truly deserve it. read more

"Classic Christmas Display" This was our first time to this unbelievable home. We had to park a block or two away, and wait in line for about 20 minutes, but it was well worth the wait. The display starts from the side yard and winds around and comes out on the other side. You will not believe what they have in here! It's like a ride at Disneyland, except it's free. Naturally, they have lots of Santa Claus decorations, including Santa's Village. There are also little mini rides. No, you can't ride them but they're still fun to watch. Perhaps my favorite was the train display near the end of the tour. A few of the creators were on-site, and we had a chance to thank them for this waterfall creation. The neighbors on the right side are relatives. In fact, they actually started the whole creation, then passed it to their in-laws. If you're in the area, or even if you're not, come by and check out Widmer World in beautiful Pleasanton. read more

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If you don't like this place, you don't like Christmas. It's basically a house/backyard that has been turned into a Christmas wonderland. I was amazed as to how much is actually here for simply being a house. They did a fantastic job. Seriously. If you live in the Bay Area and love Christmas, then you owe it to yourself to visit this place. read more

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Brohhhhhh, you guyssss, this is a MUST visit when in Pleasanton during the holidays. Talk about sparking joy! It's a treasure trove of memories, I'm sure, for the family that decided to do this from the start. As you walk though, both sides of the pathway trigger will likely trigger childhood memories and definitely make present time memories with your own family. We were there for almost an hour just enjoying the lights and displays. There are donation boxes at the entrance and exit - do it. read more

End of the year, end of a decade, 2019 saw my 10,000th Yelp photo, and now my 100th review of the year with my 1,000th review.  My favorite part of the holidays have always been the decorations and the lights all around the Bay and often away with many old faves that I never get tired of seeing every year - https://aroundthebayandaway.blogspot.com/2019/12/christmas-by-bay.html.  Some have come and gone like the curtain of lights and Little Village that use to be the focal point at the Hyatt Embarcadero so it is always exciting to discover something new even though it has been around and have expanded over 30+ years.    Welcomed with lighted trees in sync with Christmas music, you are about to enter Widmer's World where their yards are turned into a lighted wonderland with displays ranging from Disney to Snoopy to Nutcrackers to the Dept 54 village and much much more.  Enjoying at a leisurely pace, you can easily spend 30 minutes there soaking it all in so is an even larger scale than Deacon Dave's which is already impressive in its own right.  Those coke cans you see in the displays are part of a fun scavenger hunt for you to find while the reindeer coin toss is a great way to get rid of those extra coins while helping offset their costs.  This year, it is planned to be open through January 5th weather permitting since it is outdoors even if certain displays itself are covered.  They start setting up the display in August and I suspect the last isn't put away until April so show them some love and make a donation after you enjoy it so they can continue this tradition for another 30+ years.   Having a perfect example of what I love about the holidays as my 1000th review just seems fitting. read more

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After our sugar induced coma from our cookie exchange, our bud mentioned there was a house just nearby that had a whole Christmas light display. So to help with our digestion before having more food (savory dinner of course), we decided on going to Widmer World. I didn't know what I was expecting. Maybe a bit of what I've seen on the Great Light Fight type shows and wow...it was pretty much on that scale and in Pleasanton for that matter. In short, a fun free Christmas activity but come early as the lines as it may take up to 45 minutes to get to the front of the line (we came on a Saturday night at 7:30pm and line was out the cul de sac and around the corner) and then getting through the display can take up to half an hour to an hour depending on how long you want to walk through and really experience what they've done. For the kids they have a mini scavenger hunt (which I participated in cause who doesn't like a scavenger hunt?). They also have areas to help donate to their spot as it is free. At the end you can watch a slide show of how they set up for the event yearly. It was nice to do something festive like this but if you don't want to wait in long lines, I would recommend seeing the display during the week instead of the weekend as it was quite packed or if you must do it on the weekend, go when it opens. read more

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Free entry and a wonderful Christmas decoration. Good place for visiting with family.

