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

Published Dec 1, 2025, 6:31pm

‘Tis the season! If you’re looking for some festive fun, head over to Costa Mesa, California. From holiday markets to merry performances—and enough Christmas décor to absolutely pass the vibe check—this city has everything on your winter bucket list.

Experience Winter in Costa Mesa—No Snow Chains Required

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! Open select dates from Nov 28 – Jan 4

Find the Perfect Gift Shopping at South Coast Plaza

A shopping mall decorated for the holidays with gold star ornaments and garlands. Shoppers walk past luxury stores like Versace, Gucci, and Tiffany & Co. A small indoor stream runs through the center.

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

Snap-Worthy Moments at the Town Center Park Tree

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! Segerstrom Center for Arts Schedule South Coast Repertory Schedule

Indulge in Sweet Delights at Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee

A tall Christmas tree covered in colorful lights stands in front of The Westin hotel, surrounded by leafless trees and a grassy area, with a modern white building in the background.

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. Photo by Scott Smeltzer/South Coast Repertory

Celebrate the 45th Anniversary of “A Christmas Carol” at South Coast Repertory

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. Runs from Nov 29 – Dec 28

Even More Festive Things to Do this December in Costa Mesa

Two actors on stage: one in a festive, fur-trimmed green robe and wreath crown holding a goblet, the other in a white nightgown and cap, looking surprised. The set includes Victorian furniture and dark lighting.

Photo by Inspired Art Wine

Holiday-Themed Painting at Inspired Art Wine

Multiple Dates from Dec 3 – Dec 28

A group of twelve people pose indoors with their completed paintings, each featuring a colorful sky and trees. A decorated Christmas tree is in the background, and everyone appears cheerful and proud of their artwork.

This December, pick up a glass (or two) of wine and let your inner artist shine with over a dozen guided painting sessions featuring winter and holiday themes. Photo by Segerstrom

American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker

Dec 11 – 21

This beautiful rendition of Tchaikovsky’s classic tale features dazzling choreography by the famous Alexei Rratmansky. This timeless story offers pure joy for the entire family.

Fiesta Navidad

Dec 23

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.

Fiesta Navidad is back at Segerstrom Center, bringing Grammy-winning Mariachi Los Camperos, festive feels, and Mexican holiday traditions your heart can handle.

Snoopy House Holiday Display

Dec 12 – 19

Stop by Costa Mesa City Hall for live performances, train rides, sledding, food vendors, Santa photos, and more. Admission is free for all ages.

Silent Night Silent Disco

Dec 19

Put on your holiday best and get ready for a unique disco experience. Pick up your pair of light-up headphones at the venue and get moving on the dance floor with holiday classics and hits.

See What Else Costa Mesa Is Up To

Festive Snoopy-themed holiday event flyer featuring Snoopy in a Santa hat, Christmas trees, snow, and event details for Snoopy House at Costa Mesa City Hall, December 12-19, 5:30-8:30 PM.

To see all the top events happening over the holiday season, check out our Costa Mesa events calendar.

Book Your Overnight Stay

Skip the stress and tension of the in-laws’ house and instead celebrate the holiday season in comfort, peace, and style with an overnight stay at a Costa Mesa hotel. With central locations, these top options put you at the heart of the city’s seasonal festivities while offering a cozy, quiet space to return to in the evening for the ultimate relaxation. Beat the holiday rush and lock in your stay today.

Start Planning Now!

Plan Your Visit

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.