Are you looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season? Slow down with the family by taking a drive down the Boom or Bust Byway through Northwest Louisiana this November and December.
Discover the Boom or Bust Byway, named because things grow here in Northwest, Louisiana. The booming gaming industry, the crops that develop, and the resilient oil and natural gas economy, to name a few. The Boom or Bust Byway is the ultimate journey through the scenic, back road countryside for international visitors, families, retirees, and young explorers who are looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Travelers can expect to see beautiful, well-kept churches reflecting the Protestant faith of most 19th century settlers. Instead of shrimp gumbo or crawfish étouffée, here visitors can feast on local favorites such as fried chicken, catfish, or chicken fried steak with green beans, okra, sweet potatoes, and cornbread. During the colder months on this self-driving tour, visit all the antique shops, local diners, boutiques, and historical markers that are gussied up with the magical cheer of the 2023 Holiday season!
Holiday events along the byway are listed below:
Join the festivities on both sides of the Red River at Riverview Park in Shreveport or the Louisiana Boardwalk in Bossier City at the Rockets over the Red Fireworks Festival happening on Saturday, Nov. 25 from 4-8 p.m.! Spend the first Saturday after Thanksgiving at this free, family-friendly event that is a holiday favorite for all ages. Attendees can enjoy live music, face painters, performers, Santa, shopping and more. The evening will culminate with a fantastic fireworks show at 7:15!
Don’t miss the Country Christmas Festival in Vivian, Louisiana from Monday, November 27 – Sunday, December 3. The festival includes a “Miss Country” Christmas pageant, a Holidaze treasure hunt, a chance to experience The Polar Express at the Railroad Museum, a Holiday parade, visits with Santa, a town Christmas lighting, and so much more!
The Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival is at Earl G. Williamson Park on Saturday, December 2. Holiday spirits will ignite at this spectacular Christmas Festival, a heartwarming tradition that has been spreading joy and giving for an incredible 28 years! Festivalgoers will have the opportunity to feast on a wide variety of fair-style foods and browse a plethora of arts and crafts vendors, while listening to live entertainment. Children can visit with Santa and receive a free gift until it’s time for the beautiful fireworks show that will light up the sky above historic Caddo Lake!
Coming up Saturday, December 2, is the 23rd Annual Christmas on the Square Festival and Parade in Benton, Louisiana. This Christmas celebration happens rain or shine every year! Local vendors have all kinds of Christmas goodies, historical buildings will be open for tours, there will be live entertainment and plenty of activities for the kiddos! All activities are free to the public.
In Sarepta, Louisiana, come one, come all, to celebrate the best time of the year at the 15th Annual “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” event at the Sarepta Park and Community Building on December 2, starting at 10 AM. There will be a 5k and fun run, treasure hunt, live entertainment all day long, local food and craft vendors, Santa and Mrs. Claus, bounce houses, pony rides, and so much more! The fireworks show will kick off at dark!
Explore Downtown Homer, Louisiana on Main Street this Holiday season at the Homer Christmas Festival and Parade on Saturday, December 2, at 11 AM! Following the parade, there will be games, music, vendors, food trucks, and many more family-friendly activities.
Nestled in Blanchard, Louisiana is Morell Dairy Farms. Located at 4743 Highway 169, happens to be the only dairy farm in Bossier, Caddo, and De Soto parishes. If you’re from Northwest Louisiana, you’ve probably heard of Thrifty Liquor and Cuban Liquor’s eggnog daiquiris! Both companies use the Morell family’s eggnog for their daiquiris all through the Holiday season. If eggnog isn’t your thing, their fresh milk is available for purchase on site – this would make for some delicious hot cocoa! The Morell Dairy Farm is open for tours by appointment, and you might even see some calves!
Shopping locally is one of the many important things that keeps our Louisiana Byways alive. Visit one of the local antique stores such as Big Mama’s Antiques and Restorations in Hosston, Louisiana. They specialize in African American historic artifacts and have been featured on the Antiques Road Show and in the Antique Trader Magazine. Store hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or daily by appointment. Also, in Plain Dealing, Louisiana, is the Hickory House Antiques and Collectibles, they have all kinds of unique finds and Holiday decorations.
Consider spending your holiday season taking the long way home… through the historically beautiful towns filled with local charm and Holiday cheer along the Boom or Bust Byway!