‘Tis the season to be jolly, and there are plenty of things in Bossier Parish to get you in the holiday spirit. 

Here are 5 festive things to do in Bossier this holiday season:

1. Drive around to see the Christmas lights in Bossier Parish neighborhoods

Bossier Parish has several neighborhoods with extravagant Christmas lights! 

One popular neighborhood is Green Acres Place, located in North Bossier. Stop by Coffee on the Red for a seasonal sip right outside the neighborhood and take a drive to see the twinkling lights! 

Towering over the strip with bright lights while Christmas music fills the air, the Christmas tree at the Louisiana Boardwalk is a sight to see. While you’re there, take advantage of some of the outlet sales and enjoy the scenic stroll of lights down to Bass Pro Shop to take a picture with Santa!

South Bossier has several neighborhood options where you can see beautiful lights, like Gardens of South Gate and Bellaire. 

2. Attend the Holiday Night Market 

Bossier Holiday Night Market

December 13 from 3-9 p.m.  

The Bossier Night Market is returning to the Pierre Bossier Mall with a holiday spin, and this year is going to be huge! They are expecting 230 vendors to be selling their goods with their own holiday specials. There will also be 16 food trucks and around 20 food tents. This is a great place to support several local businesses while checking off those last-minute Christmas gifts you need to buy. 

“The benefit is you’re shopping with the businesses that live here, the people that live here, so you’re literally purchasing from that individual,” Chris Graham, owner of Bossier Night Market and Man Made Soaps, explained. “You know they handmade or upcycled or cooked or created and that money goes right into their pocket. It helps feed their family, it may support their Christmas, or pay their bills. It’s kind of a big cycle that helps keep our tax dollars lower at home. 

Parking and admission is free so bring the whole family! There will also be activities for the kids, live entertainment, and dozens of Christmas lights. There will even be unicorn rides, talk about some holiday magic! 

3. Meet Santa at Birdwell’s 

Birdwell’s has several classes and pop-ups throughout the year and the holiday season. It’s a great way to support multiple local artists and businesses, and even leave with a new skill or appreciation, and definitely a lot of memories!

“We enjoy hosting at Birdwell’s to share the store and offer hospitality around events that bring the community together,” Angela Pfanner, owner of Birdwell’s said. “Whether it’s a girls’ night out, highlighting local artists, or inviting Santa to join us, we hope to offer something for everyone!”  

December 20 is their Holiday Pop Up Shop, where VinceCakes will be selling delicious, festive cookies, and you can shop Birdwell’s great inventory for any gifts you might need. Santa will be there from 2-4 p.m. for free pictures and a listening ear to hear what you want for Christmas. You can also stop by the letter-writing station, where you can hand over the wish list right to the man himself!

Here are a few more Birdwells events: 

Coming up on December 14, there is a cookie decorating class with VinceCakes. You don’t need to be a professional or even have previous cookie decorating experience. Just come and be creative. It will definitely be sweet! This experience will be $81.82/person, and you can reserve your spot here. 

On December 18, you can pop the bubbly and learn how to make floral arrangements with Maddie of Two Blooms Designs. This is a great way to make some festive florals for your family and friends. This class is $98.93/person, and you can reserve your spot here. 

4. Go to Jingle Fest at the Louisiana Boardwalk

Jingle Fest at the Louisiana Boardwalk 

December 29 from 5-8 p.m. 

Jingle Fest at the Louisiana Boardwalk was postponed due to weather so the family fun can continue until the end of December. This event provides a great viewing spot for the Rockets Over the Red fireworks and drone show happening at 7:15 p.m. There will be bounce houses, free face painting and balloon art, a live DJ, plenty of food options for purchase, and even a truck of holiday-themed cocktails from Chasing Aces. 

“Hosting events like Jingle Fest is an essential part of our vision for the Louisiana Boardwalk,” Sherena Snyder, Marketing Director for the Louisiana Boardwalk, said. “As we continue rebuilding and transforming the Boardwalk, it’s important for us to create experiences that bring the community together.”

While you’re there, stop by the outlet shops to get discounts and deals for everyone while you enjoy one of the best viewing locations in the area. 

 5. Give back this holiday season

This is the time of year when it is truly better to give than receive, and nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like giving. During the season of giving, consider donating to a local nonprofit. You can even consider attending a few local events to get you in the holiday spirit while doing good for others.

Asbury United Methodist is hosting a free community-wide Christmas concert, Rejoice, at 6 pm, December 14, where you can enjoy Christmas music by several local churches and choirs. Here you’ll have the opportunity to donate to Catholic Charities. 

Whether it’s touring Christmas lights around town or taking advantage of holiday pop-ups, there’s plenty to do in Bossier Parish this holiday season!