by Noella Noelophile®
(Graphic courtesy of Winter Fest OC, and used with permission.)
When was the last time you celebrated a tenth anniversary with mini golf, ice skating and carnival rides?
Not to mention getting to celebrate for 35 days?
You’ll have that opportunity this Friday, November 22nd, as Winter Fest OC returns to Costa Mesa for its tenth anniversary!
It’s going to be magical.
A look inside
(Photo courtesy of Winter Fest OC, and used with permission.)
In addition to the ice tubing, real snow play and North Pole immersive experience which have made Winter Fest OC a Southern California tradition, the 2024 edition features some new attractions.
“We’ve grown our physical footprint, but we’ve also expanded our offerings to reach a wide range of ages,” emails PSQ Productions CEO Mark Entner.
(“This year we’ve added) an all-new, expanded carnival area featuring more than 50 rides, games and attractions for all ages.”
(Photo courtesy of Winter Fest OC, and used with permission.)
In addition, Mark said, Winter Fest OC has added a new nightly holiday light show, featuring more than two million lights, synchronized to music!
And of course, visitors still get to enjoy nightly snowfall, Polar Putt Putt, the region’s largest outdoor ice skating rink, and an 8,000-square foot real snow play area!
Origins of the magic
(Photo courtesy of Winter Fest OC, and used with permission.)
So, how did all of this get started?
“Ten years ago, we envisioned bringing the magic of winter to sunny Souhern California, creating a one-of-a-kind holiday celebration,” Mark explains.
“With the perfect location at the OC Fair and Event Center, Winter Fest OC was born…
“What started as an idea quickly grew into a beloved tradition.”
Mark says his favorite memory, from Winter Fest OC’s opening day in 2015, was “seeing it come to fruition for the first time, surrounded by excited families and friends.
(Photo courtesy of Winter Fest OC, and used with permission.)
“A lot of work goes into creating the winter wonderland that Winter Fest OC is,” he continues, as he spotlights the team that made the project, as well as its growth over the years, possible.
“Our team did a fantastic job of pivoting to Night of Lights, a drive-thru version of Winter Fest OC, throughout the height of COVID,” Mark says.
Asked about one of his all-time favorite experiences over past decade, Mark cites the in-person return to the celebration, post-pandemic.
“…Nothing beats the feeling of seeing families and friends come together in-person to celebrate the holidays together.”
2024 specifics
(Photo courtesy of Winter Fest OC, and used with permission.)
If you and yours are currently looking forward to that celebration (and it looks amazing!), here are some facts:
- Winter Fest OC tickets are available ONLY through their website and at the event. Their current Pre-Season Sale offers up to 50% off on tickets and passes, and ends at 11:59 pm, this Thursday, November 21st. Here’s the link for information.
(Photo courtesy of Winter Fest OC, and used with permission.)
- On select dates, military discounts, 10% off admission, will be available; check their link for details.
- Winter Fest OC welcomes everyone to celebrate. Mark says North Pole Journey Experience is inclusive to general holidays, with Obelisks in Holiday Town which share stories of holiday traditions around the world.
(Photo courtesy of Winter Fest OC, and used with permission.)
- Winter Fest OC will be open on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, and will host a special New Year’s Eve celebration with TWO shows: one at 9:00 pm and one at midnight. Taylor Nation band will be performing, and the festivities will include a countdown and fireworks to ring in the New Year.
So, now is the time to make plans! And a very Happy Anniversary to Winter Fest OC, as they embark on their second decade of bringing a “winter wonderland” to Orange County.
(Graphic courtesy of Winter Fest OC, and used with permission.)
Winter Fest OC opens Friday, November 22nd at 4 pm and runs through Sunday, January 5th, at the OC Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. Closed Monday through Wednesday, December 2nd through December 4th, and Sunday through Wednesday, December 8th through December 11th. Ticket purchase through their website is encouraged, but a limited number of tickets will be available at the event. Their “Pre-Season Ticket Sale”, with discounts of up to 50%, ends at 11:59 pm this Thursday, November 21st.