Experience Celebration in the Oaks in City Park
Celebration in the Oaks has grown into one of New Orleans’ most beloved holiday traditions since its debut in 1993. Each November through early January, New Orleans City Park is transformed into a winter wonderland with over a million twinkling lights, festive displays, carnival rides, and more.
This spectacular light show gives visitors a magical forest escape right in the heart of the city. Marvel at the elaborately decorated oak trees draped in lights throughout the park. See unique themed exhibits like the Enchanted Treehouse, Mr. Bingle’s World, the Carnival, and Nightmare Before Christmas displays. Don’t miss the massive Atrium Christmas Tree and Reindeer Round Up for all-out yuletide cheer. With activities like photos with Santa, ice skating, s’mores stations and carnival rides, Celebration in the Oaks offers memorable fun for groups of all ages.
City Park is conveniently located between the French Quarter and the Garden District, but its 1,300 acres can still make parking a challenge. Avoid the parking headaches and pile your group into a charter bus rental from Charter Bus Company New Orleans. We’ll get your group there together so you can immediately dive into the festivities. And with the bus’s climate control and cozy reclining seats, you’ll stay comfortable while shuttling between exhibits. After exploring the dazzling light displays, hop back in the warmth of the bus to head to dinner or your next holiday adventure.
Celebration in the Oaks
Address: 1 Palm Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124
Phone: (504) 483-9488
Cheer on Mardi Gras Parade Floats
Mardi Gras may be the ultimate New Orleans holiday. The Carnival season officially begins on January 6th each year with nearly 70 parades rolling through the streets between then and Fat Tuesday. Plan a trip to New Orleans during this festive time to see the parades and experience Carnival magic!
The French Quarter becomes the heart of many major Mardi Gras parades like the Krewe of Rex and Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club. Other popular parades roll down St. Charles Ave and Veterans Blvd. See over-the-top floats, catch flying beads and plush dolls, and maybe even glimpse a celebrity king or queen if you’re lucky. Beyond the parades, Mardi Gras in New Orleans means music, colorful costumes, Cajun cuisine, and general revelry throughout the city.
Trying to get around New Orleans during Mardi Gras with a group can be challenging. With road closures for parades and crowds flocking into town, parking and navigation are no picnic. Avoid the transportation headaches by cruising around in a charter bus rental from Charter Bus Company New Orleans. We’ll get your group to each parade or event right on time and hassle-free. After catching beads on St. Charles Ave or taking a walking tour of the French Quarter, you’ll have a cozy seat to relax as your professional driver whisks you off to the next celebration.
French Quarter
The epicenter of Carnival in New Orleans! Catch parades along Canal Street and join the crowds taking in street performers, live music, and general revelry.
St. Charles Ave
Where many major Mardi Gras parades like Rex and Zulu roll. Find a good spot and be ready to catch beads, toys, and more!
Take Photos with Big Easy Christmas Lights
New Orleans celebrates the holidays with all kinds of festive lighting displays and decor. If your group wants to fully experience these gorgeous yuletide scenes, be sure to book a charter bus rental with Charter Bus Company New Orleans. We’ll provide easy transportation all over town so you can fully enjoy NOLA during Christmastime without parking or traffic headaches.
The Neighborhood light displays around the city are a must-see for the holiday season. Drive by the Celebration in the Oaks winter wonderland in City Park, or walk under thousands of twinkling lights on the saturated oak trees above St. Charles Avenue. The historic & festive decorations adorn Jackson Square in the French Quarter, where you can also watch street performances near Cafe Du Monde and get warm pralines and beignets. Make your way down Magazine Street to check out the Tchoupitoulas light show perfectly synced to the Trans – Siberian Orchestra.
Of course, your group will want to snap some holiday photos in front of the towering Christmas tree at Harrah’s Casino. No holiday trip would be complete without catching the Steamboat Natchez’s Christmas lights evening jazz cruise! Your charter bus driver can easily shuttle your group between all these locations and events for perfect photo ops this holiday season. After a long night viewing dazzling displays, you’ll appreciate having a quick ride back to your hotel or next event.
Jackson Square
700 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Beautiful holiday lights around the square, plus street performers and festive restaurants nearby!
Harrah’s New Orleans Casino
8 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Don’t miss the giant Christmas tree in the casino lobby perfect for holiday group shots.
Enjoy Traditional Reveillon Dinners
Reveillon dinner is a traditional Creole holiday meal in New Orleans. The Christmas Eve tradition dates back centuries when French colonists broke their all-day fast with an elegant multi-course dinner after midnight mass services. Today, restaurants across New Orleans continue the ritual by offering special reveillon prix fixe menus during the holiday season.
With dishes like oysters Rockefeller, duck confit, and flaming baked Alaska, reveillon menus offer a delicious way to experience local Creole cuisine and history. Many restaurants like Arnaud’s, Broussard’s, and Mr. B’s Bistro offer live jazz or carolers to make the experience even livelier. If you’ll be visiting with a group around Christmas, you won’t want to miss this signature NOLA culinary tradition.
