Unique Holiday Shopping Experiences in Downtown Lake Charles
Make Your List, Check It Twice, and Enjoy the Fun!
By now in the holiday season, you've likely navigated crowded malls and big-box stores, feeling overwhelmed by the hustle and underwhelmed by the experience. You still need to check off a few gifts—and enjoy a delightful Christmas shopping outing. Discover these charming spots in downtown Lake Charles, perfect for finding unique presents for everyone on your list while treating yourself to a memorable day. Let's #GetDowntownLC!
Christmas Past... and Presents!
Cedar Chest Antiques at 210 Division St. stands out from typical antique shops with treasures spanning the last century. Step inside and travel back in time, greeted by the friendly, family-owned staff who pride themselves on exceptional service. They'll guide you to the perfect find—like the vintage retro lighted Christmas tree I discovered last year.
Explore one-of-a-kind classics: furniture, china, glassware, vintage telephones, cameras, suitcases, and more. Take a virtual tour via the link below—select SHOPPING under categories to find Cedar Chest at the top left on the map. Hover over pins for business names and double-click to explore: https://www.visitlakecharles.org/things-to-do/downtown-lake-charles/.
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
Music lovers rejoice: vinyl and vintage are booming. At Album Addict booth, owner Steve Belcher offers 5,000 albums from the '70s to '90s, plus rock band t-shirts (Sublime, Def Leppard, Beatles, and more), classic CDs, and collectible posters. Find nostalgic gifts for Grandpa or cool vinyl for teens—all in one spot!
Meet Me at the Corner
A short walk (or drive) from Cedar Chest, turn right on Ryan St. to the Corner Market at 729 Ryan St.—now redesigned with local artisans' handmade ceramics, artwork, candles, and unique items like the clever Kitchen Boa for busy cooks. Grab snacks for your shopping adventure. Learn more: https://www.visitlakecharles.org/blog/post/something-special-around-the-corner/.
A 'Stellar' Idea!
Exiting Corner Market, head left to Stellar Beans at 319 Broad St. for gift cards, clever branded t-shirts (great for out-of-town invites), and purchasable artwork. Relax in their comfy seating with fresh-baked treats.
The Gift of Fun and Learning!
For kids or grandkids, gift tickets or season passes to the Children's Museum—a timeless family delight with a mini grocery, water play, swamp canoe rides, and more across three floors. Details: https://www.swlakids.org/memberships.
Spice, Spice, Baby
At Boombox Pops (104 W. Pujo), indulge in '80s-themed gourmet ice cream, popsicles, and Lake Charles-famous hot cocoa: melted chocolate, vanilla, sea salt, frothed, and torch-toasted marshmallow. Menu highlights like Spice Spice Baby, Wake Me Up Before You Cocoa, and holiday flavors (e.g., Last Christmas Cookie). Gift cards, merch (backpacks, fanny packs, t-shirts), and throwback candy available. Surprise someone via the 'Buy A Friend A Pop' board and social tag. Menu: https://www.boomboxpops.com/our-flavors/.
Stories, Novels, and 'Cajun Tales'
At Ally-Gator Book Bites (1 Lakeshore Dr Suite 1275, Capital One building), find locally published, author-signed books—ideal for kids. Owner Tommie Townsley, accomplished writer and publisher of seven books including 'Cajun Tales' on Louisiana culture, offers picture books, middle-grade, and YA novels to spark reading passion.
Shop, sip, savor, and soak up holiday cheer at these downtown gems. Share your visits with visitlakecharles.org and tag us! #GetDowntownLC
