Snow worries! Celebration in
the Oaks isn't canceled for 2020, so at least one thing will be normal this
year. Though the event will be slightly modified, the (light) show must go on!
Every year, City Park welcomes over 165,000
visitors to Celebration in the Oaks. And this year, you can be one of them. City
Park announced that, even with the coronavirus, they will give a safe
opportunity for the people of Louisiana to celebrate this holiday season. All light
displays will be drive-though only, as they used to be many years ago, but the
event will take place as planned.
"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," City Park CEO Bob Becker
said.
Exhibits will bring back favorites dating back
to 2004, including the "Monstro," the 24-foot tall whale from Pinocchio; a
15-foot "Waving Santa"; Dino-Bration; Buggin' Out; music tributes; Jackson
Square scenes; Toyland; Victoria the unicorn; and so much more.
Unfortunately, due to social distancing, there
will be no access to public bathrooms, no walking the light exhibits--guests
are required to stay in their vehicles at all times--no botanical garden or
amusement park, no group discounts, no large party buses, and no entertainment
outside of the light exhibits.
This year, the ticketing system will also look
a little different. Patrons will purchase a date and time for the driving tour,
and tickets won't be valid if used for any other time slot outside their
purchase. The tour will take between 30 and 47 minutes. The route is 2.25
miles, starting on Friederichs Avenue and extending to Zachary Talor Drive,
then to Henry Thomas Drive to Palm Drive, and ending on Dreyfous Avenue.
The prices are as follows:
● Cars/SUVs: $18.99 - $32.99
(limit 8 guests/vehicle)
● Limos: $65.00 - $99.00
(limit 12 guests/vehicle) and Party Buses under 11 feet: $125-$175 (limit 20
guests/vehicle)
●
Friends of City Park members receive one free admission and
unlimited half-price admissions, valid anytime on Mondays, Tuesdays, or
Wednesdays, November 30 - January 3 (except for the week of Christmas, December
21 - 23)
Christmas in the Oaks is set to happen between
November 26 and January 3. The venue will be closed December 24 and 31.
