Thinking about heading to Winter Fest OC this year?
If you’re an Orange County local looking for a festive night out, whether it’s a cozy date night or a fun family outing, you’re in the right place.
I’ve been going to Winter Fest OC for years, and this season is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet.
This year, it’s returning to the OC Fair & Event Center from mid-November through early January, and there are some exciting updates you’ll want to know before you go.
From ice tubing and snow play to a new expanded light show, ice skating, carnival rides, photo ops, and all the holiday food you could possibly crave, there’s plenty to do.
In this guide, I’ll break down what’s new, what’s actually worth, what families will love most, and the best times to visit to avoid the worst crowds.
Let’s dive in so you can plan the perfect local holiday outing.
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Winter Fest OC 2026
Winter Fest OC transforms the OC Fairgrounds to an immersive winter wonderland experience.
We’ve been visiting each year for about 5 years now and there’s always something new to do.
We like to go early in the season on a week night so it’s not as busy.
This way we’re able to do more things, take more photos and videos, and just take our time exploring.
☃️ North Pole Journey
The North Pole Journey is returning for another year where you can enjoy live entertainment, photo ops, and even write a letter to Santa.
Last year they had coloring stations where you could color all kinds of different Christmasy pictures like reindeer and Santa.
☃️ Tree Lighting & Light Shows
At Winter Fest OC you’ll also see a new light show with over 2 million lights and synchronized music.
☃️ Play In The Snow & Ice
The highlights for us are playing in the snow, going ice skating, and going ice tubing down a 150 foot slide.
For the ice skating you have to reserve a time, but for the snow play and ice tubing you can keep doing those as much as you want.
☃️ Carnival Rides & Games
The carnival games and rides are also fun and can be enjoyed with hardly any wait on week nights.
The fun house with mirrors and the spinning tunnel are always great for people watching.
Last year we enjoyed mini golf and axe throwing too!
What To Eat At Winter Fest
There are a ton of food vendors with just about every type of food and drink you could want, not just fair foods.
Our first stop was for the al pastor wet burrito from the taqueria.
Then we shared the Philly cheesesteak from the bbq stand.
For dessert we had a phenomenal Nutella stuffed donut from the Donut Bar.
They also have cute donuts like the unicorn donut pictured below.
We also tried a couple iced cocktails that were all Winter themed with flavors like Peppermint, Kahlua, and Chocolate.
Prices at Winter Fest OC
Depending on the time of year you purchase your tickets, the price can vary.
They begin selling tickets as early as July.
Then as the closer it gets to opening night, the prices go up.
This year, general admission tickets start at $25 for adults and $20 for kids.
You can also upgrade to the ultimate experience admission, which starts at $70 for adults and $65 for kids.
Ultimate experience admission includes access to the VIP line for ice tubing, plus unlimited carnival rides, and more!
If you’re a local, you can also get a season pass that’s good for all 35 days of the operating season.
They’re even good on holidays like Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
These start at $71 for adults and $66 for kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get about Winter Fest OC.
Is Winter Fest OC Worth It?
We’ve gone every year for about 5 years now and there are always new things to do, new foods to try, and new entertainment.
There’s really something for everybody and it’s so easy to spend the whole night there without getting bored.
I highly recommend visiting at least once if you’re in the area.
What’s included with admission?
Ultimate Experience Admission: Includes all of general admission, as well as a VIP Snowflake Summit ice tubing slide pass plus unlimited carnival rides and winter inflatables in Polar Playground.
Every Day Season Pass: Enjoy holiday magic all season long with a Winter Fest OC season pass, providing unlimited general admission entry on all 35 days, including special days like Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
What is “Night of Lights OC”?
It was a fun and festive drive thru event.
Check out our experience in this video on our YouTube Channel!
More Fun Winter Activities In Southern California
If you’re traveling around Orange County, LA, or even San Diego, there are a ton of winter festivities to check out throughout the holiday season.
Over the years, some attractions come and go like Malibu Wine Safari Malibu Lights: Winter Nights and Snow Day LA at Elysian Park, but there are a few mainstays you can always count on!
Here are some of our favorites:
Dream Glow Festival at Wild Rivers Waterpark
Walk through a variety of lands with themed light displays – Christmas Wonderland, Under the Sea, and Realm of the Dragon.
Cap off your visit with the Infinity Mirror Room!
LA Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow
The Christmas lights at the LA Zoo are really neat and unlike any of the other winter holiday events in the area.
There’s even a handful of animals that will still be out at night.
With it being Winter, the weather can be a little unpredictable, but you usually don’t need to worry about it snowing in LA.
Visit Our Local Theme Parks
All of the theme parks in Southern California do special events for the winter holidays.
I recommend visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Disneyland for some immersive and festive fun.
Big Bear Lake Winter Weekend Getaway Itinerary
Big Bear Lake is the ultimate Winter getaway in Southern California.
This mountain destination has snowboarding, skiing, alpine slides, and more.
Spend your evenings exploring restaurants and shops in the village while enjoying a hot apple cider or hot chocolate!
Conclusion: Winter Fest OC
Winter Fest OC is the largest winter festival in Southern California and this year they are celebrating their 10th anniversary.
It’s a great place to go for date night or for family fun night for people of all ages.
Enjoy food and drinks, live entertainment, winter festivities, and carnival rides!
