Returning November 23-December 30, 2023, Celebration in the Oaks has been a New Orleans tradition since the 1980s. Located in New Orleans City Park, Celebration is a fundraiser vital to the park’s maintenance, care, and beautification year-round. This dazzling holiday lights display gives you the option to drive or walk through the park plus the option to ride the rides at Carousel Gardens. Get your tickets here and read on below for where to stay, eat, and more during your trip to New Orleans.

How to Attend Celebration in the Oaks

Choose between a driving or walking tour when booking tickets to Celebration in the Oaks. The driving tour is approximately 30 to 45 minutes and is 2.25 miles, and prices for cars and SUVs start at $25 on value nights and $40 on other nights. The walking tour is approximately 90 minutes and includes an all-access pass to the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the Botanical Garden. Children under 36″ are admitted free. Tickets to the walking tour are $35 or $25 when combined with the driving tour. There are three special bike nights during the season, and those tickets are $5. The walking tour is not open during bike nights. For more on attending Celebration in the Oaks, see here.

Where to Stay Near Celebration in the Oaks

If you’re wanting to stay near City Park, booking a bed & breakfast is the way to go. Oakview Bed & Breakfast is located right across from the park. The Canal Street Inn is located just a few streetcar stops away and holds 11 charming and unique guestrooms.

The French Quarter is located about 15 minutes away from City Park. If you’re staying there, the holiday magic is only a short drive away.

Things to Do Near Celebration in the Oaks

City Park is a New Orleans treasure filled with 1300 acres of green space. Ahead of your visit to Celebration in the Oaks, visit the New Orleans Museum of Art, Café du Monde, New Orleans Botanical Garden, Louisiana Children’s Museum, Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, City Putt, Storyland, and more. You could spend a whole day or even a whole trip exploring City Park and the surrounding areas.

Outside of the park, find the Lafitte Greenway, lined with breweries and small businesses, and Bayou St. John, a fun place to go kayaking or biking. Visit the Pitot House Museum, a West Indies-style historic home. The New Orleans Lakefront, great for boat-watching, is not too far from the park either.

Hop on the historic streetcar and ride all the way down Canal Street, which ends at the foot of the French Quarter.

The holiday magic doesn’t end at Celebration in the Oaks—November and December are the perfect months to experience the Holidays New Orleans Style. The tradition of bonfires, free concerts, multi-course Réveillon dinner menus, and hotel lobby lights are extra reasons to visit during the holiday season. Consider booking your trip around LUNA Fête, Caroling in Jackson Square, NOLA ChristmasFest, or the Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade. See here for more ideas during your stay.

Where to Eat Near Celebration in the Oaks

There are several dining options open during the day in City Park, like Café NOMA and Acorn. However, if you’re interested in dinner, consider visiting a nearby restaurant. MOPHO has pho to keep you warm, and Monday Restaurant + Bar is the perfect place for New Orleans cuisine like red beans & rice. Café Navarre has a family-friendly atmosphere while Rosedale is a laid-back spot for Southern fare. Of course, the perfect post-Celebration in the Oaks dessert is located right in City Park at Café du Monde.

Esplanade Avenue is home to many great restaurants. Enjoy Spanish cuisine at Lola’s, Tex-Mex at Santa Fe, French food at Café Degas, and Ethiopian cuisine at Addis NOLA, located just off Esplanade on Bayou Road.

Where to Drink Near Celebration in the Oaks

Adults can keep the party going after Celebration in the Oaks. Deutsches Haus is within walking distance from the park and specializes in German beer. Pal’s Lounge is a neighborhood bar with plenty of personality. Other hangs in Mid-City include The Bulldog, Finn McCool’s, and Twelve Mile Limit.