Each year at this time, The Oaks of Louisiana puts on its holiday best.

Outside, white twinkling lights line the various residences, MarketPlace at The Oaks, the chapel and the community’s gated entrance on East Flournoy Lucas Road. Inside, more than 30 themed trees are located in common areas throughout the campus, eliciting wide-eyed amazement from all who pass and stoking warm holiday memories of Christmases long ago. That residents enjoy a beautifully decorated home for the holidays without lifting a finger is one of the benefits of the maintenance-free lifestyle offered at The Oaks.

It also is an opportunity to extend the holiday spirit to the outside community through the annual Tour of Trees. The Tour of Trees, Dec. 14 and 15, has become a popular holiday offering. Visitors are guided through

Tower at The Oaks, Alta and John Franks Community Centre of Garden Apartments at The Oaks and Savannah at The Oaks, where they view elaborately decorated trees and hear the inspiration for the decorations, which include swags on armoires and credenzas and garland and wreaths hung throughout.

Imagine a whimsical tree covered in gingerbread boys and girls and gingerbread houses. Or a tree covered in ornaments representing different religious faiths. Or snowmen, red birds, owls, or doves. Even cupcakes and nutcrackers!

Some of the trees visitors will see on this year’s tour include “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” “A Dickens Christmas” and “Under the Sea.” One of the favorites, back again this year, is the Tower Theater tree, which is sure to delight movie fans with ornaments that pay homage to Tinseltown and movies – clapboards, boxes of popcorn, hot dogs, pretzels and movie reels. There also are trees in Health Center at Live Oak, including North Pavilion, and the Chapel Annex.

Included in the tour are complimentary refreshments served at the clubhouse adjacent to MarketPlace at The Oaks. The clubhouse has been transformed into the Island of Misfit Toys, a perfect venue for the jolly old man in a red suit who’s taking a break from business at the North Pole just for the occasion. (Don’t forget your camera!)

“This is our way of making the holidays feel like home for the residents,” says Kim Bickham, nutritional services director at Willis-Knighton Health System and The Oaks of Louisiana. “It is also our gift to the community – to offer something the entire family can enjoy during the holiday season.”