The 45th Annual Holiday Market Les Boutiques de Noel

Northwest Louisiana’s premier holiday shopping market, Les Boutiques de Noel, is set for Thursday, Nov. 21, through Saturday, Nov. 23, at a new location: the Shreveport Convention Center. Tickets for shopping and special events are on sale now at lesboutiquesdenoel.com or purchased at the door.

Les Boutiques de Noel is organized by the Shreveport- Bossier Opera Guild and held each year the week before Thanksgiving to kick off the holiday shopping season. “We plan to create a festive atmosphere where everyone can enjoy an early start on their Christmas shopping while supporting a great cause,” said Michele Hardtner, Guild president.

Vendors are coming from Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas and Tennessee and bringing an extensive selection and variety of merchandise. Highlights include ladies’ clothing, activewear and jewelry; children’s clothing and toys; goodies like candy, nuts, spices and liquor; fine silver; artisan leather; original artwork; housewares and holiday décor; books; and a long list of gift items. “We are so excited about the numerous new and unique merchants that are part of the show this year. We are also thrilled to welcome back our most popular merchants from years past,” said Alyson Perryman, merchant chair. Merchant spotlights are posted on the Les Boutiques de Noel Facebook page.

Admission tickets will be given away in a Facebook contest, and a designer handbag will be given to one lucky shopper in a free raffle.

Special entertainment is scheduled each day. The C.E. Byrd Choir will perform on Thursday, followed by a cooking demonstration by Caspiana Catering. Friday features a “Skinny Louisiana” cookbook demonstration and book signing. On Saturday, the Power & Grace School of Performing Arts and an ensemble from the Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” will perform, and there will be a children’s style show by Matilda Jane.

Tickets for three special events are available. A Thursday evening Patron Party will offer cocktails and hors d’oeuvres with entertainment by the Shreveport Opera Xpress (SOX) artists and a jazz trio. Friday Fun Night will feature Christmas Elvis and a signature cocktail at a happy hour-themed #notyourmothersopera. Kids will be treated on Saturday morning to Santa, a SciPort activity and a hot chocolate bar. “Our wide range of merchants and mix of special events will make for a fun-filled time with friends,” added Hardtner, “and can be a great excuse for an overnight trip for out-of-town shoppers, too.”

The Guild will “share the stage” with other non-profits which will have informational tables throughout the venue. “With thousands of shoppers coming through the doors, Les Boutiques de Noel is a perfect place to help increase the exposure of local nonprofit organizations,” said Piper Moritz, Guild membership chair. “Attendees will be able to see all of the good work happening in our community, and it may even spark an interest to get more involved or donate to an organization.”

Les Boutiques de Noel proceeds benefit the Shreveport Opera, currently in its 71st season. This year the Shreveport Opera will present “Man of La Mancha” on Nov. 9 and “The Marriage of Figaro” on April 18, 2020, at Riverview Theater.

Funds raised also support the SOX program, one of the few season-long resident artist programs in the country. Four singers and one pianist are selected at highly competitive auditions in New York City. They come to Shreveport, perform in the mainstage opera performances and tour the region to bring interactive, live musical programs to over 30,000 students annually. Past SOX artists have gone on to sing at major opera houses in Chicago, San Francisco, Santa Fe and New York.

The Guild is the single largest contributor to the Opera, having given almost $5 million over the years through Les Boutiques de Noel. The 2019 Steering Committee members are Michele Hardtner, Elizabeth Comegys, Elizabeth Deal, Adrienne Frierson, Karen Hardtner, Anne Jenkins, Maggie Malone, Piper Moritz, Alyson Perryman and Lara Yerger.

Regular shopping hours will be 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. One day of shopping is $10; a three-day pass is $20. Senior and military tickets are $5. There is no charge for children under 12. Parking is free in the garage, and valet parking is available. The convention center will have a variety of salads, wraps, sandwiches, soups and snacks available for purchase. General admission tickets are required to view daytime performances; special events tickets are sold separately.

Purchase tickets at lesboutiquesdenoel.com.