O little town of Bethlehem: Volunteers keep Shadi holiday attraction alive in El Cerrito

THE SUNDAR SHADI HOLIDAY DISPLAY is a cherished El Cerrito tradition that has been maintained for 76 years now. 

Midway up a bushy, grassy hill, lined on one side with eucalyptus trees and the opposite with Moeser Lane, the Sundar Shadi Holiday Display depicts the city of Bethlehem on the night of Jesus’ birth. The handcrafted scene includes figures such as the “Three Wise Men” atop camels, an angel, a shepherd with a flock of more than 60 sheep, a collection of lights symbolizing stars in the night sky, and a large blue star lit overhead.