Winter Fest is back at the OC Fair & Event Center and this year it promises to be better than ever. Featuring more attractions and live entertainment than before, the Orange County Fairgrounds transforms into a massive winter wonderland offering fun for all ages. This year, Winter Fest OC will feature the “World’s Largest Candy Maze”, all-new Winter Fest Racing Pigs, skating under the stars in a re-imagined ice rink with two interactive islands, a new 50-foot walk-through Tree of Dreams Christmas tree, expanded daily entertainment from popular children’s cartoon characters to the all-new Winter Fest after Dark nightly series with tribute bands and DJs, plus new party and event suites available for private rental.
One of the best things about Winter Fest (besides all the fun of course) is the timing. With opening night happening this Thursday, December 19th and running thru January 5th, you have plenty of time to scope it out. Hit it up before Christmas and catch the nightly tree lighting and visits with Santa, or wait for the craziness from the holidays to pass and reward yourself with a fun family day AFTER Christmas. Looking for something to do on New Year’s Eve, or need some way to keep your kids entertained until school is back in session? Winter Fest has you covered!
In years past, my family and I spent most of our time at the big 3: ice skating (it’s hard to pass up the chance to skate outside in our So Cal weather), ice tubing (9 lanes that are 150′ long) and the Festival of Lights (so much fun to walk thru), but there is SO much more . . . we just run out of time.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
**Ice Tubing has a height requirement of 42″ (no lap sitting), and closed toe shoes.
**Ice skating and carnival rides are not included in a general admission ticket, so if you are thinking you might want to do those things, you should think about purchasing a Platinum Pass. Tickets purchased online will save you a few dollars from those purchased onsite.
**You can totally hit up Winter Fest WITHOUT the kids. Winter Fest would be the perfect date night, girls’ night, or night out with friends, especially with many of Southern California’s most popular live tribute bands taking the stage each night at 6:30 pm and 8 pm. Performances include tribute bands such as Escape, a tribute to Journey; Queen Nation, a tribute to Queen; Rumours, a tribute to Fleetwood Mac; Fast Times and Flashback Heart Attack, 80’s cover bands; Earth to Mars, a tribute to Bruno Mars, and so many more. An Elton John tribute show featuring “Kenny Metcalf as Elton” and a tribute to ABBA by ABBA LA will ring in 2020 during Winter Fest OC’s New Year’s Eve celebrations at both 6 p.m. and midnight. And don’t forget the drinks: cocktails, craft beers and wine.
PLUS THIS YEAR we have teamed up with Winter Fest OC to bring you a bigger and better giveaway of GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS FOR 10 GUESTS, AND A PRIVATE RINK-SIDE VIP CABANA FOR ONE RENTAL SESSION.**
**Based on availability. Ice skating tickets sold separately.
To enter the GIVEAWAY, head over to @newportmesamoms on Instagram or Facebook and follow the directions. Winner will be announced on Thursday the 19th in the evening. CONTEST CLOSED! Congratulations Patti Baker!
Tickets can also be purchased HERE.