Overview

The City of Cerritos is ushering in the holiday season with a variety of festive activities designed for families and community members. The events kick off with Santa’s Sleigh Day, followed by opportunities for holiday donations and a fun naming contest for a public artwork.

Key details

  • Santa’s Sleigh Day will take place on Saturday, December 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.
  • Santa is scheduled to arrive at 11:15 a.m. to greet families and take photos.
  • Activities during Sleigh Day include crafts, storytimes, carolers, live holiday music, festive games, and complimentary snacks and hot cocoa.
  • The City is running two holiday donation programs until December 12 to support local families in need.
  • Residents can donate new, unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots program at designated bins throughout the city.
  • Donation bins are located at Cerritos City Hall, Cerritos Library, the Cerritos Senior Center at Pat Nixon Park, Liberty Park, Cerritos Park East, and the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station.
  • The Salvation Army Angel Giving Tree program allows donors to pick up tags at the Cerritos Senior Center, which list a child’s age, clothing size, and gift wish.
  • Donors are asked to return the gifts and tags to the Senior Center by December 12.
  • The City has launched a Name the Cow Contest related to the upcoming public artwork, Milking Time – A Tribute to Dairy Valley.
  • Nearly 300 name submissions were received, and ten finalists have been selected for voting.
  • Voting for the cow's name can be done at cerritos.gov/cow until January 16, 2026.
  • The winning name will be announced at a City Council meeting, and the winner will receive City keepsakes.

Context

This series of events marks the beginning of the holiday season in Cerritos, aiming to foster community spirit and support for those in need, while also celebrating the city's agricultural heritage.

What happens next

Residents are encouraged to participate in the holiday donation programs and vote for their favorite cow name, with the results of the contest to be revealed at a future City Council meeting.

What we don't know yet

Specific details about the number of expected attendees for Sleigh Day and the exact location of the public artwork are not confirmed.