Toluca Lake residents eagerly made their way to Riverside Drive on December 4 to celebrate one of the community’s favorite annual traditions — the Holiday Open House. Local businesses opened their doors or set up booths on the sidewalks with special offerings, including discounts on popular items, giveaways and fun games. While sipping hot beverages and enjoying delicious treats, attendees also listened to live music by local performers, posed for photos with Bumble from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and enjoyed camaraderie with neighbors.
Among those spreading holiday cheer were Michelle and Nicole Artinian of the Artinian Realty Group of Corcoran Global Living, who passed out hot chocolate kits and candy outside Rose & Sage. It was the first time the sisters had been in town for the Holiday Open House, but it was an experience neither will soon forget. “We loved how family-oriented the event was, and with so much going on in the world with COVID, it was great spending time with the community and building relationships,” Michelle says. “It was also special to be able to give out hot chocolate kits so that people could enjoy a sweet treat during the holidays.”
The memorable evening was capped off by a tree-lighting ceremony, as well as candlelight carols and a champagne toast by honorary mayor Fritz Coleman.
Chamber of Commerce President Shannon Hartman was one of several local dignitaries who took part in the festivities, sharing that her favorite part was “hearing all of the sounds and feeling all of the energy of people enjoying themselves up and down Riverside Drive,” she says.
Another highlight for Hartman was seeing the community come together to support one another during these challenging times. “Whether it was the various choirs, bagpipers, Trader Joe’s contests or individual businesses hosting their own entertainment, the event was a wonderful holiday kickoff for our business and residential community,” she adds. “Having the event in the daytime helped bring out more families as well as shoppers. Our goal was to provide an event where we could support our businesses and community in a warm, safe environment. We are extremely happy with the success of this day!”