From the moment you step under the neon-bright Vegas sign, you are beguiled by three floors of enchantment. You find delectable food and captivating music at every turn of this magical evening, and you wonder how you’ll ever take it all in. 

Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC) has rolled out the red carpet of events with their 20th biennial Christmas in the Sky fundraiser.  This year’s theme is “It’s Vegas, Baby!” and it’s a sure bet you’re going to be dazzled. 

“People make suggestions throughout the year,” says Sky Director Pam Atchison of the theme, “but, ultimately, it must be grand enough to support 17 sections that magnify the overall theme. To this end, our visionary is Sandi Kallenberg, Shreveport Regional Arts Council chairman, who develops the theme and overall design direction for the Gala.”  

Step among Vegas’ legendary marquees while Cirque d’Sky aerialists soar above. As you ascend grand escalators to Stardust, Cozmopolitanz lights up the stage, and Sweet Nay heads up the intermission. You will start and finish the party with DJ “Hot Boy” Yoshi and DJ Static Shock. Grab your drink of choice from one of the many open bars, and let the night sweep you into an extravaganza of entertainment, luxury and indulgence. 

It took 18 months and an exorbitant number of volunteers to pull off such a magnificent feat. SRAC is grateful for the enthusiastic magic makers who continue to amaze. 

“Though the funding is critical because it supports the Arts Council’s ability to provide free community programming at the Bakowski Bridge of Lights, in Artspace, at Caddo Common Park, in the schools, in neighborhoods and in the Central Art Station,” says Atchison, “what is more important are the relationships built through Christmas in the Sky.  The talent and commitment of artists, performers, set builders and those who just love to glitter, who are willing to ‘take a chance’ that they will make an important contribution, one that will have lasting impact, is humbling.  Truly, more than 500 people are involved in some manner in the production of Christmas in the Sky, and most do it because they are invested in creating this extravaganza that will fuel the Arts Council’s programming for two years.”

Showrooms abound, as crooners sing Vegas favorites. Check out the “VA-ROOM” of Sky’s Evel Knievel, with dancing biker chicks, a biker bar and an incredible bidding feast for “foodies” with restaurants, parties and tickets to the best shows in town!  

“My first Christmas in the Sky to work on was in 2008 — James Bond,” says Sky Chair Heidi Kallenberg. “It was a trial by fire to be sure and an insane amount of fun. So I kept coming back. Over the years, I’ve learned the ins and outs of Christmas in the Sky. I’m all in! Working with the Arts Council makes me happy every day. Best part: I’ve gotten my friends involved; they’ve brought their friends in. It’s super awesome!”

Travel to Area 51, where little green men guide you to breathtaking paintings, photography and sculptures that are truly otherworldly. Unleash your imagination at Circus Circus, as you explore gifts, games, toys, kids’ parties and unforgettable experiences that will thrill your little ones. Watch as Critical Mass award-winning artist Michael Miller paints the Sky Scenes Live, then bid on work for your art collection!  

Purchase a $100 Silver Paddle Raffle Ticket for a chance to win a $5,000 shopping spree in the silent auction.  You can’t help falling in love with the fabulous jewelry and collectibles in the Elvis Chapel of Love as Elvis performers serenade you. Make your way through the Blue Suede Shoes Tunnel of Burnin’ Love to the Bountiful Buffet, overflowing with all The King’s favorites, including those famous peanut butter and banana sandwiches!

“With a theme like ‘It’s Vegas, Baby!’ it’s only natural to hope that everyone who loves, likes or values the arts will take a chance on partnering with the Shreveport Regional Arts Council by contributing to Christmas in the Sky!” says Atchison. “And, oh, how my hopes and dreams are becoming reality!  The community has come forward with magnanimous support beyond our imagining!  The bounty of exquisite, elaborate, enormous, enchanting and exciting auction items is destined to bring big bidding in both the live and silent auction! The jewelry by Sid Potts, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, Bass’ Fine Jewelry, Clarkes Jewelers, Louisiana Coin & Jewelry, Lockhart Jewelers, Peg and Co. Fine Jewelry and Lewis Gifts is just breathtaking! The trips to Italy, Kenya, Provence, Mykonos and Havana are sensational, with experiences that will change your world!”

