Shreveport - Bossier, Louisiana's Other Side

A photo does no justice to the holiday lazer show at the Barnwell Center Conservatory, which ends after Thursday night's performance.

The Barnwell Memorial Garden & Art Center in downtown Shreveport (located at 601 Clyde Fant Parkway) will wrap up their annual holiday lazer light show following Thursday night's performances.  The show will begin at 6:00 p.m. and run every 20 minutes until 8:00 p.m.  Admission is only a requested $1 donation per person.  Don't let the above photo fool you, this event is an incredibly fun, bizarre evening's entertainment for all ages.  It's not so much the lazers, though they are much more ornate and fun than the photo above would indicate.  It's the context of the thing; a lazer light show inside an arboretum isn't something you're going to get a chance to see every day.  The music (which is a mix of holiday favorites and popular hits) is pounding, and you're surrounded by an audience, and the audience itself is surrounded by what amounts to a small, indoor jungle - and then the lazers start dancing all around the room.  The whole thing is a unique, fun experience.  The Barnwell also has lots of art on display and a cool gift shop to explore once you've had your brain-melting encounter with the lazers.  If you haven't visited the Barnwell Center lately (or if you've never been), this is a great reason to get acquainted with all it has to offer.    

Lagniappe
The Barnwell Center page on facebook

Holiday fun in Shreveport-Bossier starts at 6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 18 at the coolest place – the Louisiana Boardwalk. Thousands of visitors and residents gather for the ceremonial switching on of the lights on the tallest outdoor Christmas tree in Shreveport-Bossier standing at 30 feet tall. 

The kids will be so excited because there are special appearances by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. Entertainment will be provided by the Fairfield Cheerleaders and the Caddo Middle Magnet Starline Danceline.

Guests at this year’s event will be treated to the Boardwalk Snow Blizzard set to begin at 7 p.m. even if the Mother nature doesn’t agree.

Cory Ryan with Cumulus Broadcast will emcee the Official Tree Lighting Ceremony, which will be located at the fountain entrance of the parking garage. Bossier City Mayor Lorenz Walker will be on hand for the event.

“The holidays in Shreveport-Bossier are meant to be enjoyed with family,” said Stacy Brown, president of the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau. “That’s why you find something to see and do almost every night from the official lighting ceremony until the end of the year.”

The riverfront areas on both sides of the Red River will offer fun with shopping and programmed activities on the Boardwalk to new events like the laser show at Barnwell Garden and Art Center and toy making workshops at Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center.

Last year, the Barnwell introduced the community and visitors to a laser light show. Well, organizers of last year’s event have brought it back bigger than ever. There will be a fast-paced laser show every 20 minutes in the conservatory and constant kid activities outside on the patio. Local artists will be showcasing and selling their works for those looking for a one-of-a-kind gift.

In north Caddo Parish, Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival promises a grand fireworks display, starting at 3 p.m., Dec. 4 in Earl Williamson Park in Oil City. This is the area’s only fireworks extravaganza.

Shreveport-Bossier has so much happening. Other great events include: Benton on the Square Festival, Dec. 11; Highland Home Tours, Dec. 11-12; and Christmas in Roseland, Nov. 26-28; Dec. 3-5; Dec. 10-12; Dec. 17-19.

For more holiday related events in Shreveport-Bossier visit www.holidaytrailoflights.com.