In good spirits
Holiday Travel Costa Mesa
Who says the holidays need snow to feel magical? Costa Mesa turns up the cheer with dazzling displays, festive performances, seriously good shopping, and plenty of reasons to eat, sip, and celebrate. Catch a holiday show, find the perfect gift, or make a weekend of it. Consider this your merry little escape to Orange County.
Oh, what fun!
Our motto is let it snow—somewhere else. Costa Mesa offers merry, bright, and beachy days, filled with unexpected finds and quality time with loved ones. Get your holiday gift list ready and pack your stretchy pants, because ’tis the season for the West Coast’s best shopping, even better food, and more holiday events than you can shake a snowglobe at.
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.
Find It at South Coast Plaza
It’s the largest shopping destination on the West coast with more than 250 boutiques, alongside Michelin-recognized dining and locally-beloved carousels for the kids. Take a photo with Santa, then tackle your entire shopping list.
Unwrap 17th Street
Holiday cheer meets small-business charm on Costa Mesa’s 17th Street. Cruise down 17th Street and explore a mix of independent boutiques, specialty shops, and neighborhood favorites.
Shop Small, Shop Local
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.
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.
Find It at South Coast Plaza
It’s the largest shopping destination on the West coast with more than 250 boutiques, alongside Michelin-recognized dining and locally-beloved carousels for the kids. Take a photo with Santa, then tackle your entire shopping list.
Unwrap 17th Street
Holiday cheer meets small-business charm on Costa Mesa’s 17th Street. Cruise down 17th Street and explore a mix of independent boutiques, specialty shops, and neighborhood favorites.
Shop Small, Shop Local
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.
Check in to chill out.
We love the holidays. We love family. We also love a little breathing room. Escape to Costa Mesa for a warm-weather getaway where breakfast plans become brunch and the only rush is the high from finding the perfect holiday gift on sale. What sounds better than a hotel room all to yourself? Sometimes, the best way to enjoy the holidays is with a little space to unwind.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Something you'll love
Jingle all around town.
A Holiday Tradition
Let it snow in sunny Southern California! Winter Fest OC transforms the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa into a dazzling winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, real snow, ice tubing, outdoor ice skating, carnival rides, and festive entertainment. With visits from Santa, nightly tree lightings, and plenty of holiday cheer, it's a magical experience for the whole family.
Cue the Classics
American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker returns to Segerstrom Hall in Costa Mesa. This beloved holiday tradition brings Clara’s enchanting adventure to life with costumes, choreography, and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed live by Pacific Symphony.
See the Season Sparkle
Experience the magic of the holidays with A Christmas Carol at South Coast Repertory. Charles Dickens’ timeless tale is of Ebenezer Scrooge and his journey through Christmas past, present, and future. Filled with heart and holiday spirit, this beloved classic reminds us of the joy of being kind and giving second chances.
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.
Gather, graze, and celebrate.
Savor Something Special
There's no better time than the holidays to treat yourself and your loved ones to a memorable dining experience. From James Beard-nominated chefs to Michelin-recognized restaurants, critics love Costa Mesa's food scene, and you will too.
Savor Something Special
There's no better time than the holidays to treat yourself and your loved ones to a memorable dining experience. From James Beard-nominated chefs to Michelin-recognized restaurants, critics love Costa Mesa's food scene, and you will too.
Not a Fruitcake in Sight
Nothing says holidays like trying to find something everyone will eat. Costa Mesa’s food halls make it easy to mix, match, and taste your way around town, so everyone gets something they love.
Not a Fruitcake in Sight
Nothing says holidays like trying to find something everyone will eat. Costa Mesa’s food halls make it easy to mix, match, and taste your way around town, so everyone gets something they love.
Slurp Your Way Through Ramen Row
Dubbed Ramen Row by the LA Times, it's the largest concentration of ramen shops within just a few blocks in Southern California. From traditional to brothless to plant-based, there's a warm, cozy bowl for every set of tastebuds.
Slurp Your Way Through Ramen Row
Dubbed Ramen Row by the LA Times, it's the largest concentration of ramen shops within just a few blocks in Southern California. From traditional to brothless to plant-based, there's a warm, cozy bowl for every set of tastebuds.
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