Dream Glow Festival 2026 in Irvine: Tickets, Dates & Details

Looking for a fun way to light up your holiday season? Dream Glow Festival is returning to Orange County, transforming Wild Rivers Waterpark in Irvine into a dazzling nighttime wonderland filled with more than 1,000 handcrafted light displays, colorful lanterns, interactive experiences, and festive entertainment.

Running November 5 through December 30, 2026, this immersive holiday festival features three themed worlds: Sweet Dreams, Outer Space, and Christmas Fantasy. Visitors can wander through glowing gardens, larger-than-life illuminated sculptures, whimsical displays, and festive winter scenes while enjoying live performances, seasonal food, and holiday shopping.

New for 2026, Dream Glow Festival is adding even more interactive activities, live entertainment, and opportunities to win prizes. There's also an Arctic Snow Village, where visitors can enjoy snow effects, hot cocoa, and seasonal treats.

Dream Glow Festival in Irvine at Wild Rivers Water Park

Whether you're planning a family outing, a festive date night, or just looking for something a little different to do during the holidays, Dream Glow Festival is a fun addition to your Orange County holiday bucket list.

Dream Glow Festival 2026 Details

Dates: November 5 – December 30, 2026
Hours: Opens at 5:00 PM; closing times vary between 9:00 & 9:30 PM
Location: Wild Rivers Waterpark, 10000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine, CA 92618
Admission: Starting at $25 for children and $37 for adults
Parking: Free on-site parking
Ages: All ages
Tickets: Advance reservations recommended

Website: dreamglowfestival.com

What to Expect at Dream Glow Festival

Dream Glow Festival is an immersive walk-through light experience featuring more than 1,000 handcrafted illuminated displays. The festival combines traditional Chinese lantern-making techniques with imaginative designs, colorful installations, and holiday-themed attractions.

The displays are created by skilled artisans who shape, assemble, decorate, and illuminate the enormous lantern sculptures by hand.

Visitors can explore three distinct themed worlds, each offering its own atmosphere and photo opportunities.

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Sweet Dreams

Step into a colorful fantasy world filled with whimsical characters, oversized illuminated creations, glowing gardens, and playful displays. Sweet Dreams is designed to be fun for all ages, with plenty of imaginative scenes and colorful backdrops for family photos.

Outer Space

Take a trip beyond the stars in this glowing cosmic adventure. Explore illuminated space-inspired displays, larger-than-life creations, and imaginative installations that bring the wonders of outer space to life.

Christmas Fantasy

Get into the holiday spirit in a festive world filled with sparkling Christmas displays, seasonal decorations, and wintertime magic. This is where you'll find plenty of holiday photo opportunities and a little extra Christmas cheer.

Arctic Snow Village

What's a winter festival without a little snow? The Arctic Snow Village brings a winter wonderland atmosphere to Southern California, complete with snow machines, seasonal decorations, hot cocoa, and festive treats.

It's a fun stop for families, especially younger visitors who want to experience a little winter magic without leaving Orange County.

Bundle up for the evening and enjoy the snowy atmosphere while exploring the surrounding holiday displays.

Live Entertainment & Interactive Activities

Dream Glow Festival is more than just a walk-through light show. The 2026 event features live cultural performances, interactive installations, activities, and opportunities to win special prizes.

Entertainment highlights include:

Sichuan Opera Face-Changing: Watch performers demonstrate the fascinating traditional art of rapidly changing elaborate masks.
Chinese Acrobatics: Enjoy impressive acrobatic performances showcasing balance, flexibility, and skill.
Traditional Cultural Performances: Experience performances and demonstrations celebrating Chinese culture and artistry.
Interactive Activities: Discover hands-on experiences and activities throughout the festival.
Photo Opportunities: Capture pictures among the illuminated sculptures, glowing gardens, and themed installations.

Performance schedules and activity availability may vary by date.

Christmas Market & Holiday Shopping

Dream Glow Festival also features a Christmas market where visitors can browse a selection of unique gifts and popular products from around the world.

It's a fun opportunity to do a little holiday shopping while enjoying the festival. Look for interesting gifts, festive finds, and items you might not come across at your typical shopping center.

Vendor participation and merchandise selections may vary.

