News Summary
Costa Mesa will see the return of Winter Fest OC, the largest winter festival in Southern California. This annual event features attractions like ice skating, snow play, and live entertainment, providing a festive atmosphere for families and visitors. With early bird ticket sales available and new features such as a Platinum Pass and a falling snow area, attendees can enjoy a magical holiday experience. The festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary, promises to blend innovative attractions with cherished traditions, making it a must-visit this holiday season.
Costa Mesa will welcome the return of Winter Fest OC, the largest winter festival in Southern California, on November 28, 2025. This annual event will run through January 4, 2026, offering a festive atmosphere throughout the holiday season.
Early bird ticket sales are currently available until November 10, with prices starting at $21.99. A flash sale will also take place from September 26 to October 10, offering tickets at a discounted rate of $19.99. Due to popular demand, attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets early, especially for busy nights that are expected to sell out.
This year’s festival introduces several new attractions, including a Platinum Pass that grants access to all festival attractions, including unlimited ice skating on the largest outdoor rink in the region. Guests can also enjoy tubing, fireside igloos, real snow play, and the centerpiece of the festivities, a nightly tree lighting ceremony featuring a twinkly holiday tree.
Winter Fest OC will also feature live entertainment with carolers and other performances celebrating the holiday season. The festival’s stunning light display will showcase over 2 million lights synchronized to festive music, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere for guests.
Alongside the various entertainment options, families can meet Santa through December 24 and take photos in immersive holiday displays. Kids and adults alike can engage with offerings such as Polar Putt-Putt mini golf, carnival rides, and themed foods and beverages. Special food items—including tacos, pizza, and Korean-inspired corn dogs—will often be available at discounted prices during happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m..
A new addition this year is the falling snow area added to the Snow Play zone, enhancing the winter experience for visitors of all ages. The festival, now in its 10th anniversary, aims to celebrate with a mix of new attractions and nostalgic experiences that have been popular during past festivals.
In addition to the lively atmosphere, guests can expect exciting activities during the end-of-year celebrations. Families will have two opportunities to countdown to the New Year, with fireworks and performances led by a Taylor Swift tribute band occurring both at 9 p.m. and at midnight.
Last year’s Winter Fest OC drew approximately 150,000 visitors, showcasing the event’s immense popularity in the region. Veteran event producers are confident that this year’s return will blend innovative attractions with cherished traditions to create memorable experiences for attendees.
Winter Fest OC promises to be a highlight of the holiday season for families and attendees in Southern California, filled with joy, entertainment, and a sense of community as residents and visitors gather to celebrate.
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Additional Resources
- NBC Los Angeles: Winter Fest OC Announcement
- Google Search: Winter Fest OC
- PR Newswire: Winter Fest OC Overview
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Holiday Festivals
- Los Angeles Times: Winter Fest OC Returns
- Google News: Winter Fest OC 2024
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
