The Sundar Shadi Holiday Display, a cherished El Cerrito treasure, showcases over 500 pieces hand-crafted and collected by the late Sundar Shadi, a long-time resident.
It all began in 1949 when Mr. Shadi placed a large star in the yard next to his home on Arlington Boulevard during the holiday season. He then began creating a holiday scene that could represent the viewpoints of many religions. Mr. Shadi made people and animals out of plaster over wood frames covered in chicken wire.
Over the years, Mr. Shadi amassed a collection that included: three “wise men” seated on large camels, a “Town of Bethlehem” with numerous dwellings, spires and minarets, a group of men who are displayed seated around a campfire, as well as a shepherd and his flock of more than 60 sheep. When the collection is displayed, a large lighted star hangs over the town and an angel watches over the whole scene.
From 1950 through the late 1990s, the Sundar Shadi Holiday Display stood next to Mr. Shadi’s house at 944 Arlington. After he died in 2002, the El Cerrito Soroptimists purchased the collection in order to preserve it for the community.
A group of dedicated volunteers now cares for the collection. They meet throughout the year to repair broken figures, paint sheep, replace donkey tails and manes, and plan the annual display in December.
The Shadi Holiday Display is now set up each December in the open space on Moeser Lane (at Seaview). Lights are on and music plays nightly from 5 to 9 pm. Volunteer “shepherds” (or docents) are also available to greet visitors and answer questions.