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In good spirits

Holiday Getaways in Costa Mesa

Who says the holidays need snow to feel magical? Costa Mesa turns up the cheer with dazzling Christmas lights, festive performances, holiday markets, and seriously good shopping. Add seasonal sips, unforgettable dining, and plenty of reasons to celebrate, and you’ve got yourself a merry little Orange County getaway. Whether you’re planning a holiday weekend, looking for Christmas activities, or ringing in the New Year, Costa Mesa knows how to make the season bright.

Holiday Shows & Performances

The holidays take center stage.

From timeless holiday classics to festive concerts and family-friendly celebrations, Costa Mesa knows how to bring the holiday cheer. Catch The Nutcracker at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, enjoy a little holiday nostalgia with A Christmas Carol at South Coast Repertory, or experience the magic of Winter Fest OC at the OC Fair & Event Center. Consider your holiday plans officially handled.

Two ballet dancers perform on stage. The female dancer, in a sparkling tutu, balances on one foot with her leg extended high, while the male dancer in a white costume supports her. A grand building is in the background.

Sleigh the shopping game.

Forget the same old holiday shopping routine. Costa Mesa is where gift lists meet their match, from designer finds at South Coast Plaza to quirky boutiques and locally made treasures. Whether you’re shopping for someone special or treating yourself (no judgment), there’s a little something for everyone. Consider your holiday shopping officially wrapped up.

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A holiday travel-inspired indoor display featuring a carousel with reindeer figures and a decorative archway, surrounded by snow-dusted evergreen trees and poinsettias.

South Coast Plaza

With an impressive collection of designer boutiques, luxury brands, and specialty retailers, South Coast Plaza makes holiday shopping an experience of its own. Add festive décor and plenty of places to refuel, and checking off your gift list just got a whole lot more fun.

Shop South Coast Plaza
A woman wearing a denim shirt and jeans is browsing clothes on a rack in a bright, modern Costa Mesa boutique with colorful items displayed on shelves and tables.

17th Street

Looking for something a little more local? Explore Costa Mesa’s 17th Street, where independent boutiques, specialty shops, and neighborhood favorites make finding a thoughtful gift feel like a discovery.

Unwrap 17th Street
An oval THE LAB ANTI-MALL sign mounted on scaffolding, decorated with festive holiday travel lights against a blue sky.

The LAB Anti-Mall

The LAB stands for Little American Business, and it’s your destination for conscious, thoughtful, and one-of-a-kind gifting. Shop wellness, home goods, apparel, and more—all in a distinctly Costa Mesa way.

Get Gifting at The LAB

Season's eatings!

Come hungry this holiday season. Costa Mesa’s dining scene brings together comforting favorites and extraordinary culinary experiences. Warm up with a bowl of noodles at Costa Mesa’s legendary Ramen Row or keep it classy and celebrate over an elegant meal at one of Costa Mesa’s award winning restaurants. There’s a table for every taste and occasion.

Take an Eatcation®
A small round holiday dessert with a crumb-coated edge, topped with raspberries and a mint sprig, garnished with two chocolate cigarette cookies and a raspberry coulis drizzle on a white plate ready for travel.

COSTA MESA HOTELS

Stay where the holidays happen.

Make Costa Mesa your home for the holidays, with festive hotels close to twinkling lights, seasonal performances, holiday shopping, and celebratory dining. Check in, get cozy, and let the merry-making begin.

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A large, illuminated Christmas tree stands in a park next to The Westin hotel at dusk, a scenic spot for holiday travel.

The Westin South Coast Plaza

Stay in the heart of the action, steps from South Coast Plaza’s holiday magic, seasonal performances at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, and Costa Mesa’s dazzling 90-foot Christmas tree.

Hotel Details
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Avenue of the Arts, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

A classy lakeside stay, steps from holiday arts, music, and shopping, with plenty of cozy spots to toast to the season.

Hotel Details
A holiday travel scene in a hotel lobby featuring a decorated Christmas tree near a fireplace, a grey sofa with orange throw pillows, and chairs adorned with garland.

Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa Newport Beach

A charming holiday home base with cozy European-inspired style, festive touches, easy access to seasonal shopping, and Costa Mesa cheer.

Hotel Details
Modern hotel lobby bar at Hilton Orange County Costa Mesa, featuring wooden tables and striped chairs, surrounded by tall palm trees and illuminated glass elevators, creates a stylish and inviting atmosphere with warm and blue lighting.

