Winter Fest OC

Experience the joy and magic of the holiday season at Winter Fest OC. Winter Fest OC immerses guests in a magical holiday wonderland with oversized décor, over one million lights, immersive walk-through experiences, and of course, Santa. Here are all the details on the event of the season.

Here are all the holiday skating rinks to explore this season.

Winter Fest OC

When: Select Days November 24, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Winter Fest OC days and hours are Thu-Fri 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Sat-Sun 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm, closed Mon.-Tues. Exceptions: Winter Fest OC will be open from 2:00pm – 8:00 pm on 12/24, and open 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm 12/25 – 1/1. New Year’s Eve (12/31) hours are 2:00 pm – 12:30 am.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Tickets
General Admission: $50 Child/$55 Adult
Ultimate Experience: $105 Child/$110 Adult
Season Pass: $105 Child/$110 Adult
Add Ons: To Be Announced
Parking: $12 per vehicle

For updates and tickets Visit WinterFestOC.com 

Both credit/debit will be accepted at the event. There are ATMs outside of the event.

Re-entry to the event is permitted with a valid hand stamp and admission ticket. You will have to pay for parking again however, if you leave the parking lot.

For the latest updates on ticket promotions, entertainment, food and fun, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube or with #WinterFestOC

Season Passes for Unlimited Fun

Enjoy holiday magic all season long with a Winter Fest OC season pass, providing unlimited entry for all 32 days, access to the “North Pole Journey” guided tour, new snow play, unlimited ice tubing rides, new holiday market access, nightly live entertainment, evening tree lighting show, dazzling light displays, winter photo opps and more.

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Community Hero Discount Days

*2023/2024 Discount Days To Be Announced

Winter Fest OC Experiences

Holidays & VIP Experiences

New Year’s Eve Celebration: Ring in the New Year not once, but twice, with a special countdown, Orange Ball drop, fireworks and an unforgettable balloon drop at both 6pm and midnight. Live bands will be playing to commemorate the end of the year, and the start of 2024! Awarded by Reader’s Digest as one of the top New Year’s Celebrations in the U.S.

Fireside Igloos: Enjoy cozy igloos with fire pits for roasting s’mores that are perfect for date nights, birthdays, or private parties. Includes private fire pit and plush seating for up to 10 guests. Can be reserved in 2-3 hour increments.

Rink-Side VIP Private Arctic Cabanas: Private, ice rink-side VIP cabanas for up to 10 people are available to rent for 2-3 hour timeblocks, for the ultimate premium lounge experience for intimate holiday gatherings and other special occasions. A private server is available for the purchase of specially themed food and drinks including craft cocktails. Rink-Side VIP Private Cabanas can also be adjoined to accommodate up to 150 people.

Experiences & Attractions

North Pole Journey

Experience the magical “North Pole Journey” experience where visitors can embark on a guided quest to become a certified elf, filled with wonder and interactive discoveries along the way.

Whether you’re a child or just young at heart, you’ll enjoy making lasting memories here. This immersive journey includes dazzling lights, music, unique photo opportunities, and a wide range of live entertainment and interactive activities throughout the 45-minute guided experience included in general admission.

Outdoor Arctic Ice Skating Trail

Skate under the stars at the region’s one and only outdoor ice skating trail. Because winter just isn’t complete without a day (or night) of ice skating.

Snow Play Area with Snow Sledding & Carousel * New this year!

Check out the new snow play area with real snow for snow sledding, snowball throwing zones, free play areas, and a new snow carousel. Plus, enjoy a walk through an Artic Ice Trail and then ice tube down the 150-foot long slide at Snowflake Summit.

Polar Put-Putt* New for 2023!

Play a 9-hole round of mini golf, complete with LED lights!

Character Meet & Greets

Kids can meet and greet some of their favorite characters like Yowie the Yeti and Pepe the Penguin, plus the snow angels on stilts, Ice Princess, Toy Soldiers, and Mayor Frost. Visit the Holiday House stage for the meet and greets!

Winter Wishes Meet & Greet Photos

Private meet and greet photo opportunities are available with Santa or the Snow Princess through December 24. Experiences are available for up to 8 people per group and includes one printed phot and a digital image. An additional ticket/fee is required for this experience.

Nightly Snowfall, Parade and Tree Lighting

Every night at 6:00 PM fresh snow flurries over Winter Fest. Gather around the Holiday House Stage and the magical 40-foot tree to watch the holiday parade followed by the tree lighting and show with falling snow.

Holiday House Stage Entertainment

At the center of Winter Fest OC is the 40-foot-tall holiday celebration tree and The Holiday House Stage, where guests can enjoy a nightly live stage show, live entertainment, community acts, interactive kid activities, and more holiday magic.

Festive Food & Drink + NEW Holiday Market

Enjoy sweet treats or a relaxing dinner at Winter Fest OC. Find family-friendly full service dining, or snack on seasonal snacks available at locations throughout the event. Sip on seasonal cocktails, wine, and beer in the all-new holiday lounge and discover talented local artisans and complete your gift shopping at the new holiday market.

Seasonal drinks and treats at Winter Fest OC include hot cocoa, hot apple cider, Mom’s Bake Shoppe cookies and brownies, Old Tyme Ice Cream, churros, popcorn, lemonade and kettle corn. Meal options range from BBQ ribs or chicken to pizza or hot dogs, and more! Holiday-inspired craft cocktails are also available for purchase.

The new Holiday Market features a variety of vendors including many talented local artisans.

After Dark Entertainment

• Performers to be announced

For a full list of hours and more information visit Winter Fest OC

OC Winter Fest Tips

• Re-entry is allowed with a valid hand stamp and admission ticket.
• Debit/Credit Card is preferred, Cash accepted. ATMs are located within the event.
• Winter Fest is open rain, shine, sleet or snow!
• No outside food or drink permitted.
• No pets are allowed. Service dogs are welcome.
• A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

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Heidi Deal is the author of the Newcomers Handbook to Living In Los Angeles & Orange County, and a children’s book author specializing in history and human rights.