For more than 40 years, the Magical Holiday Parade has filled the streets of Toluca Lake with music, lights and seasonal spirit as it makes its way through the neighborhood on Christmas Eve. When financial and logistical obstacles led to its cancellation in 2022, the widespread outcry of disappointment inspired longtime resident, community leader and parade supporter Craig Strong to spearhead a group of volunteers to ensure the beloved tradition’s return in 2023. Despite last-minute challenges and tight deadlines, the organizing team pulled off a remarkable event and “couldn’t have been happier with the results,” Strong says. After that triumphant revival, they might have been tempted to rest on their laurels for a while — but instead, they immediately began looking ahead to the next parade.
“During the parade last year, you could see the smiles on everyone’s faces and people started handing me donations for 2024,” explains Strong, who will be chairing the event again with fellow community members Michael Wahl and Ron Miziker. “Then others reached out over the months saying how amazing the parade was. How could we not do this again and again?” The committee began meeting in March, and thanks to their ability to build on the successes and lessons learned from last year, Strong reports that the planning has been going extremely well. “We are getting a jump on recruiting volunteers, which was difficult organizing last year. There are always obstacles, arguments and tension at times, but we all know the main goal here: to put on an amazing show for our incredible community. It’s truly a great committee.”
While details are still in the works, Strong promises residents will see the same spectacular production level showcased in last year’s parade, plus a few additions and updates — including slightly changing up the route, which will be announced right after Thanksgiving so neighbors can be sure to plan their Christmas Eve dinner timing in order to catch the parade as it passes by. “I am extremely excited about seeing some of the new floats, plus having the Toluca Lake Trolley fully operational,” he adds. “It was touch-and-go last year, but we made a huge investment in restoring it for this year.”
Strong emphasizes that volunteers and donations are still needed to aid the dedicated efforts of the organizing committee. “There is so much work that goes into this parade,” he says, noting that there are many ways to assist, with positions available both pre- and post-Christmas Eve as well as on the 24th itself. If you cherish this one-of-a-kind neighborhood celebration and want to help make this year’s holiday parade the best yet, please visit magicalholidayparade.org to make a donation or sign up to volunteer.
After all, it’s the unique character of this close-knit neighborhood that makes the experience special and memorable year after year. “That’s why Toluca Lake is so magical,” Strong says. “It’s a magical community — hence the Magical Parade.”
