Celebration In The Oaks

What a wonderful tradition it has been to see the lights here! This year we got a special treat and an even bigger krewe - Ash came out to see the lights with us! First thing - we didn't care for the food or the service in the Cafe, and the pizza stop didn't serve soft drinks. Too bad, because the line was long at the cafe and I would have paid triple not to stand in it. Besides, the service could have been better and more friendly, but we were one of the first customers of the night, so maybe it picked up once the staff settled in. For being so early in the night, though, the food wasn't very fresh.What we didn't know was that the Beer Garden was also serving food, and this stuff was really delicious. They were out of the burgers (still had plenty smell, though, and I wanted a big cup of it!) when we found our way here, but there were some chicken breasts freshly grilled, so I got one to try it out. Wow, perfectly cooked, hot and juicy! I piled on the fresh fixin's from the bar, added some mayo, and settled in to enjoy this delicious sammie!The hot coca was next level yummy, really creamy tasting with a hint of marshmallow. Speaking of marshmallow, don't miss the roasting section with the giant marshmallow snowman...the heat is just right for making perfectly toasted puffs.The lights are always cool, as is the train garden, and the extra long "real train" ride gave us a chance to chat and chill. It's not cheap to get in, but definitely worth the price of admission...even the rides are included along with all the hot chocolate you can drink.Merry Christmas!

I was initially hesitant about coming here bc of the overpriced tickets (walking tour: $35/pp +T&F) and Christmas activities which are typically a big letdown. About ~30m in, I came to realize the breadth & depth of this event, and how happy children = money well spent! Open Fri, 5-11pm25 acres (botanical garden, storyland, carousel gardens amusement park)~15 rides Comp hot chocolate and s'mores (beautiful setup ... let it snow!)There's one structure where kids climb up these zig-zag rope-style steps, all the way to the top, then come down this spin slide that easily gets bottlenecked bc there prob isn't a worker at the top spacing out the children. I'm assuming most of the kids were going crazy as a result of this. My DS went up/down over 20x, laughing hysterically for ~1hr. Talk about some great exercise!The Ferris wheel line moves super slow due to the cumbersome nature of unloading/loading passengers. My advice would be to get this ride out of the way, sooner rather than later. Great views from the top!The train ride around the park was quite long (in a good way) and relaxing.

Christmas In The Oaks has not been giving lately!!Christmas In The Oaks used to be so exciting, even the drive through portion. I feel they've been slacking lately-- for some years now even pre-Covid. I've been going since I was a little girl and it's always been so nice + enjoyable. The last time I did the walk through which was pre-Covid it was just decent. I did the drive through last night and was not impressed AT ALL. There were lights that weren't working, sections where you drive and there are no lights at all, nothing fantastic. Even the kids were disappointed. We did see Santa sitting w| the list which was boring as well. You could honestly do better driving through your neighborhood or just the city all together looking at the lights. It was indeed basic.

The drive-thru is still available this year and it was a fun way to start off the event! The entrance is on Wisner side of park. They scanned our ticket from our phone and we were on our way. I think our favorite part was seeing our names on Santa's list!!! It took us about 25 minutes to get thru but we did go very slow to take it all in. Driving part was done, just before playground, and we easily parked near amusement park. We again had tickets scanned from our phone and started the next part of our adventure.If you walk over to the botanical gardens, there is a bar set up for drinks, waters, pretzels, popcorn, chips, etc. Be sure to get your hot cocoa by Parker's Cafe because it is free! There was another area somewhere with pizza. Roasting area for marshmallows is between train and carousel area. You can add a s'mores pack with chocolate & grahams for $3.50. Our kids rode nearly all the rides, and some of them 3 or 4 times!! We also rode the train which was fun, but it wasn't as spectacular as in years prior because all the lights are in the drive-thru part. They are open until midnight on Friday/Saturday nights. All in all it was a fantastic evening full of fun and worth every penny!!

Wholesome family entertainment during the holiday season.We were here pre-Covid and it's a spectacle of lights and music. So much to see as it seems every tree and bush had been transformed into some sort of colorful holiday display.Be sure to take the train ride and see all parts of the park. Worth it for the small fee and it's actually a long relaxing ride.Best part was having a beer while toasting jumbo marshmallows over an open fire, while it was also fake snowing. Cheesy good fun!

This was my second year attending Celebration in the Oaks. With Covid 19, this year is completely drive through and you must buy your ticket online. The weekend days sell out quickly, so I opted for a Tuesday evening. It was perfect and there weren't many vehicles. When entering the park, there's a sign to turn to a radio station to listen to Christmas music. Note that you're required to wear a mask when interacting with the staff in the check in line.Overall, the lights/decorations were nice. Compared to last year, it seems like they scaled it back some. I did appreciate that it was a long, slow drive throughout the park...very relaxing! There were no cars directly in front or behind me so I was able to stop and take pictures as much as I wanted. There's a big, lit up naughty list at the end that's supposed to display your names (based on the list you provide when you buy the ticket). Sadly, it didn't work when I drove past it. With such a huge focus on social distancing right now, Celebration in the Oaks is an excellent choice for a nice outing with the family.

Disappointed after waiting many years to attend. Paid extra for Dasher Pass & security sent me to wrong place so had to wait in long line. My car occupants were super bored, animation limited, music like "Santa Baby" played. Not much of a Christmas-y feel.

With so many negative reviews, I could not believe how wonderful everything was. My grandson enjoyed the rides so much. There was so many people but everything moved quickly. We did the walking tour. Can't wait to go back again next year.

It was ok but DEFINITELY not worth the money. That was my first and last time going. Unless they add a lot more lights to it. I rather ride around different neighborhoods and pay just for gas.

What does a lighted black widow spider, a lighted sailing ship, lots of lighted dinosaurs and insects have to do with Christmas or winter holidays? Nothing. That's what I got out of Celebration in the Oaks. I certainly wasted my money, and hope you don't waste yours. Of course, there's nothing wrong with these pretty, lighted decorations. Just don't tie them to the Christmas season. Do them in August or May when there are few holidays.