You can’t beat the beautiful year-round weather we have in Orange County (ok, except maybe for those torrential rains today), but sometimes, just sometimes, you find yourself wishing for a little snow and ice. Enter Winter Fest, back for it’s 4th year at the OC Fair & Event Center. Open December 20th to January 6th, you have 18 days to take it all in.
Winter Fest is quickly becoming THE family event of the season with ice tubing down an 8 lane – 150 foot mountain, a large play area with lots of snow (blown in daily), nightly fireworks, tree lighting and snow flurries, character parades and entertainment, and my personal favorite, the Festival of Lights. We knew right away after attending Winter Fest last year that we would be making it a yearly family tradition. Think OC Fair-level-fun in December!
A large outdoor ice skating rink, carnival rides and games, and a trackless train are just a few of the additional highlights of Winter Fest (for an added cost if only purchasing a general admission ticket). For more details on all the fun, head over here.
You can buy tickets onsite, but will find the best deal when you purchase them online here, with Weekend and Holiday tickets priced at $19 for adults and $14 for Children (ages 3-12). Platinum Passes, which include an ice skating session, unlimited Carnival Rides and an Ice Tubing Fast Pass, are also available for purchase. Don’t think 1 night is going to cut it? Consider purchasing a Season Pass, good for all days and nights of Winter Fest.
And while Winter Fest is a wonderful family destination, it is also the perfect opportunity for a date night or holiday get-together with friends. Consider reserving a private cabana rink-side for an additional fee. With cozy seating and a private server, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy that rare adult night out (man, I need one of those)!
Winter Fest will be open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, as well as New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day where you can ring in the New Year with fireworks and a 3,000 balloon drop at both 6:00pm (thank you for that!) and 12:00pm New Year’s Eve.
It does get cold, especially if you are playing in the snow, so come prepared with jackets, hats and mittens. Closed toe shoes are also required for the Snowflake Summit Ice Tubing.
**Now are you ready for some even more exciting news? We’ve partnered with Winter Fest to give one lucky family 4 General Admission Tickets. Check out @newportmesamoms on Instagram or Facebook for giveaway rules and details! Winner to be announced Wednesday, December 12th!**
