NEW ORLEANS – The month-long Celebration in the Oaks, City Park Conservancy’s (CPC) largest fundraiser, attracts over 135,000 visitors each year who come to see New Orleans City Park’s famous live oak trees swathed in over one million twinkling lights and discover hundreds of breathtaking displays throughout the Park. This year, the CPC team shared it has added more magic without raising the price point.
“Celebration in the Oaks contributes greatly to the Park’s financial stability, but it is also something that should be enjoyed by everyone – across neighborhoods, generations, and traditions,” said CPC President and CEO Rebecca Dietz. “We’ve made it a priority to determine how we can improve the event while still making it accessible for the community. The result, we feel, will be something special.”
New additions this season include welcoming enhancements like 12-foot angels at each Walking Tour entrance (Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and Oscar J. Tolmas Visitor Center) and wrapped trees along Ansemen Avenue and the Goldring/Woldenberg Great Lawn. The Holiday Express presented by Ochsner Children’s train route and New Orleans Botanical Garden will also receive respective glow ups including native-bird exhibits and “Heart of the Garden” all-red lighting encompassing the iconic dripping oak.
“We have even more in store, but we’re saving some of our most magical moments as a surprise for guests in attendance,” said Dietz.
Driving Tour Value Nights (introduced in 2022) and Walking Tour Value Nights (added in 2024) continue this season at $25 and $20, respectively. For seven nights – Nov. 30, Dec. 9, 10,11, 16, 17 and Jan. 1 – guests will be able to purchase tours at a $15 discount. Bike Nights are now Bike Week with $7 cycle options Dec. 1, 2, 3 and 4. New this year to the Bike Night route is the Pedal Pit Stop at 1 Palm Drive offering attendees the chance to recharge with refreshments, restrooms, seating and more.
Again this year, Driving Tour guests will be able to “skip the line” with the Celebration in the Oaks Dasher Pass. This expediting option is available for an additional $40 purchase during the regular ticket-buying process – Friends of City Park Members receive one free Dasher Pass Driving Tour.
Also back this year is Jingle Bells and Beer on Saturday, Nov. 22. Guests will enjoy open beer bars, entertainment and jingle all the way through an exclusive preview of Celebration in the Oaks. Carousel Gardens and Storyland will already be aglow with lights and festive displays offering a first look at the season’s sparkle before the full event opens to the public.
CPC’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 future – ensuring it continues to thrive as a vibrant center for recreation, education, culture, and community for generations to come.
For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit CelebrationInTheOaks.com.