As I shared last year, one of my absolute favorite New Orleans holiday traditions is going to Celebration in the Oaks because I have so many fond memories of attending with my grandmother. It’s crazy to now take my own children to the very same celebration that I frequented 25+ years ago. Based on the popularity of last year’s giveaway, we know that this event is a favorite for many families in the New Orleans area, and we are excited to share this year’s details with you and, of course, another giveaway!
While New Orleans Moms Blog contributors received complimentary tickets to attend Celebration in the Oaks, all of us would have gladly paid and planned to attend anyway!
Behind the Scenes at Celebration in the Oaks
As you can imagine, Celebration in the Oaks is a massive undertaking. In fact, preparations take a full 6 months, so when we’re busy sweating the New Orleans summer away, City Park is already gearing up for the holiday season. A few fun facts…
- There are over 658,000 LED bulbs used throughout the park
- The “dripping snow tree” has 42,000 LED bulbs alone. The lights were also purchased in Paris, can be seen from 1/2 mile away and provide the most popular engagement spot at this annual event!
- There are 500 poinsettias throughout the magical event
- All of the designs and exhibits are designed and constructed “in house” by event staff
- Guests from 48 states attended Celebration in the Oaks last year
- If you’re lucky, you might just see a celebrity. Last year’s sightings included Drew Brees, Jennifer Garner, Marcia Gay Harden and Joe LaFont (of “Swamp People”)
Get a Sneak Peek at the Children’s Preview Party!
If you want to check it out with your little ones ahead of time and avoid the crowds, City Park also offers a Children’s Preview Party on Sunday, November 24 from 5:00 – 8:00pm. For $30 a person (children under 2 are free; members of City Park pay $25), there is unlimited food, unlimited amusement rides (including the train and carousel) and lots of fun activities. Or, if you want a fun date night in November, consider the Adult Preview Party (21 and older only) which features an open bar, food from 50 restaurants and entertainment.
2013 Celebration in the Oaks at City Park
When: Friday, November 29 – Saturday, January 4 (closed on December 24 and December 31)
Where: City Park in New Orleans (but we recommend the drive from surrounding areas!)
Admission: $8/person (children under 3 are free, as are Friends of City Park members); note that some activities, like the train, require additional tickets once you are inside
Why: Get in the holiday spirit and enjoy lots of fun for the entire family, including amusement park rides
Just for fun: Check out pictures from years past and add your own or get to know Mr. Bingle!
While the New Orleans Moms Blog team received admission tickets to Celebration in the Oaks, all opinions expressed here are my own; I have loved Celebration in the Oaks since I was a little girl and can’t wait to go again this year!
We’ve never been to the preview party but would love to have everything experience. We do go to CITO every year and love it.
It will be my daughter’s first year to see it. we was going to take her last year but got down town too late was not able to take her.
Would LOVE to take my kids!!!
My family and I are new to NOLA and would love to start a new family tradition of attending Christmas in the Oaks each year. It sounds so wonderful and I’m sure our kids would love it!
I love CITO! My favorite memory is watching The Cajun Night Before Christmas exhibit with my one year old son, he was captivated!
I would love to go with my family of 4 being that I am
A single mom! It would be a great time for all of us 🙂
We’ve never been to the children’s preview party but we been to see the lights since it opened! Would love to do something extra special this year!
Haven’t been to the preview party, but go to Celebration in the Oaks every year.
My favorite memory is walking through the garden with my loved one. So romantic. i love christmas music!! I hope that my kids will have fond memories of lights and really feel the spirit of it as they go through it.
I have never been to the preview, but I would love to bring my kids.