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Disclosure: This post is part of the Holiday of Wonder campaign sponsored by Wonder and Company and Celebration in the Oaks at New Orleans City Park. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Since 1984 Celebration in the Oaks has taken the famous oaks of New Orleans City and created a magical holiday event that is one of the most spectacular holiday lights festival in the country is located in my backyard, New Orleans, Louisiana. Over 25 acres of City Park is adorned with 550K LED lights, over 32,800 linear feet of rope lights and takes over 8 months to prepare for the winter festivities.
I remember visiting Celebration in the Oaks when I was a child and have brought my own children to experience what is clearly part of the fabric of New Orleans. This weekend marked the opening of Celebration of the Oaks this holiday season. Opening November 28th-January 3rd, your family can enjoy the twinkling lights, interactive light displays and of course, the two-mile train ride that takes you around City Park around the Botanical Gardens, Storyland and back to Carousel Gardens. I’m not sure who was more excited, my children or myself!
My family and I couldn’t wait to start our holiday festivities so naturally Celebration in the Oaks is on top of our to-do list. My children are older, but we always have time for our annual visit to Celebration in the Oaks. It has become a family tradition that many locals and tourist enjoy this time of year. Our family favorites include the Cajun Night Before Christmas display, Santa’s nightly visit and of course Mister Bingle, a iconic New Orleanian holiday treasure.
If you have visited Celebration in the Oaks in the past, don’t worry. Every year marks a new season with added displays for the 2014-2015 holiday season. An expanded Sea-Labration exhibit with a huge moving Gulf Oyster, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and new “Alien Planet Celebration” display will have the kids in awe! Oh, and Seymour the Pelican is back along with traditional favorites like the Santa Gator, the breathtaking Dripping Snow Tree and large poinsettia tree in the Conservatory of Two Sister.
We tend to travel quite a bit during the year but Christmas is always in New Orleans. With so much history, New Orleans is the perfect location for your upcoming holiday getaway. If you visit Monday thru Thursday you will notice less crowds versus the weekend. A quick weekend trip can make Celebration in the Oaks at New Orleans City Park part of your Christmas holiday tradition as well.
Celebration in the Oaks Operating Hours: The 2014-2015 season: November 28 – January 3 Closed: 12/1 thru 12/4; 12/24 and 12/31 Sunday – Thursday : 6pm -10pm Friday & Saturday: 6pm -11pm
Ticket Information: -Tickets: $8/person -Children under 3 and Friends of City Park: Free -Train Ride: $4 -Amusement Park Rides: $3/single ride ticket (excludes train) -$17/unlimited ride band (includes train) I strongly recommend buying tickets in advance at this link to avoid waiting in lines.
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Your pictures are amazing. This looks like so much fun! We went to NOLA in April. I can’t wait to come back.
Wow! That looks so interesting. Would love to visit some day. Thanks for sharing.
Ella
That would be a must stop for me in the city. I just love light and holiday displays!
This looks like it would be an amazing experience for young and old alike. I love driving around certain neighborhoods and seeing the spectacle of lights-I am sure I would enjoy this as well if I ever get there!
I’ve always wanted to visit New Orleans. I had never considered Christmas as a good time to visit but your review makes me reconsider. It looks like you had a great time.
This looks like so much fun, the reindeer’s are so cute. Loving all these festive places you keep showing us, would love to visit them all x
now that looks like a fantastic way to spend a day/ evening with the family–wish I was closer-I’d love to walk around and enjoy all the sights! Merry Christmas!
I wish I lived closer! That looks like an amazing place to visit at Christmas time! I love seeing Christmas lights displayed in creative ways!
I haven’t been to New Orleans in years. I would love to see it all decorated for the holidays.
Those trees and the nativity scene are beautiful! I love Christmas decorations! Your photos really capture the magic.