Celebration in the Oaks will return as a driving tour only. The 2020 holiday season will mark New Orleans City Park’s 34th year of decorating the park’s hundred year old oak trees with colorful holiday light displays.
Because of the pandemic, this year will not have a walking tour option. Instead, the event will only be open to vehicles as a drive-through only tour.
“We know our guests need something to look forward to during this troubling time. We’re thrilled to be able to turn the New Orleans tradition of Celebration in the Oaks into an activity people of all ages can attend safely during the holiday season. We’ve been working hard to keep the Park moving forward and we know the people of the region are working hard during this time as well. We can’t wait to see the smiles from the kids ages one to one hundred,” says Bob Becker, City Park CEO.
City Park says there will also be a new ticketing system implemented for guests wanting to enjoy the driving tour. At the time of purchase, guests will choose a date and time to experience the driving tour.
Tickets will not be valid on any other date or time that is outside of the one purchased. Guests will show their smartphone or printed QR code upon arrival and enter the queue to begin the driving tour. There will be a limited number of tickets sold per time slot and the experience will be between 30 and 47 minutes.
New this year, all tickets must be purchased online before arrival. Each driver will choose a date and time to attend the event.
Prices are based upon dates, times, and vehicle size:
· Cars/SUVs: $18.99 – $32.99 (limit 8 guests/vehicle)
· Limos: $65.00 - $99.00 (limit 12 guests/vehicle) and Party Buses under 11’: $125-$175 (limit 20 guests/vehicle)
· Friends of City Park members: receive 1 free admission and unlimited ½ price admission valid anytime on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays November 30th – January 3rd (except for the week of Christmas: Dec.21-23)
Guests will be required to stay in their vehicles at all times during the more than two mile long driving tour at Celebration in the Oaks. The driving tour begins Friederichs Avenue and ends on Dreyfous Avenue.
Tickets are on sale now. For more information visit CelebrationinTheOaks.com
Due to the driving tour experience and pandemic restrictions, here is a list of activities not happening as a part of the 2020 event:
· No Preview Party or Family Party
· No Jingle Bells & Beer event (as of 9/28/20)
· No nativity scene
· No access to public bathrooms
· No walking along the light exhibits, guests are required to stay in their cars at all times
· No Botanical Garden or Amusement Park part of the event (as of 9/28/20)
· No Party Buses over 11’ tall (they will not clear under the oak trees)
· No group discounts
· No entertainment outside of the light exhibits