OC Winterfest

A person holding a toddler in a winter coat high-fives a costumed yeti mascot in front of a WINTER sign, while a woman dressed as a queen stands nearby.

Snow rarely finds its way to Orange County, but for six sparkling weeks every winter, Costa Mesa makes an exception. Winter Fest OC transforms the OC Fair & Event Center into a twinkling winter wonderland from late November through the first days of January. Enjoy over 8,000-square-feet of fresh snow in a designated play area or slide down 150-feet of packed snow. An outdoor ice rink glows under a canopy of string lights, a holiday light trail winds through the grounds, and Santa keeps hours in his workshop through Christmas Eve.

This year’s Winter Fest OC has even more holiday magic than before, with unlimited ice skating and 20,000 square feet of Inflatable Land. Kids can bounce and play their way through colorful obstacle courses and slides. Plus, included with the Inflatable Land Bounce Pass is Polar Putt-Putt, a 9-hole mini golf adventure.

When

November 27, 2026–January 3, 2027

Location

88 Fair Drive

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Visit Website View Calendar

Hours

Winter Fest OC Hours
Thursday & Friday: 5 – 10PM
Saturday: 4 – 11PM
Sunday: 4 – 10PM (Closed December 6th)
Monday – Wednesday: Closed until December 21st. Open 5- 10 until New Year’s.

Admission & Parking

Every admission pass this year is a Flex ticket, so you can lock in a price now and choose your snow day later. Buy your tickets online for the best prices. Value Flex Passes allow access on Sundays, Thursdays, and Fridays through December 18, as long as the festival is open. Anytime Flex Passes are eligible for any open day.

Peek at the full Winter Fest calendar before you plan your night here.

Maps & Directions

In Orange County
Freeways 5, 22, 73, 91, and 405 connect with the Newport (55)
Take the South Freeway, then take the Del Mar/Fair Drive exit

From Los Angeles
Take the 5 South or 405 South to 55 South. Then, exit at Del Mar/Fair Drive

From Riverside
Take 91 West to 55 South, then exit at Del Mar/Fair Drive

From San Diego
Take the 5 North to 405 North, then to 55 South. Then, exit at Del Mar/Fair Drive

Pricing

Snow Pass: Anytime Flex – $30.99, Value Flex – $25.99, Season Snow Pass: $47.99
Winter Pass: Anytime Flex – $50.99, Value Flex – $45.99
Platinum Pass: Anytime Flex – $111.99, Value Flex – $101.99

Children ages 2 and under are free.
4-pack Anytime Flex Passes are available at every pass level at a discounted price

The Snow Pass covers ice tubing, snow play, the Holiday Light Trail, the nightly tree lighting, and a Santa visit. The Winter Pass adds unlimited ice skating, priority entry, and a Bounce Pass with Polar Putt-Putt. Platinum adds VIP Lounge access, a tubing fast pass, and an unlimited carnival ride wristband.

For more information on passes and pricing, visit Winter Fest OC’s ticket page.

Nighttime view of a brightly lit carnival with various rides, game booths, and visitors walking through the fairgrounds.

Winter Fest OC FAQs

When is the OC Winter Fest open?

Winter Fest OC runs November 27, 2026 through January 3, 2027 on select dates. Hours are 5 to 10PM on Thursday and Friday, 4 to 11PM on Saturday, and 4 to 10 pm on Sunday, with extended hours around Christmas and New Year’s. Check the calendar before you go, since the snow takes most Mondays through Wednesdays off.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

Yes. Only a limited number of tickets are released at the gate, and online pricing is lower. All passes are Flex tickets this year, so you can buy at today’s price and pick your visit date whenever you like.

Is the snow at Winter Fest OC real?

Yes, it’s real! Fresh snow is blown (from snow-makers) daily across an 8,000-square-foot play area, and the Snowflake Summit ice tubing slide runs 150 feet down real ice. It is the closest thing to a snow day you will find at sea level in Orange County.

What’s the weather like during Winter Fest OC?

Costa Mesa evenings in December hover between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t forget to bundle up! Bring a warm coat, gloves, and closed-toe shoes for the snow areas. Winter Fest OC runs rain or shine, though select rides may pause in bad weather.

What hotels are near Winter Fest OC?

Several Costa Mesa hotels sit within walking distance of the fairgrounds, including the Best Western Plus Newport Mesa Inn, Residence Inn by Marriott Costa Mesa Newport Beach, and OC Hotel Costa Mesa. Enjoy cold cheeks, a warm bed, and no drive home.

What’s the history of Winter Fest OC?

Winter Fest OC launched in 2015 to bring a real winter to a county that rarely sees one. It has grown from a single ice rink into Southern California’s largest winter festival, now spanning more than 40 attractions across the OC Fair & Event Center.

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