NEW ORLEANS (NOLA WEEKEND) - Celebration in the Oaks, City Park’s big holiday lights event and largest annual fundraiser, returns this season from Nov. 23 to Dec. 30.
Organizers say the event includes a few new features this year: a Dasher Pass for expedited driving tour entry, enhanced lighting and exhibits on the train route and a revamped Botanical Garden with a reimagined poinsettia tree.
For those who want to skip the long line of cars waiting for the driving tour, the new “Dasher Pass” will along guests to “skip the line” with a $40 expedited option added to the $40 regular admission.
The 2.25-mile driving tour flows through City Park’s iconic light displays including glowing dinosaurs, flamingos, a pirate ship and hanging ornaments along the route.
For generations, City Park’s trains have also made memories, and this year organizers say guests can expect more sights with increased lighting and exhibitry along the train route.
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The 14-acre walking tour also returns with access to the Botanical Garden and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park. Elaborate decorations filling the Botanical Garden include special features such as the “dripping” icicle oak, the “Cajun Night Before Christmas” and a reimagined poinsettia tree. Organizers also say the iconic “12 Yats of Christmas” display returns this year.
The Carousel Gardens experience features unlimited access to its popular attractions, hot chocolate, marshmallow roasting and the iconic Mr. Bingle. Exclusive bike nights are also on the schedule for Nov. 28, Dec. 5 and Dec. 12.
Celebration in the Oaks attracts more than 135,000 visitors each year who come to see City Park’s famous live oak trees swathed in over one million twinkling lights and discover hundreds of breathtaking displays throughout the park.
Tickets and pricing details are available on the event website, CelebrationInTheOaks.com.
Created in partnership with New Orleans City Park
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