Interesting place. Various collections of Christmas decorations on display. The lights are impressive. Some are synced to the holiday music. Patiently wait in line and you can meander though the side and backyards of this home. Please keep in mind this is hosted at someone's residence on a cul de sac where people live. The neighbors might not like the traffic, noise, or getting their front gardens trampled. It's a free attraction, so don't complain about lack of amenities. Donation boxes conveniently located inside. There is no pressure to donate. Enjoy, be courteous, and bring your holiday cheer. Ho ho ho. read more

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Words cannot describe it all! Go see it! Well worth the trip. Mind boggling! Fun!! How do the set it up and take it down!!

I'll say this, this place is absolutely beautiful, and very well decorated/executed. This is a residence in a neighborhood, so come early to account for neighborhood parking. My toddler was absolutely mesmerized by the decorations and lights! So why the two star review? Well, glad ya didn't ask but are still reading, you curious goose you; it's currently Dec 2021, and there are masks required while on property - they have signs posted everywhere. This is a GOOD THING, yet there were full families...yes full on families, surrounding my own family and others with children, without masks on, and getting well inside comfort zones. Not a single volunteer nor host said anything to them. We must have walked passed 4 or 5 people who were working, and not a peep out of them regarding the maskless families. Look, I get that we're all outside, but the walkway is exceptionally tight, and everyone in close proximity of one another. There are kids, toddlers, and infants all around these thoughtless people. The folks here could've done much better to make an attempt to get masks on those families, but there was nothing but wanton disregard for public health & safety. read more

This is my favorite residential place to go to see Christmas lights! There are other local places similar to this, but I feel like you can spend the most time at Widmer World. I've been to various other locations where you have to find parking, walk a long way and wait in line for a very long time. When you finally do get to the front to see their Christmas lights and their creative decorations, it always seems extremely short. At Widmer World, you can spend a longer time there. They are open from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM during the holiday season from December 1 through December 31, weather permitting. If you go during the weekend or closer to Christmas, their lines can be extremely long and you may have to park pretty far, but they're worth it! If you go in the middle of the week, before the Winter holiday and just before 9pm, there is virtually no line and you can park near the front. This is a very good recommendation to take your date, significant other, spouse, your family and children too. You will definitely appreciate the hard work that they put into Widmer World, and it will also bring back a lot of nostalgic memories. read more

I found this place based on my search on Yelp for "Christmas lights" in the Livermore/Pleasanton area. With plans on Christmas Eve to visit Deacon Dave's in Livermore, I wanted to find another fun stop en route from Walnut Creek. How have I missed Widmer World in my 5 years or so of Christmas light exploration in the East Bay??? Widmer World is a must go! It's a bit off the 580 Freeway-Santa Rita exiti, but Google maps will get you there. Careful of all the pedestrians walking in this residential area and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy all their displays in the side and back yards. What gracious folks to share all their displays with the public! A lot of thought went in to each grouping so it was all set up themeactically-for example one area is dedicated to nutcrackers and another to teddy bears, etc. My favorites were the small village houses and scenes set up, along with the model trains. It was all quite lovely, slightly kitschy but wonderful for kids of all ages. Music accompanied the displays along with a screen that showed the evolution of the displays over the last 30 years. There are some pieces such as the Ferris wheel, made by the family. Very cool... They are open from 6-9, until 12/31, so you've got a whole week to still check it out! We got there close to 9 so had to hurry to see it all-I know, now, to get there earlier next time and spend more time at each little exhibit. The front yard display is amazing in and of itself, with synced lights and music, but your experience is not complete until you've toured the yard. Truly a great experience all around. Bring your kids, take your time and enjoy! read more

This was the bomb diggity; do people even say that anymore in 2018? Came here with a group of my buddies who suggested this spot after watching the Great Light Fight and we would up going here. Super cool and free walk through. Talk about making me feel like an underachiever. Props for all the games and moving kinex sculptures and just all the holiday village sets in general. Want Snoopy? They have it. Want Disney? They have that too. Want Toy Soliders or plain old Santa? Of course they have that. It was about a 45 minute wait and about another 30 minutes to walk through and see everything. Make sure to donate since it goes to charity as well as their mounting light bill I'm sure. read more

