Who says there’s no snow in Southern California? The Orange County Winter Fest 2018 is coming to the Orange County Fair & Event Center this December with fresh snow brought in daily to create a majestic Winter Wonderland that the whole family will love. Winter Fest is the holiday event that you won’t want to miss. Bring your scarves and mittens and enjoy the all the fun and activities at Winter Fest OC. Purchase tickets on line to receive discounted rates.
Winter Fest OC
OC Fair & Event Center
December 20, 2018 – January 6, 2019
Children 3 and up – $12-$19
Adults – $17 – $25
Children under 3 are free
Hours vary
Winter Fest Activities
Alpine Village – Fresh snow in the expanded Penny’s Snow Play Area for snow play and building snowmen, a giant slide, festival of lights with a 100 foot animated tunnel, craft tent, inflatable maze, toddler play area, and food trucks.
Candy Cane Carnival – Experience the Holiday Ferris Wheel, Tilt-a-Whirl, Zipper, Carousel and more rides and fun carnival games. The Carnival activities may require an additional purchase.
Face Painting – Whether you want to be an elf, a snowflake, or a fairy, bring the holiday season to life with the magic of face painting.
Family New Year’s Eve Countdown – On New Year’s Eve experience fireworks and a 3,000 balloon drop at 6:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. to celebrate the new year.
Festival of Lights – Wander through ten holiday themed lands in this spectacular illuminated pathway.
Fireworks – There will be a nightly fireworks show at 5:30 p.m.
Food and Drinks – Winter Fest OC will be full of delightful food and holiday treats to enjoy. Enjoy dinner at the Slippery Slope Ski Lodge and watch the game or pick up a sweet treat while you’re out exploring.
Holiday Parade – The holiday parade will energize the evening every night at 5:30.
Live Entertainment & Meet and Greets – Enjoy Phil Shane, Abbey Road, and kid’s favorites Thomas the Train, Paw Patrol, and Rusty Rivets.
Meet and Greet with Santa – Kids can tell Santa what’s on their Christmas list and pose for pictures with the jolly old man at Winter Fest.
Model Train Exhibit – Children and adults will be amazed by the layout of the train exhibit with the World Famous Del Oro Pacific Train Club.
Outdoor Ice Rink – Skate to your hearts delight on the outdoor ice skating rink next to the 30-foot tall Christmas Tree. There is an additional fee of $10-$15 for this activity.
Santa Fly-Bys – Every night through December 24th, Santa and his reindeer will fly by overhead at Winter Fest.
Santa’s Petting Zoo – Bring the whole family to enjoy the miniature horses, lambs, and more at Santa’s Petting Zoo.
Snowboard Simulator – Test your riding skills on the Winter Fest Snowboard Simulator.
Snowflake Summit – Hop on the largest Ice Tubing Slide in SoCal at 150 feet long with eight lanes of tubing fun.
Snowmazing Maze – Get lost in the giant inflatable maze!
Tree Lighting – Enjoy the tree lighting celebration every night with fresh snowfall.
Winter Bounce Houses – Come enjoy the winter themed bounce houses for fun and laughter, sure to please the little ones.
World’s Largest Ornament – Standing 30 feet tall, guests can walk through this giant Christmas ornament.
World’s Largest Rocking Horse – Yes, you can take a ride on the world’s largest rocking horse! Kids won’t want to miss this.
Special Salute to Our Heroes Community Appreciation Days
U.S. Military Appreciation Days: Every Thursday, including Opening Night, December 21st. Free Admission for Military members (Active, Retired & Veterans). Must show valid military ID at the box office.
First Responders (Fire, Police & EMT’s) & Nurses Appreciation Days: Every Wednesday. Free Admission for First Responders and Nurses. Must show valid work ID at the box office.
Teacher Appreciation Days: Free Admission every Friday. Must show valid teacher/work ID at the ticket booth.
Discounted City Days
Winter Fest OC celebrates every city in Orange County. Winter Fest OC will offer a 50% discount to residents who purchase admission tickets at the box office on their designated city’s day with proof of residency, such as a current utility bill or valid photo ID. City days will be announced on the Winter Fest website.
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More Holiday Events:
- Villa Park Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Orange Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Orange Park Acres Tree Lighting Ceremony
- VP Santa Tour on a Fire Truck
- Villa Park Boat Parade
- Christmas at the OC Zoo
- Irvine Park Christmas Railroad
- Brew Ho Ho Holiday Ale Festival
- Turkey Trots in Orange County
- Turkeys on Trails 5K/10K
- Elves on Trails 5K/1/2 Marathon
- Event Calendar