Coming this December!!!
Hey y’all! It’s Karen Brem, Marketing Director over at the Historic Mardi Gras Inn here in the heart of New Orleans, and let me tell you—if you haven’t experienced Celebration in the Oaks at City Park, honey, you’re in for a real treat. This year, City Park’s most fabulous annual event is about to light up your life (literally), and there’s no better place to rest your tired feet after all the magic than at our newly renovated, LGBTQ+-owned-and-operated Historic Mardi Gras Inn—just a stone’s throw from all the action.
Celebration in the Oaks is the event of the season, and it’s a whole vibe. It’s the single largest fundraiser for City Park, and trust me when I say, this is a park that requires year round love and attention to host all the amazing community events it hosts every month. The park’s 1,300 acres are home to some of the oldest and most majestic oak trees you’ll ever see—some are over 800 years old! During Celebration in the Oaks, these iconic trees become part of a jaw-dropping, glittering light show that’s bound to make even the grumpiest of Scrooges crack a smile.
The entire park gets dressed to the nines with over a million twinkling lights. It’s not just a light show—it’s a full-on glitter explosion. Whether you’re strolling through the park or riding along on a driving tour, you’ll be immersed in a whimsical wonderland that feels straight out of a fairy tale… but, like, a fairy tale with a lot more sass. And guess what? Every ticket you buy supports the ongoing maintenance of this gorgeous space, so you’re not just seeing something magical—you’re helping keep City Park fabulous for generations to come.
Now, let’s talk about how you can get in on the action. There are two ways to enjoy the lights: the walking tour and the driving tour. For those of you who want to get up close and personal with those twinkling oaks, the walking tour is for you. It’s an all-access pass to the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park (18 rides, darling!) and the elegant Botanical Garden, where you’ll be snapping photos of your crew under the most magical lights you’ve ever seen. Trust me, it’s the kind of beauty that’ll make your Insta pop. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a holiday card—and everyone loves a holiday card, right?
But if you’re more of a “I like my lights, but I also like staying in my seat” type, the driving tour is perfect. It’s a leisurely cruise through the park where you’ll catch all the magic without having to walk a single extra step. The driving tour departs from The Big Lake Pavilion (right by the entrance) and lasts about 30 minutes—plenty of time to take it all in. Tickets for this experience run around $10 per person, and if you’re in the mood to splurge, consider upgrading to the VIP experience for a little extra pizzazz.
Whether you’re rocking the walking tour or cruising in your car, you’ll be surrounded by families, couples, and all kinds of wonderful people, including our fabulous LGBTQ+ community. We’re proud to say our Historic Mardi Gras Inn is now LGBTQ+-owned and operated—because everyone deserves a fabulous place to rest their head after a night of fun. We’ve just finished a hotel-wide renovation, so now’s the perfect time to check us out. Our rooms are clean, comfy, and super affordable—and our warm, welcoming staff is here to make sure you have a wonderful time. From the moment you step through our doors, you’re family.
And speaking of family—if you’re one of those “I’m here for the fun, but I’m also here for the nightlife” types, girl, do I have news for you! We’re just one block away from the iconic French Quarter, where the nightlife never stops. So, after you’ve had your fill of lights and magic at City Park, make sure you head into the Quarter for an entirely different kind of merriment. Whether you’re in the mood for a cocktail or a good old-fashioned drag show, the French Quarter is always ready to serve it up.
Oh, and did I mention? Our location is perfect for getting around town. There’s a streetcar stop just steps from our front door that’ll take you straight to all the hot spots in New Orleans—so no matter where you’re headed, it’s a breeze to get there.
So, what are you waiting for? Make a long weekend out of it! Book your stay with us at the Historic Mardi Gras Inn, soak in the twinkling beauty of Celebration in the Oaks, and treat yourself to the best of both worlds: nature, lights, family, fun—and a whole lot of queer magic. ✨
For more information on accommodations call us directly at 504.949.5815 OR 1.800.209.9408. Or you may welcome to visit us online at historicmardigrasinn.com.
We can’t wait to welcome you to New Orleans, darling. Your winter wonderland getaway is just one click away. 🌈💫