There’s nothing like winter in warm and sunny Southern California. Pack up the family this winter, Dec. 20–Jan. 6, and join the seasonal fun of Winter Fest OC in Orange County. Expect all the trimmings, including a county fair, snowy attractions, ice tubing, skating and playing in the snow.
On the heels of the most-attended year in 2017, the Orange County Fair & Event Center welcomes travelers and locals to join in the holiday spirit — all 40,000 square feet of it.
Now in its fourth year, Winter Fest OC brings back all the most beloved family-friendly activities and attractions, including Snowflake Summit, an ice-tubing experience down 150 feet; Penny’s Snow Play, a fresh-snow attraction for toddlers and kids; and the Flying Santa and Reindeer Christmas Tree Lighting celebration, Dec. 20–24.
Take a family picture by the world’s largest rocking horse or run over to the bounce house with the kids. Everything is winter themed and over the top, including strolling carolers, a giant ornament (so big you can walk through it), a petting zoo, wandering characters for meet-and-greets, carnival rides, arcade games and crafts. Picture all of this paired with seasonal food and drinks.
With all the old favorites back, Winter Fest vets will also see a host of new activities, beginning with SoCal Dicken’s village. The 1800s-themed Christmas town is a walk down nostalgia lane with Christmas past, present and future. Decorate Christmas cookies and listen to stories after a pony ride or hit the holiday shops and visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus — until they have to go back to the North Pole for the season.
If there weren’t enough photo-op moments before for the teens, the Festival of Lights should prove a needed addition. Guests stroll under the 100-foot tunnel, twinkling with more than 2 million lights. Along the way, make a point to visit Candy and Snowflake Wonderland, or enjoy a VIP experience with private cabanas at Club Winter Fest. Enjoy an unobstructed view of the tree lighting and fireworks with the family.
Stick around for New Year’s parties at the Orange Ball New Year’s Eve Celebration. Watch the orange ball drop, both at 6 p.m. and midnight, along with live music and family-friendly parties. Closing Winter Fest OC for the season, El Dia de los Reyes, or Three Kings’ Day, Jan. 6, sees the Three Kings parade with a live camel.
Read more about tickets and availability here and get an inside look at the experience and all the inclusive family fun.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedMultigenerational
Apr 22, 2024Travel Sustainably with BWH Hotels
BWH Hotels invites family travelers to experience sustainable practices across its global portfolio. The brand prioritizes sustainable and responsible tourism through its Because We Care program and various partnerships with eco-friendly brands.
Sponsored Content
Make the Most of Hamad International Airport When Transferring
Making travel plans can be exciting; did you know planning on how to spend time at the airport the right way can enrich the overall trip experience? As a transfer hub, traveling through Doha's Hamad International Airport is a unique experience, as waiting never feels like waiting at one of the best airports in the world.
Parents
Apr 22, 20244 Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day fast approaches, and all mothers and mother figures deserve something extra special this year. Treat the mom in your life, whether she’s an outdoor enthusiast or host extraordinaire, to these four great gifts.
Multigenerational
Apr 19, 2024Family-Friendly Offerings from Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection
Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection includes the largest portfolio of luxury all-inclusive resorts in the world — many of them perfect for family travelers. And two current offers might entice your family even more.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Destinations / Central America
Apr 18, 2024Forever Friends Girls Getaway
Friends can be like family, so perhaps consider a girls’ getaway next time you’re thinking of planning family travel. Naia Resort & Spa in Belize offers an excellent option to spring break with your BFFs with its Forever Friends Girls Getaway offer. The getaway includes a little bit of everything: camaraderie, luxury accommodations, spa treatments, delicious food and quiet time.
ShareThis