Holiday lights will return to New Orleans City Park’s Celebration in the Oaks

Celebration in the Oaks returns to City Park

by: Leave a comment

Celebration in the Oaks returns to City Park with plans to expand the driving and walking tours. The month-long fundraiser attracts over 135,000 visitors each year who come to see City Park’s famous live oak trees covered in over a million twinkling lights and discover hundreds of displays throughout the park.

“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.”

Highlights this year include:

  • 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
  • LED dinosaurs, flamingos and pirate ship
  • New exhibits such as Toy Land, a 12-foot Dandelion Meadow Display and Winter Wonderland

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

“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 relies on self-generated activities, often weather-dependent. Celebration in the Oaks plays a crucial 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 historically has supported City Park’s success.

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