Thanksgiving, the annual Celebration in the Oaks at City Park began for this holiday season. The light extravaganza is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. You can ride in your car or stroll through the light displays. Families will also enjoy the miniature train, carousel and all the other amusement park rides that City Park has to offer.
Celebration in the Oaks has been a New Orleans tradition since the 80’s. The exact year sadly is not documented anymore due to the archives being destroyed in a flood after Hurricane Katrina. The celebration began with just a display of decorated trees in the botanical garden. “It was kind of like an afternoon tea and it blew up from there,” says Julie LaCour, director of special events for City Park.
The car tour became very popular during the pandemic where social distancing was a must. It was a natural way for families and friend pods to get out and drink in some holiday spirit while remaining socially distanced.
Nowadays the display is described as a sort of art gallery with beautiful lighted sculptures. There are giant toys, dinosaurs, candy canes, bugs, a pirate ship, snowflakes, alligators and ornaments on display. The LED rope lighting is so much easier and brighter. “You can twist and curlicue it, and it can be programmed to twinkle, flash and change color,” says LaCour.
Since the LED lights can produce motion there are musical animated displays such as “Cajun Night Before Christmas” and “Twelve Yats of Christmas.” For the first time this year there will be ice thorns that will be coming up from the ground in the botanical garden.
Not only is this a great way to celebrate the holiday season but it also incorporates the season of giving. Last year there were over 150,000 patrons that brought in around 13% of the park’s fundraising making it City Park’s number one fundraiser.
“We put our hearts into this because it’s become a generational event. You know that people who came here as children are bringing their own children, creating their own memories and their own stories,” replies LaCour.
