Each year as a family tradition we would visit the Winter Fest OC. Winter Fest OC is a great way to celebrate the holiday season. The OC Fairgrounds is transformed into a winter wonderland where it delights guests of all ages to have some wintery fun. From December 19th all the way through January 5th, the Winter Fest OC brings the holiday spirit to life.
Before visiting don't forget to purchase tickets online. They are definitely cheaper than purchasing at the event on site.
HERE ARE TOP 10 MUST-DO AT THE WINTER FEST OC:
1. Snow Play with Real Snow: For many of you that do not plan to visit any ski resort this year, this could be a great place to head to with your kids. My kids loved to build a snowman, make a snow angel and ride on a sled.
2. Summit Ice Tube - Unlimited 8 lanes of tubing: This Fast and Fun tubing slides will get your heart pumping with holiday excitement. This is included in the general admission, but to shorten the wait you can always purchase a fast pass.
3. Ice Skating: Nothing beats skating under the stars with beautiful holiday decorations and Christmas music to fill up the holiday spirit. Ice Skating does cost additional $15 per 45 minutes session.Upon arrival remember to reserve your time, because the space is limited.
4. Festival of Lights: Holiday light displays has always been one of my favorites. Don’t miss the amazing two-million-light stroll-through holiday displays which includes 7 different lands.
5. Photo Ops: Don’t forget to check out the Giant Walk Through Ornaments, the brand new walk through Tree of Dreams, and the many Instagram worthy photo ops around Winter Fest OC.
6. Winter Fest OC Carnival Rides and Games: Visit the Candy Cane Carnival for some fun carnival games. This is not included in the general admission, but you can purchase tickets at the carnival booth or get unlimited carnival rides with the Platinum Pass.
7. Trackless Train Rides around Winter Fest OC: This train took us through Alpine Village and right into the Festival of Lights. Yes! We were able to enjoy the whole Festival of Lights just by sitting comfortably inside the train.
8. Hangar Stage Free Performances: Don’t forget to check out all the amazing artists at the Winter Fest OC. All performances are all included in your general admission. https://winterfestoc.com/schedule/
9. Meet and Greet: Meet some of your favorite characters like PJ Masks, Thomas the Train, Peppa Pig and the Paw Patrol at the Winter Fest.Check out when they are visiting: https://winterfestoc.com/schedule/
10. Tree Ceremony celebration and Santa flies over Winter Fest OC: Don’t miss the nightly tree lighting celebration with parade and brand-new show with the Winter Fest characters under the new 50 foot Tree of Dreams. This takes place starting at 5:30pm which includes a firework show and Santa flying pass by with his reindeers.
NEW THIS YEAR AT THE WINTER FEST OC:
To add to the holiday fun Winterfest OC has added some new attractions this year:
- World’s Largest Candy Maze inside Yowie’s Sweet Shoppe – Featuring more sweets than a chocolate factory, navigate through the World’s Largest Candy Maze, filling your basket with nostalgic candy from decades ago to today’s favorites!
- Winter Fest Racing Pigs – Nothing is more jolly than cheering on your favorite baby piglet as they race to the finish line wearing holiday sweaters. Get your seat early in the all-new Winter Fest Racing Pig stadium with shows daily.
- Winter Fest After Dark: Hussong’s Cantina & Restaurant - Each night at 6 p.m., the all new Winter Fest After Dark comes alive with live music, dancing, drink specials and more. Guests can dance into the night with the same popular bands as the annual OC Fair in the Hussong’s Cantina & Restaurant with live performances by DJ Manny Fresco and the La Nueva Deligencia.
- New Year's Eve Countdown - Orange Ball New Year's Eve Celebration with Live Music. Ring in 2020 (twice) spcial countdown with the iconic Orange Ball Drop, fireworks, 3,000 balloon drop, snow flurries and confettic canons at the both 6pm and 12 midnight NYE shows! An Elton John tribute show featuring “Kenny Metcalf as Elton” and a tribute to ABBA by ABBA LA will ring in 2020 during Winter Fest OC’s New Year’s Eve celebrations at both 6 p.m. and midnight.
- SoCal Dickens LondonTowne - All the best of Victorian England is brought to life in SoCal Dickens LondonTowne where historical figures and fictional characters walk side by side. Mr. Charles Dickens can be seen in the High Street shops, where artisanal and one of a kind gifts abound.
- Touch-a-Truck - Jan 4th - HANDS-ON FAMILY FUN. Touch a Truck is an interactive hands-on experience where kids can explore, climb and touch vehicles of all shapes and sizes such as firetrucks, police cars, construction equipment and so many more.
- Three Kings' Day - Jan 5th- LIVE CAMEL & PARADE - Three Kings' Day Celebration where Winter Fest OC will honor the tradition of the Three Kings with a parade, live camel, and Kings cake available for purchase.
Winter Fest OC 2019
When: December 19, 2019 – January 5, 2020
Where: OC Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Drive Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Time: Various Times
Winter Fest OC Parking: Parking fees charged by the OC Fair & Event Center is $9 per vehicle
Winter Fest OC Tickets (Online): CLICK HERE
- KIDS UNDER 2 ARE FREE
- Online Value (4) Pack for $69 - Admission + Snowflake Summit Fast Pass + $15.84 Fee
- Online Child General Admission (3 - 12 years old) - $15.00 + $3.84 Fee
- Online Adult General Admission - $19.00 + $4.04 Fee
- Online Platinum Ice Pass Includes - (1) Admission + (1) Ice Skating Session + Unlimited Carnival Rides + Snowflake Summit Ice Tube Fast Pass - $50.00 + $5.59 Fee
- Online ULTIMATE Platinum Ice Pass Includes - Admission + (1) Ice Skating Session+Unlimited Carnival Rides+Snowflake Summit Ice Tube Fast Pass+Access into Fireside Lounge + (1) Drink Voucher at the Bar in the Lounge OR (1) S'mores Kit+RESERVED PARKING - $63.00 + $6.24 Fee
- Online Snowflake Summit Fast Pass - $10.00 + $3.59 Fee
- Online Ice Skating Value Ticket - $15.00 + $3.84 Fee
- Online Unlimited Carnival Ride Wristband - $20.00 + $4.09 Fee
Purchase tickets online before heading to the Winter Fest OC. You can definitely find better deals online than purchasing tickets at the event on site. Plus, tickets on site may sell-out. I recommend looking on other discount ticket sites before purchasing any tickets.
*Tickets were compensated to facilitate this review, all opinions are my own.
