The holiday season is getting underway across Northwest Louisiana, and Visit Shreveport-Bossier is inviting residents and visitors to celebrate with a full lineup of Christmas events, family activities and seasonal traditions through its annual Holidays on the Red campaign.
Visit Shreveport-Bossier President and CEO Stacy Brown announced the campaign Monday during a news conference, highlighting events planned throughout Caddo and Bossier parishes during November and December.
“The holidays are a special time for families to come together, make memories and enjoy traditions,” Brown said. “There is something for everyone across Shreveport-Bossier, whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, a night out or a new holiday experience.”
Brown said the events also help bring visitors to the area from Louisiana, East Texas, South Arkansas and beyond, providing an opportunity to showcase the region during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.
One of the season’s largest celebrations will be Rockets Over the Red, scheduled for Dec. 19 along the Shreveport riverfront. The annual event will feature a full day of entertainment and activities leading up to an evening of holiday lights, a drone show and fireworks.
Terry Matthews of Downtown Shreveport Unlimited said last year’s event was moved from its traditional Thanksgiving weekend date because of weather. The later December date proved successful, particularly because more children were out of school and able to attend.
“We found that having the event later in December worked well for families,” Matthews said.
Rockets Over the Red will run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and include a holiday market, food trucks, local artists and vendors, visits with Santa, face painting, children’s activities, dance groups and live entertainment from The Stilettos.
The lighting of the Bakowski Bridge is scheduled for 6 p.m., followed by a drone show at approximately 7:15 p.m. This year’s drone show will include added pyrotechnics, with a fireworks display immediately afterward. Fireworks will be launched from the Texas Street Bridge, which will be closed during the event.
Downtown Shreveport Unlimited produces Rockets Over the Red with support from the cities of Shreveport and Bossier City, Caddo and Bossier parish governments, Visit Shreveport-Bossier and local business partners.
Other holiday celebrations across the area include the Louisiana Boardwalk Christmas Parade on Nov. 21, Christmas in Roseland beginning Nov. 27, the Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival on Dec. 5, and the Bossier Holiday Night Market on Dec. 12.
Additional activities include BELIEVE! Lights the Night at the Shreveport Aquarium, the Rally on the Red Mardi Gras Preview Parade on Dec. 21 and the 50th anniversary of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl on Dec. 22. Sno-Port at Sci-Port is also planned, with dates to be announced.
Visit Shreveport-Bossier’s Making Spirits Bright campaign will continue throughout November and December, highlighting local businesses through photos, videos, blog features and information about seasonal shopping and holiday offerings.
Residents and visitors can find event details and an updated calendar through the Shreveport-Bossier Fun Guide, which is updated daily at Visit Shreveport-Bossier’s website.