By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
What began as a bold new idea from The Devil’s Knot Haunted Trail has officially transformed into one of South Bossier’s newest holiday traditions. This December, families experienced the inaugural season of The Christmas Knot, a magical Christmas hayride attraction created by Devil’s Knot owner Lisa Weaver.
After a decade of running one of the region’s most popular haunted trails, Weaver said she felt inspired to bring a different kind of experience to the same woods that had become known for screams and scares each October. This time, the focus was on light, joy, and the true spirit of Christmas.
“We realized how much happiness it brought families just to be together out here,” Weaver explained. “So we wanted to create something just as creative and memorable — but filled with warmth instead of fear.”
And that vision came to life.
The Christmas Knot hayride offered visitors a fully immersive holiday journey. Guests boarded a decorated trailer glowing with lights and soft Christmas music before entering a winding trail through the woods — transformed into a living storybook.
The first half of the experience transported riders back in time, following the biblical story of Mary and Joseph through rustic scenes illuminated with lights, narration, and live animals. The peaceful, old-fashioned atmosphere created a reverent reminder of the true meaning of the season.
From there, the trail transitioned into a Louisiana-style winter wonderland. Riders passed through the North Pole, Santa’s toy shop, and sparkling woodland displays before arriving at the grand finale — a visit with Santa himself.
In classic South Bossier fashion, Santa’s “reindeer” were playful Louisiana goats, which quickly became a guest favorite. Children were able to purchase food to feed the animals, take photos, and enjoy several themed photo-op stations throughout the attraction. Real snow machines added to the magic, letting children experience a rare Louisiana snowfall.
The Christmas Knot grounds also featured food vendors, activities, and even a mechanical bull, offering families a full evening of holiday entertainment. The attraction operated every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout December.
Admission was $20 for adults and $15 for children 10 and under, with all tickets sold at the gate.
Weaver confirmed that both The Christmas Knot and The Devil’s Knot Haunted Trail will continue in future seasons. She also teased additional attractions in development — including a Bigfoot paintball experience.
With its mix of faith, nostalgia, creative design, and down-home Louisiana charm, The Christmas Knot’s debut season quickly became a standout family event, offering a new way for the community to celebrate the holidays together.