Celebration in the Oaks
Visitors can experience a two-mile driving tour through historic oaks illuminated with over one million twinkling lights while listening to holiday classics on the radio. The walking tour offers access to the Botanical Garden and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, featuring unlimited amusement rides including the City Park Train. Guests on the walking tour can also explore Storyland, roast marshmallows, and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate.
What to Expect
Features over one million twinkling lights across driving and walking tours.
Event Details
Duration
Driving Tour: approximately 30–45 minutes. Walking Tour: approximately 90 minutes.
Ages
All ages
Organizer
New Orleans City Park
Food & Drink
Walking Tour guests can roast marshmallows and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate; refreshments are available for purchase at the Bike Night Pedal Pit Stop.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday light enthusiasts
Vibe
Festive and family-friendly
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Driving Tour: Bike Tour $7 per person; Cars/SUVs - Value Night $25; Cars/SUVs $40; Cars/SUVs - Dasher Pass $80; Limo $150; Limo - Dasher Pass $190; Sprinter Van $225; Sprinter Van - Dasher Pass $265. Walking Tour: Value Night $20/person; Combined with Driving Tour $25/person; Stand Alone $35/person. Children 2 and under are admitted free. Friends of City Park members receive one free Dasher Pass and a discount on Walking Tour tickets when booked on the same day as the Driving Tour. Bike Nights: $7 per person. – Get tickets
- Parking: All parking in City Park is free. Available parking includes the Tricentennial parking lot, street parking, parking near the entrance to Carousel Gardens and Storyland, and parking on Irby Field, weather permitting.
- Pets: Pets are allowed in cars on the Driving Tour but not on the Walking Tour. Do not leave pets in the car without you.
Tips & Advice
- Buy your tickets online in advance, because no tickets are sold at the gate and the entire event is cashless.
- Enter the Driving Tour during the arrival window on your ticket, and tune to 96.1 FM when you get there for holiday classics.
- Add the first name of everyone in your car when you book, since the names are used for an interactive part of the Driving Tour.
- Book a Value Night for the lowest ticket prices, but remember those tickets cannot be combined with other discounts such as member pricing.
- Leave outside food and drinks at home for the Walking Tour, since they are not allowed and hot chocolate and marshmallow roasting are included.
Special Events & Promotions
- Bike Nights, December 1–4: ride the lights route by bicycle, with the Driving and Walking Tours closed those nights
- Value Nights with lower ticket prices on November 29 and December 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17
- Dasher Pass for skip-the-line Driving Tour entry through its own entrance, sold separately
- Friends of City Park members get one free Dasher Pass and discounted Walking Tour tickets on the same night
- Holiday Lagniappe add-ons available when you buy tickets
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Walking Tour include?
It includes all-access to Storyland, Carousel Gardens and the Botanical Garden. You also get unlimited rides, including the City Park Train, plus free hot chocolate and marshmallow roasting. Allow about 90 minutes.
Where do I park for the Walking Tour?
All parking in City Park is free. You can use the Tricentennial lot off Dreyfous Drive or Victory Avenue, street parking, or the lot near the Carousel Gardens and Storyland entrance. Irby Field is also open when the weather allows.
Can I bring my dog?
Pets can ride in your car on the Driving Tour but aren't allowed on the Walking Tour. Don't leave a pet alone in the car.
What vehicles can go on the Driving Tour?
Sedans, SUVs, sprinter vans, limos, motorcycles, convertibles and street-legal golf carts are all allowed. In a convertible, everyone stays seated. Minibuses aren't allowed, nobody can ride in a truck bed, and everyone must wear a seatbelt.
What if I don't have a bike for Bike Night?
You can rent one from Wheel Fun Rentals or a Blue Bike station in and around the Park, but you can't reserve ahead. Every rider needs a ticket. The Pedal Pit Stop on Palm Drive has restrooms, seating and refreshments for sale.
More Christmas Events Near New Orleans
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.