There comes a magic moment each fall when dinosaurs appear in City Park. They are joined by giant toy soldiers, candy canes, huge Christmas ornaments, and all the other colorful, lighted attractions that help make City Park’s Celebration in the Oaks the centerpiece of New Orleans’ holiday festivities.

Starting Friday, Nov. 28, thousands will wander the myriad twinkling displays in the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, Children’s Story Land and the Botanical Garden, as strands of cars and bicycles wind through decorated roadways and the miniature train toots along its tracks.

Julie LaCour, director of Celebration in the Oaks, said she’s been helping create the holiday display for 20 years now, and she’s especially excited about the 2025 presentation. The big show is always changing, she

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