Winter magic in the heart of Orange County
When the season turns festive, Winter Fest OC fills the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa with sparkling lights, falling snow, holiday music, and an atmosphere that feels straight out of a classic winter celebration. For locals and visitors alike, it offers the rare chance to enjoy tubing, skating, and snowy fun right here in Southern California.
Running from late November through early January each year, Winter Fest OC invites guests to step into a landscape of twinkling displays, cozy moments, and playful holiday wonder.
What makes Winter Fest OC special
Snow, tubing, ice, and holiday lights
The festival features the Snowflake Summit Ice Tubing experience, a 150 foot slide with multiple lanes that gives guests the thrill of a mountain outing without leaving Orange County.
For a gentler winter moment, the Snow Play Zone includes a snow carousel, snowball targets, and areas where snow falls softly through the air. Families often linger here to let little ones enjoy their first snowy adventure.
An outdoor ice rink sits beneath the night sky and offers a peaceful counterbalance to the high energy tubing lanes. As evening settles in, the entire fairgrounds glow with illuminated paths, whimsical light installations, and festive backdrops perfect for seasonal photos.
Holiday entertainment for all ages
Beyond the snow, Winter Fest OC creates a lively program filled with performances and immersive touches. A nightly tree lighting ceremony opens the evening with music and a sense of celebration. Live bands, stage shows, character greetings, and themed zones give every corner of the grounds something different to explore.
Santa visits through December 24, and throughout the season guests can enjoy seasonal treats, photo spots, and specialty add on experiences. These include carnival rides, mini golf, bounce houses, and cozy Fireside Igloos that elevate the night into an unforgettable winter outing.
Planning your visit
Winter Fest OC takes place at the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa. Parking is available on site. The season traditionally runs from late November through early January, with hours that vary by day. General admission passes provide access to core experiences, while optional upgrades add activities such as skating, tubing, and specialty lounges.
A holiday tradition in the making
Winter Fest OC shines because it brings the beauty of a snowy winter scene to a place where real snowfall is rare. Families bundle up for a night of tubing and lights. Couples skate under the stars. Friends gather for seasonal treats and the glow of holiday displays. It offers the escape of a winter vacation wrapped into an evening that is easy to reach and effortless to enjoy.
Whether you visit for the snow, the lights, the entertainment, or simply to share the spirit of the season, Winter Fest OC captures the magic that makes the holidays feel special year after year.