Two performers in glowing, festive costumes stand under a bright red and white “North Pole Journey” sign, surrounded by illuminated arches and holiday decorations at night—a magical moment perfect for any Costa Mesa travel blog.

Winter Wonders in Costa Mesa: 5 Activities for a Magical Holiday Escape

Published Dec 11, 2023, 9:36am

‘Tis the season, and if you’re in the mood for some festive fun, look no further. Grab your beanies, charge up your phones, and get ready to experience five totally Instagrammable Costa Mesa activities that scream holiday vibes!

1. Winter Fest OC, Where the Fun Never Ends

Dive headfirst into the holiday spirit at Winter Fest OC, SoCal’s largest winter festival! Glide through their ice-skating trail, enjoy winter-themed cocktails inside a cozy fireside igloo, speed down a 150-foot ice tubing slide, and experience a light show perfectly synchronized to your favorite holiday songs. It’s family friendly and full of photo ops for your IG stories!

2. Experience Holiday Shopping at South Coast Plaza

A large, shiny silver and gold sculpture resembling stacked gift bags stands in front of a GUCCI store inside a mall decorated with festive garlands and ornaments. Shoppers walk nearby under bright lighting.

It’s time to tackle that holiday shopping list—and there’s no better place than South Coast Plaza. The whole place transforms into dreamy winter wonderland, complete with a reindeer carousel, a whimsical Santa Express train, and Santa himself ready for those frame-worthy professional photos. If you need something to keep the little ones entertained, then try one of the kid friendly workshops at Santa’s Craft Shop.

Santa’s Craft Shop open Dec 5 – Dec 24
Santa Photos available Nov 21 – Dec 24

3. Snap-Worthy Moments at the Town Center Park Tree

A tall Christmas tree decorated with colorful lights stands in front of a modern hotel building, surrounded by leafless trees and green grass at dusk.

Capture the holiday spirit by visiting the massive Christmas tree in Town Center Park to take photos, easily located right in front of The Westin South Coast Plaza. If you’re in the mood for a tasty meal, try Vaca, a renowned Spanish restaurant with a perfect view of the tree. And here’s a bonus – it’s just steps away from Segerstrom Center for Arts and South Coast Repertory so you can top off your night with a live holiday performance!

4. Indulge in Sweet Delights at Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee

A glazed donut topped with red, green, and white sprinkles sits on a white surface, surrounded by pine branches and red berries, creating a festive holiday atmosphere.

Satisfy your craving for a sweet treat with freshly made donuts from Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee. With accolades from CN Traveler, this culinary sensation is also a local favorite. Keep an eye out for their limited-time holiday options. From bourbon delights to peppermint perfection, experience the joy of the season in every bite.

5. Watch A Christmas Carol at South Coast Repertory

Two actors perform on stage; one wears a lavish, icy blue gown and crown, while the other, dressed in a nightgown and nightcap, stands on a bed looking surprised. The scene is dramatically lit with blue highlights.

The holidays in Costa Mesa aren’t complete without watching a performance of “A Christmas Carol” at Tony Award-winning South Coast Repertory. This year they will be having Santa visits, a hot chocolate bar, holiday cocktails, Christmas carolers, and limited edition mugs to celebrate their 45th production anniversary.

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Four young adults smiling and walking together outside a modern building; one woman in a red hat leads the group, while the others chat and follow, carrying shopping bags.