Celebration in the Oaks: Celebrating Christmas, New Orleans Style

For 20 years, New Orleans has put on a Christmas festival so grand, that all who visit are sure to return! Celebration in the Oaks, located in City Park, is a must see for both couples and families. Take a walk under centuries-old oak trees; see various light displays, including the live nativity, performed by various local public and parochial schools. The Botanical Gardens have been newly planted, and Storyland, a fairy-tale theme park, is open with twenty-six storybook displays for kids to climb on and explore. The beloved Louisiana children's book, The Cajun Night Before Christmas, will again be on display this year. The display, featuring life-sized lighted figures, is set on a Louisiana bayou, complete with Santa dressed in muskrat "from his head to toe", a skiff high with presents, to be pulled by his eight alligators (no reindeer here).

Mr. Bingle will be here of course, in a two-story tall figure that watches over Celebration in the Oaks. Local students proudly display their talent with decorated trees from various schools. New this year, a laser light show featuring music and holiday themed animations will be performed in the Azalea and Camilla Garden of the Botanical Garden.

Santa will be here, along with other professional photographers to take your pictures along the tour (cash or credit card only). Also new this year, La Maison Noel, a traditional New Orleans-style home, decorated for the holiday season. Each evening, you will be treated to some of the cities finest entertainers, from gospel groups, children's choirs, to dancing troupes. Carousel Parks is open this year, with many amusement rides, such as the Ferris wheel, and new ones such as the Bumper Cars. The train around the park will be in service, but the 100 year-old Carousel is still being repaired from the hurricane damage.

For those looking to bring home beautiful souvenirs, the Mid City Art Market will have local artists displaying their wares for sale. The New Orleans Historic Train Garden, an elevated display inside of the Botanical Gardens, contains over 40 handcrafted city landmarks. An assortment of trains and streetcars travel along 1,400 feet of rail. You can also host your company parties in the Park, at one of their various beautifully restored historic buildings. On December 23rd, there will be a large snow area, with snow generously donated by the former owners and employees of Radiofone. The Snowland will open at 8:30 a.m., until the snow melts.

Celebration in the Oaks is open nightly, from December 1st, to December 30th, closed December 24th and 25th. The cost of admission is $5 per person; children age 3 and under are free. Hours are Monday - Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Friday - Sunday, 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

There are many other attractions and holiday traditions only found here in New Orleans. Be sure to visit our historic French Quarter, take in a tour of our National D-Day Museum, and sample all of our fine cuisine. Our local vendors, hotel, and business owners are waiting for you! Celebration in the Oaks is just one reason why so many are proud to call New Orleans home.