City Park's annual lightling display of magical holiday lights and musical displays to delight every age will take place nightly during the 2006 holiday season in the newly replanted Botanical Garden, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, and Storyland fairytale playground. Join us as we try to build back our great city, hold on to our traditions and bring joy, hope, and normalcy to those that have lost so much. Dates:

Friday, November 24^th through Saturday, Decmber 30^th, 2006

Weekends Only November 24^th through November 26^th
Open Nightly December 1^st through December 30^th
Closed December 24^th and 25^th

Monday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Friday through Sunday, 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

$5.00 per person, children age 3 and under free
Friends of City Park: One Free Admission

To volunteer in any capacity before or during the event or for more information, leave a message at (504) 483-9415 or email us.

Exhibits

This year's walking tour will feature a the return of a New Orleans tradition as the two-story tall Mr. Bingle that once reigned over the season on Canal Street joins Celebration in the Oaks.

A state of the art Laser Light Show with various holiday themed animations and music will be presented nightly in the Azalea Garden. The New show being presented at Celebration in the Oaks will run every twenty minutes from 5:30 until 10:00p.m.

The New Orleans Historic Train Garden, a 14,000 square foot elevated display located in the Botanical Garden showcases over 40 intricately crafted New Orleans landmark buildings. An assortment of trains and streetcars travel along 1,400 feet of rail.

A twenty-foot tall Poinsettia tree will be the focal point of the Botanical Garden's Conservatory of the Two Sisters. The conservatory also features the Tropical Rain forest and the Living Fossils exhibits.

Gallery of Childrens' Trees: Children from area schools will create handcrafted ornaments and proudly display them on Christmas trees lining the walkways in the Plano Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens.

Garden Club Wreaths: The Federated Council of New Orleans Garden Clubs and the Jefferson Parish Council of Garden Clubs will display holiday wreaths in the Lath House.

Several other large exhibits will be located in the Botanical Garden.

Attractions

Amusement Rides: Mitchell Brothers Amusements of Slidell Louisiana will operate 20 rides and attractions for all ages, big and small, young and tall. Rides will include Ring of Fire, Starship 2000, Himalaya, Motorcycle jump, and Sizzler. Family games will include lucky duck, dart throw, balloon throw, and much more.
The Park's Carousel Gardens (including the Antique Carousel and Train ride) will be closed.

Entertainment: Each evening, groups will perform. Groups include gospel groups, children's choirs, dancing troupes and many of New Orleans most talented performers.


Living Nativity: Re-enactments of the Nativity will be presented by area public and parochial schools with the help of the Council of Catholic Schools Cooperative Club and the Archdiocesan Office of Catholic Schools in the Botanical Garden. To participate, contact Cheryl Cabes at (504)887-5627 or busylady1@cox.net.

Family Holiday Photos and Santa Photos by Images Everywhere: Professional Photographers will be on the walking tour offering photos for purchase at the event (cash and check only) or online.

Visits with Santa Claus: Located on the walking tour nightly from December 9^th through December 23^rd, 2005, 6:00-9:00p.m.

Christmas Trees: Area schools interested in having a tree at Celebration in the Oaks call (504) 483-9415 or email us.

Mid City Art Market: Local artists will be displaying and selling original art and a variety of handmade items nightly. For more information, visit midcityartmarket.org or email midcityartmarket@yahoo.com.

Storyland: City Park's fairy tale theme park featuring twenty-six larger then life storybook exhibits for kids will be open at Celebration in the Oaks. Little visitors can climb on, slide down or pretend to be their favorite character. Mother Goose, Pinocchio's whale, and Captain Hook's ship as well as many other whimsical figures will delight the young and young at heart nightly on the walking tour.

School Nights: Discontinued for 2006

Special Events

Children's Preview Party:

Sunday, November 19^th
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Hines Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and Storyland
$25.00 per person, attendance limited

Featuring a smorgasboard of all the food kids can't get enough of-- chili, cookies, candy, hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, cakes, peanut butter and jelly sanwiches, icees, chips, coke, and much more, plus all the amusement rides and entertainment from dancers, musicians, puppets, and other treats.



Preview Party:
Friday, November 17^th
7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
New Orleans Botanical Garden
Cost:

$125 Patron Level

$90 per person in Advance

$100 at the door




This sparkling holiday party previewing the Celebration in the Oaks light display benefits the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Food, libation and spirit providers will be featured Celebration in the Oaks Run/Walk: TBA For information, visit http://www.ccff.org.
Snowland: TBA , 8:30 a.m. until the snow is gone. Over 40 tons of snow for children's play, and Santa will be there! Sponsored by the former owners of Radiofone and their employees.



Parking is available in the Tennis Parking lots and throughout the park.


Please note that the driving tour has been cancelled for 2006 due to damage from Hurricane Katrina.