I was looking for new places to visit to see Christmas light displays and upon my search this was the first place that showed up. I was sold when I saw that they were featured on the Great Christmas Light Fight in 2015 and once I saw the pictures of this wonderful place I knew I had to check it out immediately. I knew it was a private home and wasn't really sure how elaborate it was going to be that is until I showed up and the line was down the street and all I could see were all these amazing flashing light displays in the front of the house. I was blown away by how intricate it was and it was as if I was visiting an amusement park during the holiday season. Many of the lights were flashing and changing colors. I loved when we first walked in there were all these snowy white Christmas trees and from there it got better and better. The Santa display with all different santas, the peanuts characters display, Mickey and friends display and so on. There was even a scavenger hunt that you could do, there was a list of items for you to find. I did not participate in this because I was too busy taking pictures to try to find those items lol. I loved the Christmas house village, it was huge and there were just so many of those mini houses. He also had a miniature carnival area that I thought was really cute. I also loved the miniature train set he had out back among other things, there was so much going on and so much to see. It's hard because you really don't want to miss out on anything. Lights everywhere, cute displays everywhere, and it's probably the best and most amazing Christmas light display that I've seen at/in a residence and I'm so glad that I was able to make it here. If you plan on checking this place out I suggest to get here right when they open because the line will be very long and the wait will be very long plus the entire walk through takes time. Dress warm because at night it gets extremely cold and it's all outdoors, you don't actually go inside the home. Parking is quite difficult as you will have to find parking spots in the residential neighborhood. Donations are accepted here as well and before you get to the actual house there were people a few houses down that were selling hot chocolate so that will help warm you up and the proceeds for that goes to a charity. Please visit this amazing place you will love it. I hope to make this a tradition from now on. read more

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Wow, what a production! I almost couldn't believe my eyes when I rolled up to Widmer World. The lights out front are my favorite, especially since they move to the music. The displays in back, though, are no slouch. Lots of Christmas trees, old toys, and a spectacular palm tree aglow with lights. The mini Christmas village was pretty stinking impressive, too. All in all, this is a can't miss attraction, especially since it's free. That said, donations are welcome... and well deserved. read more

Widmer World - Local Flavor Near Me - Pleasanton, California

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This is the work of art light display and in itself a very big non profit project of Christmas lights display. I wonder if they are setting up this time too. Anyone knows? read more

This is the best place to take everybody during Christmas season! I love how festive it is and no matter how old you are, everyone gets to enjoy it! We come year almost every year for the past 6years. Every time we have family and visitors from out of town we would bring them here. I like how every year the themes changes and of coarse some of the crowds favorites stays. Mine particularly I enjoy the snow village. I just love how the little villages comes to life with all the lights, decors and of coarse the Christmas spirit that you feel throughout the whole experience. The only down part I don't like here is it could get jam packed, parking could be difficult at times. Just bring extra patience and make sure you and kids are all bundle up because it could get very cold while standing in line. Kudos to the Widmer family and to all the people involved and make this event fun and open for everybody. read more

Widmer World - Local Flavor Near Me - Pleasanton, California

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I'm still in awe that the owners of this house + neighbors make this happen every year! You can see and feel the crazy amount of detailed work that goes into setting up this display! I'm grateful my family and our visitors got to check Widmer World this year on Christmas Eve, no less. I appreciate the unique and magical experience, and even though we waited to get it, it is well worth it. You will spend at least 30 minutes peeking in at every display. There really are enough themes for everyone - Disney, Santa, Teddy bears, Christmas Village, etc. I so wish I had grown up in a family as festive as this one - but since I didn't, we'll be back! read more

To say lights galore is an understatement. This is our first time coming here since we always go to Decon Dave's in Livermore. I highly recommend brining your family here. More lights, more show cases of different display tables and they had a scavenger hunt for the kids which made it that more exciting for them to actually take the time to look. They have a guest book at the end of the walk through where you can sign your name and make any comments. Widmer is definitely a must see. read more

