New displays expand exhibit at Celebration in the Oaks

NEW ORLEANS — Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans City Park is bigger and better every year, and this year new exhibits make this one-of-a-kind holiday light festival a must-see, according to the park’s press release. More than 550,000 LED bulbs bring themed displays to life within 20 gated acres of the park and two miles along the historic train route.
The new exhibits include ‘“Sea’labration” transporting viewers under the sea with first-of-its-kind artistry using crystals and LED lights, according to park officials. Joining ‘“Sea’labration” in the Botanical Garden, Benjamin Franklin’s electric discovery is re-created and Jackson Square is replicated with hundreds of LED lights on the train route.
The Plano Garden hosts the playful new ‘“Irish’ You Happy Holidays” with leprechauns and four-leaf clovers. In Storyland, the interactive exhibit “Out of this World” encourages attendees to pose as astronauts ready for space with photo-ready cut-outs.
The new exhibits are the result of months of brainstorming and engineering by the seven-member staff dedicated to creating Celebration in the Oaks. In addition to the brand-new exhibits, visitors will see two enhancements on old favorites.
“Mr. Bingle” leads the miniature train ride on a brand new magic carpet, the exhibits along the 2-mile ride have been expanded to feature more lights and the beloved Loch Ness makes his return.
“Celebration in the Oaks is a wonderful display that people come from all over to enjoy,” said John Hopper, chief development and public affairs director. “These new exhibits are an example of the creativity our team has with lights and engineering. They always pleasantly surprise me!”
Celebration in the Oaks opens Nov. 29 and will be on display through Jan. 4, 2014. The exhibit closes for two nights only on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31. Visitors from across the country enjoy this holiday tradition, taking in traditional favorites like the “Dripping Snow” display and the “Cajun Night Before Christmas,” park officials said.
For information on Celebration in the Oaks, visit www.CelebrationInTheOaks.com.