This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
It’s almost time for Winter Fest OC, Southern California’s largest winter experience, to return to the Orange County Fair & Event Center December 20th through January 6th. Come get into the holiday spirit as Winter Fest features 40,000 square feet of new attractions and brings back popular activities including an outdoor ice-skating rink, ice tubing at Snowflake Summit, real Snow Play, and so much more.With a record-breaking attendance in 2017, Winter Fest OC will debut its fourth consecutive year with new entertainment and attractions including SoCal Dicken’s Village, Candy and Snowflake Wonderland, and an expanded Festival of Lights tunnel.Back by Popular Demand this Year:
Snowflake Summit – Visit Snowflake Summit for unlimited ice-tube racing down the 150 foot, eight lane slide. Fast Pass wristbands are available starting at only $10 to skip the general admission line.Flying Santa and his Reindeer – Don’t miss the magic of the North Pole as Santa and his reindeer fly over the fairgrounds December 20th – December 24th. This spectacle takes place during the nightly Christmas Tree Lighting celebration and features fireworks and snow flurries.Penny’s Snow Play – Fresh snow blown in daily to make SoCal’s largest snow play attraction with two snow arenas: one caters to toddlers and the other to kids (and kids at heart.)Also returning to Winter Fest OC are:
- the world’s largest rocking horse
- wintery-themed bounce houses for kids
- a giant walk-through ornament
- strolling carolers
- petting zoo
- character meet and greets
- crafts
- arcade games
and more than 30 carnival rides and games, and seasonal food and beverages.Families are also invited to celebrate El Dia de los Reyes or Three Kings’ Day on January 6th where Winter Fest will honor the tradition of the Three Kings with a parade and live camel.
Here’s what’s new to Winter Fest OC this year:
- SoCal Dicken’s Village – Take a trip down memory lane through the 1800’s with holidays past, present, and future. Decorate Christmas cookies, listen to holiday storytelling, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus (through Christmas Eve), take a pony ride, and visit the new Victorian holiday shops.
- Candy and Snowflake Wonderland – Step into an interactive wonderland full of candy and snowflakes with a new selfie experience that is sure to delight visitors and capture the picture-perfect Instagram moment.
- Festival of Lights – Stroll through Winter Fest’s 100-foot-tunnel of two million lights to explore five lands with animated displays. For additional fun for the kids, make sure to ride through the Festival of Lights on the trackless train.
- Orange Ball New Year’s Eve Celebration – Ring in the New Year not once, but twice, with a special countdown, Orange Ball drop, fireworks and an unforgettable balloon drop at both 6pm and midnight. Multiple live bands will be playing to commemorate the end of the year, and the start of a new one.
- Club Winter Fest – Private, ice rink-side VIP cabanas are available nightly starting at only $69 per session, creating the ultimate destination for holiday office parties, family retreats or date nights. Enjoy the all-new lounge area with exquisite views of the nightly Christmas tree lighting ceremony featuring fireworks, snow flurries and a free drink upon entry. Tickets are limited.
Discount Days at Winter Fest OC
Select discounts are offered for First Responders, Teachers, and Military/Veterans with proof of ID. First Responders are guaranteed free admission on Wednesday, December 26th and January 2nd, Teacher Appreciation Days are Friday, December 21st, 28th, and January 4th, and Military/Veterans are guaranteed free admission on Thursday, December 20th, 27th, and January 3rd.
Tickets and select value packages are available now starting at only $10. For more information, please visit Winter Fest OC HERE.
I’m also hosting a giveaway for one (1) of my readers to win a Family 4–pack of admission tickets to get into Winter Fest OC AND a Family 4-pack of Ice Skating Passes. The tickets are valid for any night that Winter Fest OC is open with the exception of New Year’s Eve. Entries for the giveaway will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on 12/14/18. To enter the giveaway, go to the Rafflecopter below to enter. Good luck, Everyone!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
How did I grow up in Southern California and not know about this?!? Great post!
I would love to take my daughter for our very first time. I think she would love the lights.
My hubby and my two kids are looking forward!
Would love to take my aunt. Her and I love Christmas so much we are giddy with excitement to celebrate all things Christmas.
We haven’t been to winter fest… would love to take my two boys and their Nani!
We haven’t been to winter fest… would love to take my two boys and their Nani!
I am on the wrong side of the country for this one, so I am not entering. But it looks like a BLAST!
We would like to take our kiddos
I would take my husband and kids.
I would take my son. Thank you!
I’d love to take my hubby and our 4 kids!
I would love to take my family