Cerritos reimagines Santa's Sleigh Day and Festival of Friendship at CCPA

During the City Council meeting on June 26, 2025, in Cerritos, California, officials addressed community concerns regarding the reimagining of popular local events and the strategic direction of the city. The discussions highlighted the city’s commitment to economic development and modernization through its strategic plan, which is guided by eight key goals.

One of the most significant topics was the transformation of the traditional Santa's holiday event. City officials clarified that rather than cutting the event, they are combining the Santa's holiday island and the Santa float into a single, larger celebration called Santa's Sleigh Day. This revamped event will take place at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) and aims to attract visitors to the city, encouraging them to dine, shop, and potentially purchase tickets for performances at the venue. The city emphasized that this change is part of a broader strategy to enhance economic development and utilize city resources more effectively.

Similarly, the Festival of Friendship is also undergoing a transformation. The event will be relocated from the Los Cerritos Center to the CCPA and will now include a celebration of the Lunar New Year. City officials reassured residents that the festival will maintain its traditional performances while expanding its offerings, further aligning with the city’s goal of strengthening economic development.

Additionally, the council announced the upcoming Ube Fest, which celebrates the popular purple yam from the Philippines. This event is expected to draw diverse crowds and position Cerritos as a destination for culinary experiences. The city noted that Ube Fest has a successful track record and will feature a variety of foods and merchandise, appealing to a broad audience beyond just Filipino cuisine.

In conclusion, the City Council's discussions reflect a proactive approach to community events, focusing on revitalization and economic growth. By reimagining these events, Cerritos aims to enhance its cultural offerings while addressing community concerns about budget cuts. The city is committed to creating memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike, with plans for these events to unfold in the coming months.