Winter Fest OC returns to the OC Fair & Event Center from November 27, 2026 through January 3, 2027, on select dates. The Orange County holiday event features snow play, ice skating, a 150-foot tubing hill, a new Holiday Light Trail, nightly tree lighting, Santa visits, live entertainment, carnival attractions, food, drinks and family activities.
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Winter Fest OC 2026 Dates & Location
Dates: November 27, 2026–January 3, 2027, select dates
Location: OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA
Parking: $12 per vehicle
Payment: Winter Fest OC is cashless; debit and credit cards are accepted.
Re-entry is allowed with a valid hand stamp and admission ticket. If you leave the parking lot and return, another parking fee applies.
Winter Fest OC Tickets
Ticket options and add-ons vary by date and experience. Check the official ticket page for current admission options, pricing and availability.
Purchase Winter Fest OC Tickets
What’s Included at Winter Fest OC?
Winter Fest OC combines holiday lights and entertainment with snow activities and optional attractions. Announced 2026 experiences include live bands and performers, Santa through December 24, a Snow Play Zone, nightly tree lighting, Snowflake Summit tubing, a new Holiday Light Trail, the Holiday House Light Show, family activities and seasonal photo opportunities.
Snowflake Summit & Snow Play
Snowflake Summit features a 150-foot tubing hill, while the Snow Play Zone gives Southern California families a chance to enjoy winter activities without leaving Orange County. Access can depend on the ticket or add-on purchased, so check current ticket details before visiting.
Holiday Light Trail & Light Shows
New for 2026, Winter Fest OC is promoting a seven-zone Holiday Light Trail with illuminated displays and holiday photo opportunities. The event also features the Holiday House Light Show and a nightly tree lighting.
Ice Skating
Unlimited ice skating is a new offering for the 2026 season. Skating sessions are 45 minutes and skate rentals are included. Personal skates are not permitted. Ice skating is available with certain passes or as an add-on, depending on the ticket selected.
Santa at Winter Fest OC
Santa is scheduled to appear at Winter Fest OC through December 24. Families can include a Santa visit as part of their holiday outing and enjoy seasonal photo opportunities throughout the event.
Nightly Tree Lighting & Entertainment
The nightly tree lighting is scheduled for 5:45 p.m. Winter Fest OC also features live bands, performers and family entertainment. Entertainment schedules can vary by event date, so check the official schedule when planning your visit.
Carnival Rides
Carnival rides and games are part of the Winter Fest OC experience, but the organizer has not yet published the complete 2026 ride lineup. Some carnival attractions may require an additional ticket or pass.
Polar Putt-Putt & Bounce Pass
Polar Putt-Putt is a new nine-hole miniature golf experience for 2026 and is included with the Bounce Pass. The Bounce Pass also provides access to designated family attractions; check the current ticket page for everything included.
Fireside Igloos
Private Fireside Igloos accommodate up to 10 guests and include seating, a private fire pit and dedicated drink service with a special food and beverage menu. Event admission and ice skating are not included with an igloo reservation and must be purchased separately.
Food, Drinks & Holiday Market
Food, seasonal treats and beverages are available throughout Winter Fest OC. Holiday shopping and vendor offerings may vary during the season.
Winter Fest OC FAQ
When is Winter Fest OC 2026?
Winter Fest OC runs on select dates from November 27, 2026 through January 3, 2027.
Where is Winter Fest OC?
Winter Fest OC is held at the OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa, California.
How much is parking?
Parking is $12 per vehicle. Winter Fest OC is a cashless event.
Is ice skating available?
Yes. Ice skating is offered in 45-minute sessions with skate rentals included. Availability depends on the admission option or add-on purchased.
When is Santa at Winter Fest OC?
Santa is scheduled to appear through December 24.