Shopping event kicks off Christmas season

Checking off your Christmas list just got more exciting! The 45th annual Les Boutiques de Noel, “A Classic Southern Christmas,” will be held Nov. 15-18 at the Bossier Civic Center.

Adrienne Frierson, Shreveport Opera Guild public relations chair, is especially looking forward to the event.

“Les Boutiques de Noel is the signature event that signals the start of holiday shopping season in the Ark-La-Tex, so it’s appropriate that this year’s theme portrays the tradition of the classic Christmas season in the South,” Frierson said. “The Bossier Civic Center space will be transformed and will feature plenty of fresh greenery and white and gold tones.”

“Every year, kicks off the holiday season in the most fun way – offering visitors a unique opportunity to shop the numerous local vendors in a beautiful setting,” Frierson said. “You’re guaranteed to discover the perfect gift for everyone on your list – and probably add a few items to your wish list as well!” Les Boutiques de Noel always keeps it fresh with new and exciting events every year. This year is no exception. Attendees can expect several new experiences. In addition to the merchant booths throughout the general hours, shoppers will enjoy Christmas carols and performances by the Bossier Parish Community College Theatre Department, the C.E. Byrd Drama Department, as well as a debut performance of scenes from the ballet, “The Nutcracker.”

Delish will be on site this year, offering a different menu daily of delicious cuisine and treats including salads, soups and sandwiches, along with specialty teas.

Attendees will also have a chance to enter to win a special gift basket that includes an autographed copy of Reese Witherspoon’s new cookbook, “Whiskey in a Teacup.”

Also, in addition to the regular shopping hours, those ticketed are invited to skip the crowds and be among the first to shop the Les Boutiques de Noel vendors during the exclusive private shopping hours on Thursday, Nov. 15, from 9-11 a.m. Tickets to this event can be purchased at shreveopera.tix.com or by calling 318-227-9503 Les Boutiques de Noel has always been about more than just shopping, good fun and good times. It’s also served as a crucial fundraiser for the Shreveport Opera, which benefits the local community in multiple ways.

All proceeds from Les Boutiques de Noel are dedicated directly to the Shreveport Opera.

“More than just the opportunity to shop numerous vendors, enjoy a delicious lunch, catch up with friends, and experience fabulous Christmas performances by some of our very talented local artists, by attending Les Boutiques de Noel, guests are supporting the Shreveport Opera, which is one of the oldest opera companies in the country,” Frierson said.

“Also, the Shreveport Opera Express (SOX), a touring group of the Shreveport Opera, would not be able to conduct nearly 100 educational performances each year for over 50,000 school children in Bossier, Caddo, DeSoto and Webster parishes if not for community support,” Frierson said. “Many of these schools in these parishes have little or no music programs, and the Shreveport Opera Express will be their rare taste of a live musical performance.”

“This year, Les Boutiques de Noel can truly be your one stop for all of your holiday shopping needs, as we will be offering onsite gift wrapping,” Frierson said. “Pick out the perfect holiday gift from a Les Boutiques de Noel vendor, drop it off at the Shreveport Opera Guild wrapping booth, and leave with one more item officially checked off of your holiday to-do list!” Just a few of the vendors attending include:

Addilinn Taylor Boutique, Baldwin Jewelers, Buddy’s Cajun Spice, Candy Galore & More, Celebrity Star Makeup/Skincare, Cowgirls To Lace, Discovery Toys, Ellis Home & Garden, Expressions Clothing Boutique, Favorite Sisters Boutique, Golden Daze, Holy Angels Angel Works, John Oliver Dowdle Interiors, Kathy Tobler Silver, King Hardware & Gifts, Lady Luck Creations, Lauren Ross Art, LuLa Roe, Simply Chic Boutique, Summerlin Florist & Gifts, The Brass Trunk, Under Wraps, Tribe Gypsy and more.

Christmas shopping just doesn’t get any simpler – or any more fun – than that. “There is no better way to kick off the holiday shopping season,” Frierson said.

Tickets to the general Les Boutiques de Noel event can be purchased at the door. More information can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2200758863470596/.

Tickets to the Exclusive Private Shopping Hours may be purchased in advance here: https://shreveopera.tix.com/Event.aspx?EventCode=1099002.

More information about this event can be found here: www.facebook.com/events/556184978136604/.

– Betsy Haddox