The Sundar Shadi Holiday Display

sundar shadi holiday display three wise man with el cerrito and the san francisco bay in the background

sundar shadi holiday display three wise men going up the hill

sundar shadi holiday display three angel figurine

Bethlehem

At Sunset

Wise Man

At Night

Sheep

Wise Men

Angel

See the Display  
Dec. 13-26, 2025

We are celebrating our 76^th anniversary! Sundar Shadi first placed a star on the hillside next to his home on the Arlington in 1949. We are honored to bring a fully-restored display back for the community to enjoy!

The Shadi Holiday Display will be open to visitors December 13th through the 26th, 2025. There will be lights and music nightly from 5 to 9 pm; 10 pm on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Opening Ceremony

Please join us on Saturday, December 13th at 5 pm for a special opening ceremony to celebrate the 76th anniversary.

Volunteer

Volunteers needed! Please join us to set up the display (December 13th at 9 am) and take it down (December 27th at 9 am)— we can’t do it without you!

The Sundar Shadi Holiday Display would not be possible without community volunteers. There are figures to be repaired, a wide variety of talent is needed. Can you wield a paintbrush, sew fabric? One hour here or a half day there. Good company and usually good weather.

Join Us

group of volunteers smiling and standing in front of the sundar shadi holiday display

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Location

7501 Moeser Lane in El Cerrito (near Seaview) El Cerrito, CA

This map puts you in the vicinity of the hillside area where the display is normally set up in December. Street parking is available. Please drive and park carefully around other visitors.

close up of a camel figure ar the sundar shadi holiday display

Every little bit counts!

Generous donors help the display return year after year.

Donate

In the News

The Richmond Standard

Community to celebrate 75th anniversary of Shadi Holiday Display

East Bay Times

Repairing shepherd skulls and broken camel necks: How a Bay Area community restored one of the area’s most unique Christmas traditions

510 Families

Dec. 14 – 27: Life-Sized Nativity Scene in El Cerrito: Shadi Holiday Display

Mercury News

Opinion: East Bay holiday display bridges cultures, generations

KQED

The Immigrant Who Started El Cerrito’s Favorite Christmas Tradition

Cal Alumni Association

Huge Hand-Crafted Holiday Display Outlives Its El Cerrito Creator—a Sikh Immigrant

East Bay Times

Volunteers carry on vision of El Cerrito holiday display founder

Ladonna D.

I stopped by last Christmas when I was in town… took my kids (who are in their late 20’s), always amazing, every time! One of my best childhood memories. My parents lived off Moeser and Ashbury, it was just a short walk up the hill. The Christmas display and lights and night….just beautiful!

LaDonna D.

Suzy T.

A highlight of my day as I traveled to high school in Berkeley, down the Arlington, from my house at the top of Cutting. Took my kids there to see the amazing Christmas display when it was still in his yard. Wonderful memories!

Suzy T.

Gary M.

We lived in El Cerrito on Pomona from ‘78-88 & never missed a chance to visit & bring friends who had no idea what a treat they were in for. Used to see Mr. Shadi making repairs & adjustments … my wife’s favorite part was “A farm scene with snow.”

Gary M.

Margaret Y.

I lived about a block away from Sundar Shadi’s home back in 1969. My husband and I fell in love with his wonderful Christmas display … So glad the foundation is still putting up the Christmas Display! It’s just wonderful! I helped set it up about ten years ago with a dedicated group of volunteers, and it was fun working together to bring some Christmas joy to the East Bay!