Winter Fest OC returns to the Orange County Fair and Event Center, select dates November 24th through January 7th so my daughter and I took a few friends. It’s a great way to celebrate the holidays, the Southern California way with a whimsical winter wonderland featuring ice tubing, bumper cars, trackless train rides, bounce houses, show flurries, visits with Santa and so much more.
Once our tickets were scanned, we walked through the lighted tunnel and discovered a beautiful picturesque photo opportunity – The Winter Fest OC sign. There, we had our first snowfall.
The girls had a blast with a mini snowball fight and then started to build a snowman in the snow play area. There are mini tubes for the smallest of guests. Then they dashed to Snowflake Summit to race down the hill on tubes. They must have raced 3 or 4 times in a row because they were having so much fun.
After, they jumped on a few of the carnival rides, and our pre-purchased ice-skating time arrived so we headed to The Artic Ice Trail to get fitted for ice skates. Ice skating is separate from general admission and is $25 per person.
This year, Winter Fest OC will include:
The new North Pole Journey walk-through experience immerses guests in the sights, sounds, and smells of five magical lands on an important mission from Santa. Enjoy dazzling lights, music, unique photo opportunities, and a wide range of free entertainment and interactive activities in each of the five pavilions. Keep an eye out for “Journey Guides” along the way to help guests gather the three elements of the Holidays that will help Santa! 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)!
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 even more holiday magic. Daily entertainment includes meet-and-greets with favorite Winter Fest OC characters such as Yowie the Yeti, Snowman, and Polar Bear, plus the popular nightly parade, tree lighting, and live show with snowfall. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and winter treats and enjoy a variety of entertainment at The Claus House Stage to celebrate the holiday season
If you’re ready for a challenge, climb Snowflake Summit to take part in unlimited ice tubing down a 130-foot, six-lane ice slide. Height limit: 42 inches and taller. If you’d rather watch, Snowflake Summit also offers bleacher seating, allowing friends and family to cheer on loved ones while they zoom down the ice.
Holidays & VIP Experiences:
Special Celebrations: There will be two spectacular countdowns & dazzling firework displays on New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31st), Pajama Day on New Year’s Day (Jan 1st), Military/First Responders Day (Jan. 3rd), and Three Kings’ Day (Jan 6th) plus winter-themed fun, immersive experiences, snow & ice activities, all-new attractions, live entertainment and more.
VIP Fireside Lounge: Enjoy an exclusive VIP fireside lounge area with comfortable seating, fire pits roasting s’mores, and an exquisite view of the nightly parade and stage entertainment from The Claus House Stage. With a private bar with craft cocktails, beer, and wine, the Fireside Lounge is perfect for groups and holiday corporate parties and can be reserved in advance to accommodate up to 300 people.
Rink-Side VIP Private Cabanas: Private, ice rink-side VIP cabanas for up to 10 people are available to rent for 2-3 hour time blocks, creating the ultimate premium lounge for intimate holiday gatherings and other special occasion celebrations. 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 for memorable office parties.
Entertainment – Every day, guests can enjoy live entertainment, community acts, and more.
If you haven’t experienced it before, make sure you stop by the snow play area. Winter Fest Snow Play features real snow blown in daily for all kinds of fun including snow angels, snowman building, and snow tubing for young children. The Snow Play area is free for all to experience and enjoy.
WINTERFESTOC
OC Fair & Events Center
88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE:
Purchase your tickets online to save some money. Adult ticket prices range from $30.99 to $55.00. Children’s ticket prices range from $25.99 to $50. Purchasing tickets online is highly encouraged to not only save money but also ensure the desired event date is not sold out.
SEASON PASSES:
Adult $83.99 – $110; Children $79.99 – $105
Unlimited admission into Winter Fest OC
Advance online purchases only
For more information on Winter Fest and to apply for your community group to perform or for employment opportunities visit www.WinterFestOC.com.