Hilton Orange County Costa Mesa

Settle in for the season with spacious rooms, on-site dining, and plenty of room to gather, making holiday travel with family and friends a little easier.

Hotel Details
Aerial view of the Marriott Costa Mesa’s rectangular outdoor swimming pool, surrounded by lounge chairs, cabanas, palm trees, and landscaped gardens, with a stylish fire pit seating area nearby.

Costa Mesa Marriott

A comfortable and spacious home-away-from-home near South Coast Plaza, festive performances, and seasonal happenings, with plenty of Costa Mesa cheer just minutes away.

Hotel Details
Modern outdoor swimming pool at OC Hotel Costa Mesa with metal lounge chairs under bright orange umbrellas, towels neatly rolled on each chair, and a contemporary building in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

OC Hotel Costa Mesa

A colorful boutique stay near the OC Fair & Event Center, putting Winter Fest OC and holiday shopping right around the corner.

Hotel Details
A spacious Best Western Costa Mesa hotel room featuring a large bed, two bedside tables, a wall-mounted TV, a desk with chair, window with blinds, and wooden floors. The modern decor showcases neutral tones for a relaxing stay.

Best Western Plus Newport Mesa Inn

Make holiday mornings easy with complimentary breakfast and a comfortable stay just across from the OC Fair & Event Center, home to the seasonal favorite Winter Fest OC.

Hotel Details
The Ramada Costa Mesa hotel entrance features a covered driveway, palm trees, three flags, pristine landscaping, and a clear blue sky. The light-colored building offers large windows and a red brick-patterned drive for a welcoming arrival.

Ramada by Wyndham Costa Mesa

Save a little more for gifts with a budget-friendly Costa Mesa stay, giving you a cozy home base without putting a holiday-sized dent in your wallet.

Hotel Details
A modern hotel suite at Residence Inn Costa Mesa features a living area with a sofa, armchair, fireplace, and TV. The dining table is set for guests. French doors open to the bedroom, and a staircase adds to the spacious layout.

Residence Inn by Marriott Costa Mesa

Make yourself at home for the holidays with spacious suites and full kitchens, giving families extra room to settle in, stay awhile, and celebrate the season together.

Hotel Details
Hotel lobby at Hampton Inn Costa Mesa Newport Beach with a large wooden front desk, modern chairs, two black monitors, a small table with a plant, and a wall mural that says

Hampton Inn by Hilton Costa Mesa

Start your holiday mornings with complimentary hot breakfast, then head out for a full day of shopping, celebrating, and checking off that gift list.

Hotel Details

Holiday Happenings

Holiday Travel FAQs

Where can I see Christmas lights in Costa Mesa?

Costa Mesa offers festive holiday light displays at Winter Fest OC, South Coast Plaza, and the city’s beloved Snoopy House Holiday Display. Visitors can enjoy towering Christmas trees, seasonal decorations, and family-friendly photo opportunities throughout the holiday season. Dates and availability vary by location.

What holiday events are happening in Costa Mesa in 2026?

Costa Mesa’s 2026 holiday entertainment includes The Nutcracker at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, A Christmas Carol at South Coast Repertory, seasonal concerts, and Winter Fest OC at the OC Fair & Event Center. Check Travel Costa Mesa’s events calendar for current dates, performance schedules, and tickets.

Are there Christmas markets in Costa Mesa?

Costa Mesa hosts seasonal shopping events and makers’ markets featuring local businesses, handmade gifts, and artisan goods. Check upcoming events at The CAMP and the OC Fair & Event Center for holiday markets and pop-up shopping opportunities.

Where can I enjoy holiday dining in Costa Mesa?

Costa Mesa offers plenty of options for holiday dining, from upscale restaurants at South Coast Plaza to neighborhood favorites and festive cocktail spots. Whether you’re planning a celebratory dinner, afternoon tea, or holiday brunch, the city’s culinary scene has something worth gathering around the table for.

What restaurants are open on Christmas Day and New Year's Day in Costa Mesa?

Holiday restaurant hours vary throughout Costa Mesa. Some hotel restaurants and local dining establishments offer Christmas Day meals, New Year’s Eve dinners, and New Year’s Day brunch. Check directly with restaurants for confirmed holiday hours, special menus, and reservations before visiting.

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