City Park Prepares for Enhanced Celebration in the Oaks

NEW ORLEANS (press release) – New Orleans City Park’s Celebration in the Oaks, one of the most-spectacular holiday lights festivals in the country, has fascinated guests for generations. The month-long fundraiser attracts over 135,000 visitors each year who come to see City Park’s famous live oak trees swathed in over a million twinkling lights and discover hundreds of breathtaking displays throughout the Park. This year, THE New Orleans holiday tradition is taking it to another level. 

“With the Driving Tour and Walking Tour, this will be the biggest footprint Celebration in the Oaks has had since Hurricane Katrina,” said Cara Lambright, City Park Conservancy CEO. “As our largest annual fundraiser, we can’t wait to share this exciting celebration with our community.”

Boasting more light displays, new attractions and the return of the Botanical Garden Walking Tour, the 2022 Celebration will offer a variety of options, and price points, for guests to choose from.

Highlights this year include:

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  • 2.25-mile Driving Tour with enhanced displays
  • Walking Tour with Botanical Garden access and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park rides included
  • Multiple dedicated Bike Nights 
  • Botanical Garden Dripping Tree, Poinsettia Tree, Historic Train Garden and “Cajun Night Before Christmas” 
  • Carousel Gardens Train, Christmas Tree, Mr. Bingle and free marshmallows and hot chocolate
  • Holiday-themed Storyland
  • Iconic LED dinosaurs, flamingos and pirate ship 
  • New exhibits such Toy Land, a 12-foot Dandelion Meadow Display and Winter Wonderland

“We heard the call of the community and challenged ourselves to step it up,” said Julie LaCour, Director of CITO/Special Events. “We know how important this event is to visitors, and we feel confident this year’s final product will make memories for folks that will last a lifetime.”

City Park Conservancy’s annual operating budget is largely reliant on self-generated activities, often weather dependent, and Celebration in the Oaks plays a key role in funding the Park’s continued maintenance and beauty each year, providing nearly 10% of the Park’s annual budget. The public’s investment and attendance at Celebration in the Oaks supports City Park’s success going forward.

For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit CelebrationInTheOaks.com.

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