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Experiences|Events

Kick Off The Holidays With A Visit To The Enchanting Celebration In The Oaks In New Orleans

Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans is a spectacular holiday light show featuring over a million lights and a 2.25-mile driving tour.

Published Nov 24, 2020

Written by 

Jackie Sutherlin

It's that special time of year when lawns, houses, businesses, and parks become illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights, putting everyone into the holiday spirit. There's one epic holiday light show in New Orleans that's been a tradition for many New Orleanians for years, and it's returning to City Park to celebrate its 35th year, and this year promises to be one of the best yet.

Since 1985, Celebration in the Oaks has been a favorite holiday attraction in New Orleans, attracting more than 165,000 visitors every year.

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Celebration in the Oaks at New Orleans City Park/Facebook

Over a million sparking lights illuminate City Park’s famous oak trees for a light show that would make even the Grinch smile.

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Celebration in the Oaks at New Orleans City Park/Facebook

Breathtaking light displays everywhere you look! It’s one of the most spectacular light displays in the country, and perfect for a family outing or a romantic date night.

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Celebration in the Oaks at New Orleans City Park/Facebook

This year will be a 2.25-mile driving tour of the park, so you can experience this magical show from the comfort of your car.

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Celebration in the Oaks at New Orleans City Park/Facebook

You’ll enter on Friederichs Avenue and exit on Dreyfous Avenue. Guests must remain in their vehicles at all times, but there are add-ons you can purchase to make your experience extra special.

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Celebration in the Oaks at New Orleans City Park/Facebook

As you drive through the park, you’ll see dozens and dozens of lighting displays.

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Celebration in the Oaks at New Orleans City Park/Facebook

It’s truly a sight to see.

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Celebration in the Oaks at New Orleans City Park/Facebook

Even the Flying Horses get decked out for the season.

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Celebration in the Oaks at New Orleans City Park/Facebook

There are two portions of the event: the driving portion and the add-on activities in the Carousel Gardens which include train rides, access to Storyland, and everyone’s favorite, the marshmallow roasting area.

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Celebration in the Oaks at New Orleans City Park/Facebook

Celebration in the Oaks kicks off November 26, 2020 and will run until January 3, 2021. Tickets are required to enter, so be sure to book your tickets in advance!

Ready to purchase your tickets? Head on over to their website to book your perfect holiday evening, and be sure to give them a follow on Facebook so you can stay up to date on upcoming events.

Are you planning on visiting Celebration in the Oaks this year? Let us know in the comments below!

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Experiences|Events

These 9 Rare Photos Show New Orleans’ Mardi Gras History Like Never Before

Showcases nine vintage photos of New Orleans' Mardi Gras, highlighting the unique and historical aspects of the celebration.

Updated Feb 18, 2023

Written by 

Kezia Kamenetz

Have you ever been to New Orleans' Mardi Gras celebration? If not, you've probably seen it on television or in numerous photos. Some of the best photos were taken many decades ago, including the 9 vintage Mardi Gras photos listed below. Each of these old Mardi Gras pictures is truly special. In fact, they're some of the best vintage Mardi Gras photos you'll ever see. You're going to love them!

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1. Masked Group in the French Quarter, 1905

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Wikicommons / Alexander Allison

The cobblestone streets in the French Quarter look amazing!

2. Comus, 1907

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Wikicommons / Period Illustration

Did floats really look like this in 1907? I'm truly amazed! Is that real palmetto?

3. Mardi Gras Float Postcard, 1908

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Wikicommons / Public Domain

The beauty of this Mardi Gras float is really something amazing!

4. Frenchmen Street Maskers, 1910

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Wikicommons / Infrogmation

There is a truly magical feeling to this blast from the past to Frenchmen Street.

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5. Comus Modern Art World, 1916

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Wikimedia Commons

This is another beautiful parade float from 1916.

6. Mardi Gras Canal Street, 1920s

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Wikicommons

This blast from the past gives you a whole new perspective of Canal Street.

7. Clowns, 1936

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Flickr.com / Infrogmation

These three clowns are the true definition of classic clowns.

8. Canal Street Parades, 1960

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Flickr.com / Infrogmation

There is something quite interesting about the way they built these parade floats from 1960.

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9. Canal Street Clowns

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Wikicommons / Lipsher Specialty Co

This photo shows another example of how truly unique clowns are during New Orleans' Mardi Gras celebration.

What do you think about these vintage Mardi Gras photos? Pretty amazing, right? Please feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below. Also, let us know what your favorite part of New Orleans' Mardi Gras is. We would appreciate hearing your feedback.

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Experiences|Events

4 Christmas Light Displays Around New Orleans That Are Pure Magic

Discover some of the best Christmas light displays in Louisiana, from drive-thru experiences to immersive strolls.

Updated Oct 14, 2022

Written by 

Kezia Kamenetz

As the holiday season approaches, you'll want to start filling up your calendar with all of the incredible holiday events going around in the city. One of the most popular holiday traditions is, of course, checking out all of the Christmas lights, and we've got some of our favorite places to go when you're on the search for the best Christmas lights near New Orleans. Whether it's date night or a whole family excursion, all of these events are excellent ways to celebrate the holidays.

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1. The Roosevelt Hotel

A festive hallway adorned with sparkling lights, Christmas trees, and a central statue, creating a magical holiday atmosphere.
facebook.com/TheRooseveltNewOrleans

It's not Christmas in New Orleans until you take a stroll through The Roosevelt Hotel's lobby. For years now this beautiful display has delighted visitors offering one of the most gorgeous celebrations of light and celebration in New Orleans.

2. Canal Street Lighting Ceremony

A large Santa figure atop a chimney structure, surrounded by palm trees in a festive urban setting.
facebook.com/DowntownNOLA

This beautiful Christmas event in New Orleans will create a moment for the city to come together and celebrate the beauty of the Christmas tree. The ceremonial lighting takes place right around Thanksgiving and the lights shine through the New Year.

3. Celebration in the Oaks at City Park

A festive scene with colorful holiday lights on a cabin, featuring Santa and alligators, as two children admire the display.
facebook.com/CelebrationInTheOaks
A large tree adorned with sparkling white lights, surrounded by a festive atmosphere and people enjoying the display.
facebook.com/CelebrationInTheOaks
A glowing white unicorn made of lights leaps in a dark park, surrounded by festive decorations and twinkling lights.
facebook.com/CelebrationInTheOaks

Each year thousands of visitors flock to City Park for one of the most breathtaking light displays you'll find anywhere. There is truly something for everyone here--whether you decide to take the walking or the driving tour, this is easily one of the most popular Christmas light displays near New Orleans.

4. Luna Fete

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A nighttime cityscape featuring illuminated buildings and a monument in the foreground, with traffic lights in the background.
https://www.lunafete.com
People watch a colorful light projection on a historic building during a nighttime event.
https://www.lunafete.com

For one of the most unique Christmas light displays in New Orleans, check out Luna Fete. Using the city as the canvas, Luna Fete combines holiday lights with laser lights and incredible displays peppered around downtown New Orleans for an incredible mash-up of technology and tradition that you just need to see for yourself. This year, the festivities take place December 15-18, 2022 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Pedestrian Park.

How many of these beautiful places have you enjoyed? Do you have a favorite display that you would like to investigate? Let us know what you think in the comments below. We love to hear your feedback! If you need some more convincing on spending your Christmas in New Orleans, here are seven reasons why Christmas in New Orleans is simply the best.

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