Experience the joy and magic of the holiday season at Winter Fest OC. While Orange County is bathed in warm sunshine, Winter Fest OC immerses guests in holiday lights and snowy villages complete with visits from Santa. Here are all the details on the biggest event of the season.
Winter Fest OC Details
When: December 2020 – January 2021
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA
Tickets: Online tickets begin at $6, Season Passes start at $18
Discount Days
Military & Veterans: Receive one free admission with a valid ID on December 19th & 26th and January 2nd
First Responders & Nurses: Receive one free admission on December 23rd & December 30th
Teachers: Receive complementary admission on December 20th & 27th and January 3rd
Winter Fest OC Experiences
Snowflake Summit
For snow tubing fun, spend some time at Snowflake Summit – experience a 150-foot long Ice Tubing Slide with 9 lanes of slippery excitement. This activity is free with admission but has a height requirement of 42″.
Candy Cane Carnival
Swing on over to the Candy Cane Carnival for more than a dozen carnival rides like the Ferris Wheel, Tilt-A-Whirl, and Carousel, plus carnival games for those looking for a challenge.
SoCal Dickens
Experience Victorian England right here in OC as you browse unique shops, taste traditional English food, and sit for High Tea. Plus, Fezziwig’s Warehouse offers games, music, and dancing. The SoCal Dickens High Tea service at Cuthbert’s Tea Shoppe includes tea, scones, tea sandwiches, and desserts. 2:30 teas feature a visit from Alice and maybe a friend from Wonderland. At 4:00 and 6:00, enjoy the Queen’s Tea and Princess Tea. There is an additional fee for the High Tea Service.
Festival of Lights
Take in the twinkle of two million bulbs as you stroll through illuminated, holiday-themed lands in the Festival of Lights. The 100-foot animated light tunnel is a festival favorite.
Alpine Village
Frolic in the daily fresh fallen snow and enjoy the winter wonderland that is the expanded Alpine Village area. Do you wanna build a snowman? The expanded snow play area is just the place for that and includes a slide, inflatable playhouses, arts & crafts, and a toddler play zone. The Festival of Lights is located in the Alpine Village area.
Outdoor Ice Rink
Skate under the stars at Winter Fest’s outdoor ice rink. Because winter just isn’t complete without a day (or night) of ice skating. You’ll find the rink next to the new 50-foot tall walk-through Christmas Tree near the Hangar.
Model Train Exhibit & Trackless Train
For mini-conductors and full-grown enthusiasts, visit the expanded model train exhibit presented by the Del Oro Pacific Train Club. For life-sized locomotion, climb aboard one of the two trackless trains and take a ride through the Festival of Lights.
Santa
From December 19-24, Santa makes a nightly appearance as he flies over Winter Fest in his reindeer-guided sleigh. He’ll also be available for meet & greets and photo ops so bring your wish list.
Live Entertainment + Character Meet & Greets
Enjoy live entertainment from popular tribute bands, plus kids can meet and greet some of their favorite characters like Paw Patrol pups, Thomas & Friends, Peppa Pig and PJ Masks plus the Ice Princess, Toy Soldiers, and Mayor Frost. And you won’t want to miss the Winter Fest Racing Pigs.
Nightly Snowfall, Parade, Tree Lighting, and Fireworks
Every night at 5:30 fresh snow flurries over Winter Fest as the magical tree lights up the night and guests are invited to watch the holiday parade followed by festive fireworks.
Festive Food & Drink
Enjoy sweet treats or a relaxing dinner at Winter Fest OC. Find family-friendly full service dining at the Slippery Slope Ski Lodge, or snack on seasonal snacks available at locations throughout the event.
Family NYE Celebration
Ring in the New Yeart Winter Fest OC’s family friendly countdown celebration. Fireworks and a 3,000 balloon drop are scheduled for 6 pm and midnight so even the littles can take part in NYE festivities.
World’s Largest
Because no holiday is complete without ornaments, Winter Fest OC brings you the World’s Largest. Walk through the 30 foot tall Christmas Ornament, and son’t forget to snap a picture to share on Instagram! Then, saddle up for a ride on the world’s largest rocking horse.
After Dark Entertainment
- DSB, Tribute to Journey
- Queen Nation, Tribute to Queen
- Flashback Heart Attack, 80s cover band
- Fast Times, 80s cover band
- Earth To Mars, Tribute to Bruno Mars
- Rumours, Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
- The MistleTones
- The Magic of Jimmy H
- DJ Manny Fresca
- La Nueva Deligencia
For a full list of hours and more information visit Winter Fest OC
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Heidi Deal is the author of the Newcomers Handbook to Living In Los Angeles & Orange County, an expert at exploring all that Orange County has to offer, and a children’s book author specializing in history and human rights.