An Over-the-Top Celebration in the Oaks

“Each year, we try to create something new,”

says one of The Merry Makers. “We want a child to walk

 in and shout, ‘Hey, Mommy, Daddy, look at this!’”

This year is the 32nd anniversary of CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS in City Park (or New Orleans’ take on Christmas in America). This is one of the most spectacular holiday lights festivals in the country, with more than 165,000 visitors pouring into the Park to see hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights and spectacular light displays scattered throughout 25 acres of the Park, including the Botanical Garden, Storyland and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.

WHO IN THE WORLD CREATES ALL THIS MAGIC?

There is a dedicated group of City Park employees called “The Merry Makers” who work all year to create the very best, and most up-to-date version, of this fabulous annual celebration. They obviously love what they do so let’s hear what they have to say.

“When this event started in 1986 it was much smaller – but, at the time, it was new to everybody.”

“It’s making memories for folks. They come back year-after-year. Parents bring their children – and they, in turn, bring their children.”

“We have people from every state in America. We sell tickets to folks from as far away as Sidney, Australia.”

“Where else do you have well over 100,000 people visiting an event in 30 days? Everyone knows you get the biggest bang for your buck here.”

“Everything is made in-house with a staff of seven people. We always try to improve from one year to the next. You don’t want the same old thing.”

WHAT’S THE SCHEDULE FOR THE 2018 SEASON?

There is a Preview Party on Friday, November 16th that is followed by “Jingle Bells and Beer” on Saturday, November 17th and a Family Party on Sunday, November 18th.

WHEN DOES “CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS” OPEN AND CLOSE?

Read carefully so you’re not disappointed: It’s OPEN ON November 23 (the day after Thanksgiving), 24 and 25. Then CLOSED ON November 26, 27, 28 and 29.

Then it’s OPEN FROM Friday, November 30 to January 1, 2019 but closed on Christmas Eve, open on Christmas Night and closed on New Year’s Eve.

WHAT ARE THE HOURS FOR THIS CELEBRATION?

Open hours are Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 11pm. Sunday through Thursday, 6pm to 10pm; the last entry is 30 minutes prior to closing.

WHAT IS THE COST OF ADMISSION?

Straight-to-the-Gate tickets that include admission AND an Unlimited Ride Band with a dedicated entrance through Storyland are $27 per person. Children under the age of three and Friends of City Park members are FREE. Check out CelebrationinTheOaks.com for more info.

CLICK HERE to read our blog about City Park.

CLICK HERE to see what we have to say about “Halloween and Voodoo.”

DO YOU REALIZE THAT “CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS” IS ONLY 13 MINUTES AWAY FROM RATHBONE MANSIONS? Or, as one visitor says, “The location is pretty convenient to all the local bars and restaurants.”

Shaun Nelson-Henrick