Food & Drinks at Dream Glow Festival

You'll find food and beverages throughout the festival, including themed snacks and festive drinks designed to complement the different displays and holiday atmosphere.

Warm up with hot cocoa at the Arctic Snow Village, grab a seasonal snack, or enjoy one of the festival's colorful themed beverages.

Food and drink selections are available for purchase and may vary throughout the event.

Dream Glow Festival Tickets & Admission

Dream Glow Festival offers general admission and premium ticket options. All listed prices include taxes and fees.

General Admission

Adult: $37 per person
Child: $25 per person
Children under 3: Free

Premium Admission

Premium Adult: $53 per person
Premium Child: $41 per person

Premium tickets include:

Expedited entry to help you skip the regular admission line.
Exclusive access to add-on activities.
A complimentary gift, selected from available options such as a tote bag, hat, or glowing sticks.

Additional merchandise and activities may be available for purchase.

Tickets are sold for specific dates and times, and advance reservations are recommended to guarantee entry.

Purchase tickets and check availability at the official Dream Glow Festival website.

How Long Does Dream Glow Festival Take?

Plan on approximately one hour to walk through the full experience.

Guests are welcome to remain inside the festival until closing time after entering, so you can take your time exploring the displays, enjoying the entertainment, shopping, and grabbing something to eat.

Dream Glow Festival Parking

One nice bonus: parking is free!

Dream Glow Festival takes place at Wild Rivers Waterpark in Irvine, with free on-site parking available for visitors.

Address:

Wild Rivers Waterpark
10000 Great Park Blvd.
Irvine, CA 92618

Accessibility & Visitor Information

Dream Glow Festival is designed to accommodate families and visitors of different mobility needs.

Wheelchairs and strollers are permitted throughout the festival.
The Infinity Mirror Room is the exception and is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
Wheelchair and stroller rentals are not available on-site.
Only certified service animals are permitted.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Electronic tickets displayed on a smartphone or mobile device are accepted.

Tips for Visiting Dream Glow Festival

A little planning can make your visit easier and more enjoyable.

Arrive after sunset: The festival opens at 5 PM, making it a great evening activity. The illuminated displays are the main attraction, so plan to visit after dark.
Reserve tickets ahead of time: Tickets are date- and time-specific, and advance reservations are recommended.
Allow at least an hour: Give yourself enough time to explore the different themed worlds, take photos, and enjoy the displays.
Bring the kids: The colorful installations, snow village, and interactive activities make this a fun family outing.
Dress for the evening: Even though it's a Southern California winter, evenings can get chilly. Bring a light jacket.
Bring your camera: There are plenty of colorful displays and photo opportunities throughout the festival.
Check the entertainment schedule: If you want to catch the acrobats or Sichuan Opera performances, check the schedule before arriving.
Save room for treats: Make time for hot cocoa and some of the themed food and drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dream Glow Festival

When is Dream Glow Festival 2026?

Dream Glow Festival runs November 5 through December 30, 2026, at Wild Rivers Waterpark in Irvine.

Where is Dream Glow Festival located?

The festival takes place at Wild Rivers Waterpark, 10000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine, California 92618.

How much are Dream Glow Festival tickets?

General admission is $37 for adults and $25 for children. Children under 3 are free. Premium admission is $53 for adults and $41 for children. All listed prices include taxes and fees.

Is parking free at Dream Glow Festival?

Yes! Free on-site parking is available at Wild Rivers Waterpark.

How long does it take to see Dream Glow Festival?

The full experience typically takes about one hour, although visitors can remain inside until closing time.

Is Dream Glow Festival good for kids?

Yes! The colorful lantern displays, interactive activities, themed worlds, snow village, and live entertainment make it a fun outing for families with children.

Does Dream Glow Festival have real snow?

The Arctic Snow Village features snow machines that create a festive winter atmosphere. It also offers hot cocoa and seasonal treats.

Can you buy food at Dream Glow Festival?

Yes. Food and beverage options include themed snacks, festive drinks, and hot cocoa. Food and drinks are available for purchase.

Are pets allowed at Dream Glow Festival?

Only certified service animals are permitted.

Is Dream Glow Festival wheelchair accessible?

Most of the festival is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. The Infinity Mirror Room is the exception. The event does not offer wheelchair or stroller rentals.