Widmer World Reopens For First Season Without Founder

PLEASANTON, CA — The lights of Widmer World will go on, even without the man who first lit them. Pleasanton’s enchanted home holiday display opens Monday night for its first season without founder and namesake Bob Widmer, who passed away in September at age 81.

“It is hard not to have him here, but we know he is with us in our hearts and the hearts of our visitors. His hope was to bring a little joy to our community, and he definitely accomplished that. You can see it in the faces of all the kids and adults we see throughout the season,” said daughter Kristine Widmer.

Her father died just two months before this year’s debut, and the hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights will be devoted to his memory this year, she said.

This year’s display also features new animatronics, an updated veterans display, and a scavenger hunt called “The 12 Gnomes of Christmas.”

The Widmer family has been slowly building this magical fantasy world since 1980, when Robert Widmer sent away for a U-Build plan of Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the reindeer. That 42-year-old display can still be found in the backyard, surrounded by all the additions - the nativity scene, a candy shop, Santa’s workshop, a merry-go-round, a full mini-village full of so much more, and of course, Santa himself - that have blossomed since then. Widmer once estimated that 10,000 visitors attend each year.

Without him, the future is unclear, Kristine said. “There are 5 of us, his two daughters, son in law and 2 grandkids doing the work, and of course mom to supervise, and we are all getting older, so who knows what the future will bring?” she told Patch. “One day at a time.”

For now, the home at 3671 Chelsea Court in Pleasanton is open nightly from 6-9 p.m. until Dec. 31, including Christmas and Christmas Eve, weather permitting. Entrance is free, with a suggested donation.

SEE ALSO:

• Bob Widmer, Founder Of Holiday Lights Display Widmer World, Passes At 81
• Holiday Lights, Festivals And Celebrations Fill The Livermore Calendar