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City Park Conservancy’s (CPC) largest fundraiser, Celebration in the Oaks, is one of the most-spectacular holiday lights festivals in the country that has fascinated guests for generations.
The month-long event attracts over 120,000 visitors each year who come to see New Orleans City Park’s famous live oak trees swathed in over one million twinkling lights and discover hundreds of breathtaking displays throughout the Park. This year, CPC hopes to welcome even more for THE New Orleans Holiday Tradition.
“Celebration in the Oaks is our largest fundraiser, but it is also an opportunity for the community to come together,” said CPC President and CEO Rebecca Dietz. “We aim to ensure as many as possible can enjoy the festivities – that is why we’re implementing more value than ever before.”
Driving Tour Value Nights were introduced in 2022, and now – for the first time ever – Walking Tour Value Nights will be part of the Celebration. For nine nights, guests will be able to purchase discounted tours whether on foot or via vehicle. Both tour types will be $20 on December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 and 26 and January 1 and 2. Guests who combine tours on these nights will receive an additional discounted Walking Tour rate of $10 per person.
Again this year, Driving Tour guests will be able to “skip the line” with the Celebration in the Oaks Dasher Pass. This $40 expediting option is available for purchase during the regular ticket-buying process – Friends of City Park Members receive one free Dasher Pass Driving Tour.
Also back this year is the combined Celebration in the Oaks Preview Party held on Saturday, November 23. The extra-festive fundraiser in Carousel Gardens Amusement Park – featuring entertainment, rides, and all-you-can imbibe brew – once again extends into the Botanical Garden for an elegant experience with full bar, specialty cocktails, delicious dishes, and a Walking Tour sneak peek.
Lastly, CPC’s holiday raffle returns with a 2024 Crosstrek Premium courtesy of Bryan Subaru. $75 enters you for a chance to win a brand-new vehicle valued at $31,572 MSRP. Only 1,000 tickets will be sold now-December 6 at 9am. Drawing to take place live on FOX8.
CPC’s annual operating budget is largely reliant on self-generated activities, often weather-dependent, and Celebration in the Oaks plays a key role in funding the Park’s continued maintenance and beauty each year, providing nearly 10% of the Park’s annual budget. The public’s investment and attendance at Celebration in the Oaks supports City Park’s success going forward.
For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit CelebrationInTheOaks.com.