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I've lived in the same neighborhood as this house for more than 20 years but have never realized this existed until after I've moved away. I can only say, what a shame! I wish I had known earlier so that I could visit every year. They were even featured on ABC's Great Christmas Light Fight! Widmer World is the very embodiment of the holiday spirit with their generosity and gigantic collection of everything related to Christmas crammed into one big backyard. With thousands of lights set to music, lego structures, trains, dolls and stuffed animals, mini carousels, and various winter wonderland displays, it's definitely worth your time to come and support this neighborhood attraction. Even better, it's all free, including your picture with Santa Claus! There's also a scavenger hunt to keep the younger children entertained. Great family fun! Lines can be extremely long on the weekends but parking can be found close by on adjacent streets. Just avoid going into Chelsea Ct! No restrooms. You can check their website for more information on what times Santa Claus is there. Donations are welcomed so they can keep the lights on and keep it going next year! read more

I love this place it is way better than Deacon Dave's because it's more interactive, and my wife, and my family loved it. We will definitely bring our future kids to see it when they get older, because it's fun for all ages. read more

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This is an unbelievable, kitschy, one-of -a-kind experience. When I was a young woman there was a burger joint in Berkeley named Wink's...it had this great glass case full of odd things. Think of that on steroids and you might get some idea of what this is like. The DGD's were just thrilled as they ran from display to display. These folks give up their whole yard during the holidays. A must see!! read more

Love Widmerworld! This is our third visit to Widmerworld but our first time going when Santa was there! I have to say, they did Santa on the weekdays and it was smart! The lines weren't long at all and the experience was wonderful. I gave up on pictures with Santa at the mall years ago because they are way over priced for the picture and really lacking in offering a nice experience. God Bless Widmerworld for offering complimentary pictures which get printed right after you take it, quality is amazing and the experience was too! Santa was so sweet, took his time with each child and really listened to what my boys wanted for Christmas. It made me believe again!!! They only ask for donations, so go and give if you can. :) Also note, bring coins on all visits to Widmerworld so your kids can play the coin games on a few of the displays inside! Enjoy!! read more

Widmer World - Local Flavor Near Me - Pleasanton, California

Awesome holiday light place to bring the little ones. Best of all, its free. For those that dont know, this is a private residence that has an elaborate Christmas display. And its not only lights, but dolls, working mini carousels, minitaure lego like coasters, and music. A tip, when you know its busy, dont drive into Chelsea Ct, there are too many kids running around. Park on adjacent streets. Also, dont expect any restrooms here. There are none. Take pics and enjoy! read more

Went with my two year old, who wasn't in the picture last time I came! She LOVED it. It's impossible to keep a two-year-old from running around, trying to grab everything, but we did our best and she was mostly well behaved. She loved seeing characters she knew, like Mickey and Olaf, and the trains and lights were enthralling. We came right when it opened so it wasn't so crowded and she wasn't underfoot. The front yard display is much more robust and beautiful than in the past. It's a lovely gift to the community and we will be coming every year. read more

Widmer World - Enchanted! - Local Flavor Near Me - Pleasanton, California

Absolutely charming home at the end of an unassuming cul de sac. Hosted by a very warm and friendly family completely for free. Everyone should have this little piece of Christmas magic on their holiday must do list. On certain nights Santa makes a special appearance for free photos. Not only can you take your own photos, but they will give you a printed photo for free. Mrs Clause was also on hand to greet all the kids and get them ready to meet the big guy. In a world where every amusement park and mall wants to charge me $40 for a picture of my own kid I thought that was an amazing gesture. After photos enter the Christmas wonderland with dozens of beautiful elaborate displays that rival some of the best professional displays I have seen. Add to all of that fun activities for the kids like a scavenger hunt and you have a recipe for a great evening. We made a night out of it with a ride in the Niles Canyon train, dinner at Simply Greek and then Widmer World. It was great fun. For WIdmer allow 15-20 for a quick look and up to 2 hours to really take it all in. I hope everyone leaves generous donations to this selfless family to help them continue to pay for the real costs of so much Christmas cheer. read more