It wouldn’t be December in Toluca Lake without the Holiday Open House, which kicks off the season each year by bringing together residents, local businesses and visitors for an evening of celebration, shopping and entertainment along Riverside Drive hosted by the Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce. Held on December 5, the 2025 event once again dazzled attendees with an array of family-friendly activities and special treats from local shops, restaurants and service providers.
“The Holiday Open House really captures the spirit of this neighborhood,” Chamber president Taylor Montana says. “For one night each year, Riverside Drive fills with lights, music and people walking from business to business, and it turns into this really warm, festive community gathering. You see families, longtime residents and new neighbors all out together, which is always the best part.”
The evening began with a ceremony hosted by honorary mayor Fritz Coleman and featuring local luminaries and musical performances, culminating in the lighting of a stunning 20-foot tree, which Montana highlights as his favorite moment of the event. “Seeing everyone gathered together for that moment, with the lights coming on and the crowd cheering, was pretty special. It’s a simple tradition, but it’s one that really brings the whole community together.”
The tree was located in the Vendor Village and Kids Zone, which featured local vendors and artisans, children’s arts and crafts, photo opportunities with Santa Claus and a vintage car show by the Road Kings — who closed out the night with a festive parade down Riverside. In between, attendees enjoyed hours of strolling, socializing, shopping and dining throughout Toluca Lake’s historic Village and into Burbank. “Over the past few years, we’ve worked to grow the event while still keeping the small-town feel that people love about it,” Montana notes.
With his two-year tenure as president complete, he reflects: “Getting to help grow both our business community and events like the Holiday Open House has been incredibly meaningful, and it’s something I’m really proud to have been part of. This event has become such a cherished tradition for Toluca Lake, and it’s amazing to see how the community shows up for it every year.”
