New Orleans (November 17, 2014)

WHAT: With thousands of dazzling lights and breathtaking displays, Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans City Park is an annual holiday tradition for families in the Crescent City and across the country. Friends and families can kick off the yearly opening with an early glimpse of the stunning Christmas displays at one of three Celebration in the Oaks preview parties. Tickets are on sale now at CelebrationInTheOaks.com.

"New Orleans City Park is the perfect place to host this annual holiday event. The displays take your breath away," said City Park Director of Public Affairs, John Hopper. "The Park's oaks are swathed in thousands of lights with different themed displays within 25 acres of the Park. Including two miles of lights lining the Park's train route and Celebration in the Oaks is an enduring family tradition for thousands of visitors."

 

Print media outlets may attend the first weekend of Celebration in the Oaks (11/28 through 11/30) to take photos of the event. Preview parties will only show select parts of Celebration in the Oaks. Those who wish to participate should email Amanda Frentz, Media Manager, with the name of the reporter who will attend. Please send the email to AFrentz@nocp.org and she'll return your email with details.

 


PREVIEW PARTY:
Adults are welcome to the Celebration in the Oaks Preview Party to view the holiday displays with exclusive access to the Botanical Garden and Train Route. Live entertainment will entertain audiences on five separate music stages. With 40 top New Orleans restaurants and caterers serving the best of New Orleans cuisine. Those 21 and older can ring in the holiday season along with unlimited open bars. Holiday cocktail attire is required.

WHERE: New Orleans Botanical Garden

HOURS: Friday, November 21, 7:30pm-11pm

COST: $100 in advance and $120 at the door
Friends of City Park ticket prices are $90

 

JINGLE BELLS & BEER: A new party this year
Please join us for our inaugural holiday event created just for young adults - and those young at heart! Jingle Bells & Beer will be so much good fun you'll land on Santa's Naughty List! Guests can experience all the rides within City Park's Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, under the beautiful lights of Celebration in the Oaks. Craft beers (and wine, too!) will be available throughout the Amusement Park, and "munchies" will be provided from local food vendors. Dancing to live music, featuring ‘Gravy' and ‘Naughty Professor' will make your bells jingle!

Admission includes:
* Rides at the amusement park, including the miniature train and carousel.
* Beer, soft drinks and water from a variety of local distributors
* Food for all guests, provided by local restaurants, grocery stores and vendors.

Must be 21 or over to attend.

WHERE: Carousel Gardens Amusement Park

HOURS: November 22, 7pm-10pm

COST: $40/person in advance; $45/person day of event
Friends of City Park members: $35/person in advance, $45/person day of event


FAMILY PARTY:
Families can enjoy unlimited Storyland rides, including the miniature train and historic carousel, unlimited food and entertainment during the Celebration in the Oaks Children's Preview Party: New Orleans Premier Holiday Family Event. Stilt walkers, balloon clowns, and more will have both children and parents giddy with the holiday spirit. This year characters from the Frozen movie will be available for photos. Don't forget your camera!

WHERE: Carousel Gardens and Storyland

HOURS: Sunday, November 24, 5pm-8pm

COST:

Time: Early Admission: 5pm - (6pm) 8:30pm

Tickets: $40/person in advance
Children under 2 get in free!

 

Time: General Admission: 6pm - 8:30pm

Tickets: $30/person in advance
Friends of City Park members: $25/person in advance
Children under 2 get in free!


CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS:
The weeks-long event following the parties:
City Park's famous oaks are swathed in hundreds of thousands of twinkling white lights and breathtaking light displays are scattered throughout 25 acres of the Park. While there are many traditional displays like the Who Dat tree, Mr. Bingle, and the Cajun Night before Christmas, there are also many new wonders this year.

New for the 2014 season:
-Expanded items to see on the 2 mile long mini train ride
-Expanded Sea-Labration exhibit with a huge moving Gulf oyster
-"Aliens Visit Planet Celebration"
-"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree"
-Expanded French Quarter Neighborhood scene
-A kicker and referee under the Who Dat tree
-A waving Santa as you leave CITO
-Seymour the Pelican is back!
-Even more dinosaurs along the mini train route
-Bubble-lights in the Anseman Oak tree

WHERE: New Orleans Botanical Garden, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, and Storyland

HOURS: The 2014-2015 season: November 28 - January 3
Closed: 12/1 thru 12/4; 12/24 and 12/31
Sunday - Thursday: 6pm -10pm Friday & Saturday: 6pm -11pm
OPEN Christmas night!

COST: Tickets: $8/person
Children under 3 and Friends of City Park: Free
Train Ride: $4
Amusement Park Rides: $3/single ride ticket (excludes train)
$17/unlimited ride band (includes train)

 

To for more event details or to purchase Celebration the Oaks or Preview Party tickets, visit CelebrationInTheOaks.com or call (504) 483-9415.


About City Park:
City Park is distinguished by its large menu of sports and recreational activities, attractions for children, and its natural beauty. City Park has a special place in the hearts of generations of New Orleanians and is a must visit for visitors to the city. As a popular place to picnic, play a favorite sport, wander through its gardens or take a boat ride- the Park receives millions of visitors each year. It is located in the heart of the city and is the largest recreation area for the entire metropolitan area. Attractions include: City Putt, New Orleans Botanical Garden, Storyland fairytale playground, the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, and numerous athletic venues. The 1,300 acres of parkland provide enjoyment for young children playing on our playgrounds and walkers, joggers, and bicyclists winding through the Park's streets and trails.
###

 


Amanda Frentz | Media Manager | New Orleans City Park
O:504.483.1700 | C:504.722.0735 | NewOrleansCityPark.com

New Orleans City Park Mission Statement: Preserve and improve City Park spaces for recreational, educational, cultural and beautification purposes.