NEW ORLEANS (press release) – With more than a million dazzling lights and breathtaking displays, Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans City Park is an annual holiday tradition for families in the Crescent City and across the country. Friends and families can kick off the 33rd annual opening with an early glimpse of the stunning holiday displays at one of three Celebration in the Oaks preview parties. Tickets for all events are on sale now at CelebrationInTheOaks.com.
“Celebration in the Oaks is a wonderful holiday display that people come from all over the world to enjoy. We’ve had visitors from 48 states and as far away as Australia,” says Julie LaCour, special events director. “Coupled with our many traditional items visitors see each year, the new exhibits are an example of our team’s creativity with lights and engineering. We’re also excited to be building out the light exhibits this year along the train route and continue to bring programs to the event like Storyland Story Time and Yoga under the Lights.”
City Park’s famous oaks are swathed in over a million twinkling lights, with breathtaking light exhibits that are displayed throughout 25 acres of the Park. While there are many traditional displays like the Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, Mr. Bingle, and the Cajun Night before Christmas, there are many new wonders this year including “Fountains of Joy” and a “Swooning Swamp”. Carriage rides will also be back this year!
The 2019 Season:
-Mutt Mondays: A special partnership with SPCA of Louisiana: 12/2, 12/9, 12/16 – Bring dogs with you to the Botanical Garden and use the SPCA photo booth to take fun holiday photos with your friends – human and canine.
-Yoga classes: 12/4, 12/11, 12/18 – Yoga under the Lights
-Storytime in Storyland: 12/ 2-5, 12/9-12, 12/16-19 18 from 6 pm to 7 pm kids can hear local authors read stories under the Storyland Castle in the newly revitalized Storyland.
– The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show Meet and Greet – 12/12 from 5pm to 9pm
– Toys for Tots – 12/17
– Carriage rides in City Park: 12/2-5, 12/9-12, 12/16-19
– “Fountains of Joy” and a “Swooning Swamp” – new with RGB lighting
– S’mores making over the fire in Campfire Village
– A special partnership with Hiltons of New Orleans: This year all Hilton guests receive an unforgettable experience that includes free admission, unlimited rides, hot chocolate, train rides, and more. Every attendee will also be given a chance to participate in the “Hilton Scavenger Hunt” for a chance to win a special holiday prize. General Managers from area Hilton branded properties will judge the 2nd annual Christmas Tree decorating contest on Santa Claus Lane; awarding $3000 to the local school participant with the best dressed tree. Hilton is the official hotel partner for Celebration in the Oaks. For a VIP Celebration in the Oaks experience, book the Papa Noel package at Travel.Hilton.Com/PapaNoel.
– A special partnership with WVUE FOX 8: A live FOX 8 morning show from Celebration in the Oaks: 12/6 from 5 am to 10 am. WVUE FOX 8 is the official media partner for Celebration in the Oaks.
Favorites back again for the 2019 Season:
-Campfire Village in Carousel Gardens Amusement Park:
– ‘Snow Show’ each night of the event
– Marshmallow roasting over an open fire
– Colossal Cotton Candy
– Mister Bingle
– Train Garden
– Rides on the holiday train and antique carousel (unlimited rides with the Straight to the Gate ticket option)
– Christmas Trees on Hilton Santa Claus Lane – sidewalks in Carousel Gardens are lined with Christmas trees decorated by local schools and nonprofits.
– Tree of poinsettias in the Conservatory in the New Orleans Botanical Garden
– And more and more and more!
WHERE: New Orleans Botanical Garden, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, Storyland, Train Route
ADDRESS: 5 Victory Ave., New Orleans 70124 (the Park is large, always use this address to find Celebration in the Oaks).
HOURS: The 2019 season: Nov. 29 – Jan. 1
Closed: Dec. 24, 31
Hours: Sunday through Thursday: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Open: Christmas night 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with last entry at 8:30 p.m.
COST: *Tickets: $10/person (Children under 3 and Friends of City Park members: Free)
*Best Idea: Straight to the Gate tickets: $28: Celebration in the Oaks admission, an unlimited amusement ride band, and a dedicated entrance through the Storyland gate behind Humpty Dumpty and Little Bo Peep.
*Train Ride: $5; Amusement Park Rides: $4/single ride ticket (excludes train); $18/unlimited ride band (includes train)
For more event details or to purchase Celebration the Oaks or Preview Party tickets, visit CelebrationInTheOaks.com.
