New Orleans' Holiday Light Displays

Celebrate the holidays in New Orleans. They have some of the most amazing events and holiday traditions that will surely delight your festive spirit. This place also shines bright when it comes to holiday decors and light displays. This year is said to be as good, if not better than the previous years. So while you're in town, make it a point to see the wonderful sites bearing the most colorful and dazzling lights all over the French Quarter.

Celebration in the Oaks at New Orleans' City Park is an annual festival (now on its 20^th year) that showcases musical performances and holiday light displays of more than 2 million lights decorating hundred year old trees. The festival guarantees everyone a great time and an even more captivating park this year as it features the newly replanted Botanical Garden, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, and the Storyland fairytale playground.

Location: City Park, 1 Palm Drive, New Orleans
Dates: Nov. 23-25, Nov. 30, Dec. 1-2, Dec. 7-30
Hours: Sun. - Thurs. 6pm to 10 pm; Fri. & Sat. 6pm to 11pm
*Closed on Dec. 24 & 25
Admission: $6/person; ages 3 & below are free

Longue Vue is an 8-acre stretch of picturesque gardens. During the holidays, this place offers a grand tour of the entirely decorated home (exterior and interior), tea parties, crafts, games, and a gingerbread house contest and display. The holiday traditions of the Stems can definitely bring a tremendous admiration of its beauty especially if observed from the outside as thousands of lights cover the entire place making it so heavenly on the eyes. The inside is equally decorated while holiday music is played the entire time.

Events & Dates:
1. Holiday Decorations
December 3 - 31
*Admission cost required but no reservations needed.

2. Holiday Tea and Tour
December 6, 13, 20, & 27 at 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Admission: $25 - $30. *Reservations Required.

3. Lawn View: A Family Holiday Celebration
December 15 at 10:00am to 12:00nn

Location: #7 Bamboo Road, New Orleans
Admission: $5 - $7
http://www.longuevue.com/

Caroling in Jackson Square is probably one of French Quarter's oldest holiday traditions. For 60 years now, it remains very popular to all of New Orleans residents and visitors. Candles and song sheets are provided to attendees (led by the Social and Garden club of the French Quarter, Patio Planters) and Jackson square just beams with lights and holiday decors making up one enchanting evening that you shall never forget.

Location: 751 Decatur St., New Orleans
Date: December 16
Schedule: Gates open at 6:00pm; Caroling begins at 7:00pm
Admission: Free

Merriment on Magazine Street. Imagine yourself strolling down six miles of nothing but well-lit and well-decorated shops and restaurants. This has been for many generations a haven for people from all walks of life.

Location: Magazine Street, New Orleans
Date: November 23 - December 30