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 /Night of Lights OC
When: November 25, 2022- January 1, 2023
Winter Fest OC days and hours are Thu-Fri 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Sat-Sun 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, closed Mon.-Tues. Exceptions: WinterFest OC will be open from 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm on Fri. 11/25, 12/22 – 12/30 and New Year’s Day. New Year’s Eve hours are 12:00 pm – 12:30 am.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA
Tickets
General Admission: $25 Child/$30 Adult
Season Pass: $31.95 Child /$36.95 Adult
Add Ons: $18 Ice Skating/$15 Tubing/$25 VIP Tubing/$30 Unlimited Carnival Rides/$10 Bumper Cars/$15 Mini Golf/$20 VIP Fireside Lounge/$99 VIP Cabana
Parking: $10 per vehicle
For updates and tickets Visit WinterFestOC.com
Both credit/debit and cash will be accepted at the event. There are ATMs on site at 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 26 days, access to the “North Pole Journey” immersive walk-through experience, daily live entertainment, the crowd-favorite evening tree lighting parade and show, dazzling light displays, winter photo ops and the opportunity to meet Santa in-person.
Community Hero Discount Days
Every Thursday, Winter Fest OC will honor local military members and veterans with a special $5 off online coupon code. Eligible guests can use the code “HERO” to purchase tickets in advance online and bring their relevant ID for onsite verification.
Winter Fest OC Experiences
Holidays & VIP Experiences
New Year’s Eve Orange Ball 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 2023! Awarded by Reader’s Digest as one of the top New Year’s Celebrations in the U.S.
Fireside Lounge: Exclusive VIP lounge area with comfortable seating, fire pits, roasting s’mores, and views of the nightly Holiday celebration including the parade and entertainment. With a private bar, Fireside Lounge is ideal for groups and corporate parties.
Rink-Side VIP Private 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 aka Night of Lights OC
Travel from Forest Gate to North Pole Village in the all-new “North Pole Journey” walk-through experience that will immerse you in the sights, sounds, and smells of five magical lands on an important mission from Santa. Stop in three Holiday Towns and keep an eye out for Journey Guides, each offering an element of the holidays that will help Santa take flight. Enjoy dazzling lights, music, unique photo opportunities, interactive activities, and visits with your favorite Night of Lights and Winter Fest OC characters including Yowie the Yeti, Snow Princess, Toyland Troupe, Toy Soldiers, Polar Bear, and Santa in this unforgettable experience!
North Pole Journey highlights include:
- Forest of Light: A kid’s hedge maze, wisteria tunnel, giant waterfall, and unique 360-degree free photo booth!
- Winter Wonderland: Meet-and-greets with your favorite winter characters, plus Dance of the Snow Fairies performances daily.
- Holiday Town: Remote-controlled model train exhibits plus an intimate movie theater with holiday classics.
- Toyland Circus: Special appearances by PJ Masks (Nov. 25 – 27), Peppa Pig (Dec. 1 – 4), Paw Patrol (Dec. 8 – 11) and more of your favorite cartoon show characters! Plus Toyland Soldiers Assembly performances daily.
- Santa Send Off: Tree ornament decorating, Santa Elves Dance Party performances, plus free meet-and-greets and photos with Santa (through Dec. 24)!
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.
Santa
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.
Character Meet & Greets
Kids can meet and greet some of their favorite characters plus the Ice Princess, Toy Soldiers, and Mayor Frost.
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 a tree lighting and show with snow fall.
Claus House Stage Entertainment
At the center of Winter Fest OC is the 40-foot-tall holiday celebration tree and The Claus House Stage, where guests can enjoy live entertainment, community acts, interactive kid activities, and more holiday magic.
Festive Food & Drink
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.
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.
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 don’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
- 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, an expert at exploring all that Orange County has to offer, and a children’s book author specializing in history and human rights.