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New Orleans City Park’s 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 fundraiser attracts over 135,000 visitors each year who come to see City Park’s famous live oak trees swathed in over a million twinkling lights and discover hundreds of breathtaking displays throughout the Park. This year, THE New Orleans holiday tradition is bolstering its annual arsenal.
“Celebration in the Oaks, and City Park in general, is all about making memories with loved ones,” said City Park Conservancy President and CEO Cara Lambright. “We want to guarantee a lasting impact is made by making this year’s event the biggest – and best – yet for the community, all while supporting our largest fundraiser of the year.”
Complete with more light displays, new exhibits and increased engagement opportunities, the 2023 Celebration will offer a variety of options, and price points, for guests to choose from.
Highlights this year include:
Also new 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 and is free for Friends of City Park Members.
Additionally, for the first time ever, City Park Conservancy has partnered with Diamonds Direct for the Enchanted Engagement Raffle. For $50, entrants will have the opportunity to win a curated engagement experience for you and your loved one at Celebration in the Oaks complete with everything from the perfect ring to the perfect proposal.
Lastly, in a new holiday tradition, the Celebration in the Oaks Preview Party and Jingle Bells & Beer have been combined into one extra-festive event, held on Saturday, November 18. The annual fundraiser in Carousel Gardens Amusement Park – featuring entertainment, rides, and all-you-can imbibe brew – now extends into the Botanical Garden for an elegant VIP experience with full bar, specialty cocktails, delicious dishes, and a Walking Tour sneak peek.
City Park Conservancy’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.