You can have your own private dining experience aboard a charter bus rental from Charter Bus Company New Orleans. Reserve a bus equipped with reclining seats, WiFi, DVD players, and other amenities to keep your group comfortable. Your driver will take care of parking and navigation between restaurants or evening events so you can relax and savor the flavors of the Big Easy. After a satisfying multi-course meal, sit back for a quick ride to walk off that stuffed feeling and make room for more of New Orleans’ holiday pleasures.
Arnaud’s
813 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112
With live jazz and timeless Creole recipes, Arnaud’s has been serving revelion dinners since 1918.
Broussard’s
819 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Step into a gorgeous 19th century courtyard for a revelion menu full of local flavor.
Watch the Allstate Sugar Bowl Parade
On New Year’s Day, the streets of New Orleans come alive with the Allstate Sugar Bowl Parade. Since starting in 1936, the parade has become an iconic New Orleans tradition to ring in the new year. Your group can line up early to secure a great spot along the parade route. The procession kicks off at 11:00 am sharp in the CBD before heading down St. Charles Ave and Canal Street.
Marching bands, dance teams, and cheer squads from universities across the country perform to pump up the crowds. Of course, elaborate floats and giant helium balloons make an appearance too. Grab strands of beads and Moonpies as they’re thrown from the floats. See if you can catch one of the football-shaped floats in the lineup. Listen for the booming “Hey Fightin’ Tigers” chant as Louisiana State University’s Golden Band from Tigerland approaches.
After the parade, your group can hop into your comfortable charter bus rental and head straight to the Allstate Sugar Bowl game. Avoid dealing with traffic delays, expensive parking, crowded trains, or other hassles trying to get to the big game. Your bus driver knows the best routes to efficiently get your group to the Caesar’s Superdome with time to spare before kickoff. With cushy reclining seats, climate control, and maybe even WiFi and screens for watching highlights of recent games, you’ll arrive ready to cheer on your team.
If football isn’t your thing, that’s no problem. Your charter bus provides easy transportation for a new year’s day visit to the Audubon Zoo, the National WWII Museum, or anywhere else in the city you’d like to celebrate 2023’s arrival. Leave the holiday driving to us!
Allstate Sugar Bowl Parade Route
The parade starts on the river side of Canal St. at Tchoupitoulas St. It proceeds down Canal St. before turning onto St. Charles Ave. The route finishes at Lee Circle.
Caesars Superdome 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr, New Orleans, LA 70112
Home of the New Orleans Saints and site of the Allstate Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day
Enjoy Nachos and Brews at Beerfest
If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans over the winter holidays, consider attending the annual Beerfest at Champions Square. This event started in 2018 and has quickly become a favorite tradition for locals and visitors alike. Timed conveniently during the holidays, Beerfest takes place this year on December 10th, making it a perfect activity for your group.
With over 150 beers and ciders from 85 breweries, Beerfest is a craft beer lover’s paradise. Your group can share tasty four- or sixteen-ounce pours. Enjoy unlimited samples in the beer hall tents from all the local and national breweries in attendance. Restaurants from around New Orleans provide perfect beer pairing bites like loaded tater tots, po boys, and seafood boils. Make sure to hit the LSU-themed nacho bar!
Of course, no Beerfest is complete without games and entertainment. Go head to head on the human foosball court or take a spin on one of the two ferris wheels onsite. Catch a show on one of the multiple music stages after fueling up on brews and tasty bites.
Trying to coordinate getting a large group to Beerfest could quickly lead to headaches. Avoid parking or traffic issues and long walks by renting a charter bus from Charter Bus Company New Orleans. We’ll pick up your group and drop you off right at Champions Square, so you can dive right into the beer tasting and games. After a long day of imbibing, you’ll appreciate having a quick ride back to your hotel or next stop. Leave the holiday driving to us!
Beerfest
Champions Square 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr, New Orleans, LA 70112
An annual craft beer tasting tradition in New Orleans with over 150 brews, bites, games, and music
Rent With Charter Bus Company New Orleans To Hit Every Attraction
As you can see, New Orleans is the place to be during the spectacular holiday season. From twinkling light displays to lively parades and parties, groups have endless ways to celebrate the season in the Big Easy. Avoid the parking and transportation headaches during your holiday visit by renting a charter bus from Charter Bus Company New Orleans.
Our diverse fleet includes minibuses and full-size coaches to accommodate groups large and small. All our vehicles are equipped for comfort with amenities like plush seats, climate control, luggage storage, and entertainment systems. Your professional driver will safely transport your group all over New Orleans during your holiday travels. You can relax and focus on soaking in the seasonal magic of this one-of-a-kind city.
Ready to book your NOLA holiday bus rental? Call Charter Bus Company New Orleans at 504-681-9177 today and one of our rental experts will walk you through the quick and easy process. We’re available 24/7 to answer any questions and provide a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your group’s size and trip details. Let us handle your transportation so you can spend your time enjoying the many seasonal delights of New Orleans!