Visit The Lady Luck Casino, where everything is pink, pink, pink! Spin to win celebrity experiences, luxury travel, collectors’ dream packages and gorgeous accessories for your home and garden. Bountiful buffets and our signature pink drinks await! 

“It’s a passion to make North Louisiana a better place to live and learn. I did not have these same resources when I was growing up in Webster Parish,” says Linda Baucum Goldsberry, design chair since 1988, previously costume and set designer, starting in 1982. “And because of SRAC, it now does have arts in the school system, and, therefore, young people have many more choices for their lives.”  

Mosey down to the 24 Karat Club filled with auction packages straight from your wildest dreams, including a private plane for the day! Want to up the ante? Buy a $200 golden paddle for a chance to win $10,000 toward any auction item!

“The fact that our corporate and philanthropic community recognizes and supports the power of the arts to make a difference in education, health, and downtown and community life by donating generous sponsorships, is rewarding beyond words,” says Pam Atchison.  “Dr. Michael T. Acurio is the Presenting Sponsor, and this year there are remarkable new ‘Headliner’ sponsors, such as BOM Bank, Sloan’s Formals & Boutique, PPT Inc., the Estate Les Chenes, and Morris and Dewett Injury Lawyers, as well as new and returning partners like Sign It, Pelican Tents & Events, Martin Specialty Coatings, Diesel Driving Academy and so many more who contribute the supplies and materials to build the soaring sets that will spur ticket sales – yes, I hope for a Sell Out for Christmas in the Sky by Thanksgiving week!”

Step into the grandeur of ancient Rome. Bid on wines and whiskeys — rich, rare and divine. Wine celebs Mark McKay (Level Two sommelier) and Rick Simpson team up to bring wines and spirits from around the world right to Sky.  

Indulge your senses with a delicious antipasto at Cafe Ciao Chow and be transported to the enchanting canals of Venice.  Paddle over to the Frozen Martini Bar to sip Ketel One Martinis in every flavor imaginable! 

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon at Lunar Lunacy while feasting on Asian-inspired delicacies beneath a canopy of glowing lanterns. Groove to the jazzy tunes of the Curtis Mills Band and his Crazy Rich Asian performers including the Northwestern State University Dancers choreographed by Brett Garfinkel. 

“As the new executive director of Shreveport Regional Arts Council,” says Rebecca Bonnevier, “I am beyond grateful that the board, the staff, the sponsors and the hard-working volunteers have all come together to produce this exciting event that will ensure we have the funding to support existing art programs, as well as new ones!”

Christmas in the Sky funds free community art programs and services provided by SRAC, such as artists’ fees and commissions for public art, ArtBreak, Glo Fests, Caddo Common Park programming, Critical Mass awards, exhibitions and openings at the Central Art Station and Artspace and so much more! 

Slip into the tropical ambiance of the Lizard Lounge as you slurp frozen drinks from Sterling Spirits, munch on Latin Fusion bites by Mi Meza and listen to the acoustic strum of a Margaritaville guitar while our own Lizard – Jimmy – helps you waste away!  At the stroke of midnight, this laid-back lounge transforms into a hotbed of EDM rhythm when Lounge Lizard Lomax the Grey spins sexy, hot tunes that will make you rave!  

What is the attire for such an extravagant experience? The sky’s the limit! “We ask that you dress either black tie or Vegas Va-Va- Va-Voom!” says Atchison.  “Have fun with it — glitz, glitter, glam!  What is critical is that you wear comfortable shoes (or bring an extra pair) and consider bringing a sweater for late evening ‘cool.’”

Want to volunteer? 2026 will be here before we know it! Volunteers work daily at Louisiana Downs to build sets. If you want to paint, apply glitter and assemble props,  visit shrevearts.org or call 318-673-6500.

Take a breath and get ready for an evening where the magic of Christmas meets the wonder of Vegas. Let the party begin!

Historically, tickets sell out by Thanksgiving, so don’t wait! Tickets are $350 at 2024sky.com. Christmas in the Sky is Dec. 14, 7 p.m.-2 a.m., at Louisiana Downs Casino and Racetrack, 8000 East Texas St., Bossier City.  Unlike Vegas, what happens here will be raved about for quite some time, so come be a part of it!