If you’ve spent any time in the Tri-Valley area during December, you’ve probably seen the glow from a mile away. It’s not a forest fire or a stadium light malfunction. It's just Deacon Dave’s house. Specifically, it’s Casa del Pomba, a residential lot in Livermore, California, that transforms into a massive, shimmering spectacle of over 800,000 lights every single year.
People call it a Christmas display, but that feels like calling the Grand Canyon a "big hole."
It’s an institution. For over 40 years, Deacon Dave Greene has been the architect of this madness. He’s a permanent deacon at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, but most of the year, he’s basically an engineer of holiday joy. He doesn't just throw some LEDs on a bush and call it a day. He creates a themed, walk-through experience that pulls in tens of thousands of visitors. Honestly, it’s a bit of a miracle the local power grid holds up as well as it does.
The Reality of Putting Together Deacon Dave's Christmas Display
Most people think this is a hobby. It isn’t. Not really. It’s a year-round operation that requires a massive volunteer crew known as the "elves." They start planning the theme and the layout months before the first string of lights even touches a tree. By the time October rolls around, the Casa del Pomba grounds are a hive of activity.
They use miles of wiring. Seriously. If you stretched it all out, you’d probably reach the next town over.
What makes the Casa del Pomba - Deacon Dave's Christmas Display different from your average neighborhood light show is the precision. There’s a specific "Opening Night" ceremony, usually on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, featuring a countdown and a formal "flipping of the switch." It’s a whole production.
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Why the Theme Matters Every Year
Every year has a different focus. One year it might be "The Year of the Shepherd," and the next it’s something entirely different. This isn't just about aesthetics; it's about storytelling. Deacon Dave treats the display like a pilgrimage. There’s a specific path you walk. You don't just wander aimlessly; you follow a narrative flow.
You’ll see the "Dove of Peace"—which is what Casa del Pomba actually means in Portuguese (House of the Dove). You'll see the pond, the bridges, and the intricate nativity scenes. But you'll also see some quirky, modern touches. It’s a weird, beautiful blend of deep religious devotion and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" energy.
The Logistics of Visiting Hillcrest Avenue
If you’re planning to go, don’t just wing it. You’ll regret it.
The display is located on Hillcrest Avenue in Livermore. During the peak of the season, the traffic is, frankly, a nightmare. The local police usually have to get involved to manage the flow of cars because the neighborhood just wasn't designed for 5,000 people to show up on a Tuesday night.
- Parking is a challenge. You’re going to walk. Wear comfortable shoes.
- The wait times vary. On a rainy weeknight, you might walk right in. On a clear Saturday before Christmas? Expect to stand in line for an hour or more just to get onto the property.
- It’s free. That’s the craziest part. Deacon Dave doesn't charge admission. There’s a donation box, usually for a specific charity or to help offset the massive PG&E bill, but nobody is checking tickets at the gate.
The weather in Livermore can get surprisingly biting in December. It’s a valley. The wind comes off the hills and cuts right through a light jacket. Bring a thermos of cocoa. You’ll thank me when you’re standing in line near the entrance.
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The Man Behind the Lights: Who is Deacon Dave?
Dave Greene is a bit of a local celebrity, but he’s remarkably humble about the whole thing. He started this back in 1982. Back then, it was just a few strings of lights. It grew organically—or maybe "exponentially" is the better word.
He’s a guy who loves his community. You can tell. You don't put in this much manual labor and financial investment for 40+ years unless you truly believe in the mission. He often mentions that the goal is to provide a place of peace and joy for families, regardless of their background.
There's a specific spirit at Casa del Pomba. It’s not just about the "wow" factor of the lights. It’s the sound of the synchronized music, the smell of the winter air, and the sheer scale of the devotion. It feels like a labor of love because it literally is.
Misconceptions About the Display
One thing people get wrong is thinking this is a professional commercial venture. It’s not. It’s a private residence. Deacon Dave actually lives there. Imagine having thousands of strangers walking through your front yard every night for a month. Most of us would lose our minds. He welcomes it.
Another common myth? That the city pays for the electricity. Nope. While the display is a huge draw for Livermore tourism, the costs largely fall on the Deacon and the donations from the public. It’s a grassroots effort in the truest sense.
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What to Look for When You’re There
Once you get past the initial shock of the sheer number of bulbs, look for the details.
- The Bridge: There’s a small bridge over a water feature that is always a highlight for photos.
- The Nativity: It’s usually the centerpiece of the religious aspect of the display, often featuring hand-painted figures.
- The "Dove": Keep an eye out for the Portuguese influence. The name Casa del Pomba honors his heritage, and the dove motif is everywhere.
- The Proposal Spot: Fun fact—so many people have proposed marriage at the display that it’s become a bit of a tradition. Keep your eyes peeled for someone dropping to one knee.
How to Actually Enjoy the Experience Without Stress
If you want the best experience at Deacon Dave's Christmas Display, go late on a weeknight. Most families with small kids clear out by 8:30 or 9:00 PM. The display usually stays lit until 10:00 PM (sometimes 11:00 PM on weekends).
Also, check the weather. If it’s pouring rain, they might close the walk-through for safety reasons. Electricity and standing water don't mix well, even with the best weatherproofing in the world. They have a website and a social media presence where they post updates on closures. Check it before you drive from San Jose or Oakland.
Don't be the person trying to take a professional-grade tripod setup into the middle of the walking path. It’s crowded. Use your phone, snap a few shots, and then put the screen away. The best part of Casa del Pomba isn't the photo you post on Instagram; it's the feeling of being surrounded by that much light in the middle of the dark California winter.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
To make the most of your trip to Livermore this holiday season, follow these steps:
- Check the Official Schedule: Dates change slightly every year based on how the weekends fall. Usually, it runs from early December through New Year's Day.
- Plan for Dinner Elsewhere: Livermore has a great downtown area with solid food. Eat before you get to Hillcrest Avenue, as there aren't concessions at the house itself.
- Bring Cash for Donations: While it's free, the donation box helps keep the lights on for next year. Even a few dollars makes a difference when you're powering nearly a million lights.
- Respect the Neighbors: This is a quiet residential street. Don't block driveways. Don't leave trash. The only reason this display is allowed to continue is that the community supports it, so don't be the person who ruins that relationship.
- Follow the "Elf" Instructions: The volunteers are there to keep things moving. If they tell you to move along or stay behind a certain line, just do it. They’ve seen it all and they know how to keep the crowd safe.
Visiting Casa del Pomba is a rite of passage for Northern Californians. It’s a reminder that sometimes, a single person’s vision—combined with a lot of help from friends—can create something that becomes part of the cultural fabric of an entire region. It’s bright, it’s loud, it’s crowded, and it’s absolutely worth the trip.