Winter Fest OC 2026: Ice Tubing, Snow Play, and Holiday Magic in Costa Mesa!
Snow in Orange County? At Winter Fest OC, it’s not only possible, it’s the whole point. Every holiday season, the OC Fair & Event Center turns into a winter wonderland with a towering ice tubing hill, real snow play, twinkling lights, and plenty of cocoa-worthy moments.
Winter Fest OC 2026 runs on select dates from November 27, 2026, through January 3, 2027, in Costa Mesa. Here’s your family guide to what’s included, the new ice skating option, ticket prices, parking, and tips for a smooth, frosty visit.
Winter Fest OC 2026: Quick Facts
OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Friday, November 27, 2026 – Sunday, January 3, 2027 (select dates)
Hours: to be announced
Tickets are on sale now, and children 2 and under are free. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing, and the event runs rain or shine.
What’s Included With Admission
Ice Tubing on Snowflake Summit
The star of Winter Fest OC is Snowflake Summit, a 150-foot ice tubing hill that sends riders zooming down on a tube. It’s included with every admission pass and is a favorite with kids and grown-ups alike.
Daily Snow Play
Kids can build snowmen, toss snowballs, and romp in real snow in the snow play area, a rare treat for Southern California families. Bring gloves and a change of clothes, since little ones tend to get soaked.
Lights, Tree Lighting, and Santa
Admission also includes a walk-through light experience, a nightly tree lighting, and live entertainment. Santa is at Winter Fest OC through December 24, so plan your visit before Christmas Eve if a Santa photo is on your list.
New for 2026: Ice Skating
Ice skating is new at Winter Fest OC this season, with 45-minute skating sessions that include skate rentals. Skating is included with the Winter Pass and Platinum Pass, or you can add it on.
Paid Add-Ons
Beyond the included activities, families can add an unlimited carnival rides wristband, a Bounce Pass and Polar Putt-Putt, or a Snowflake Upgrade for express access to the tubing hill. Groups of up to 10 can also reserve Fireside Igloos, which do not include admission.
Winter Fest OC Tickets and Prices
Winter Fest OC offers several pass levels, with Value Flex and Anytime Flex pricing. Here are the 2026 prices listed on the official ticket page:
Snow Pass: $25.99 Value Flex / $30.99 Anytime Flex (ice tubing, snow play, lights, and Santa)
Winter Pass: $45.99 Value Flex / $50.99 Anytime Flex (adds unlimited ice skating)
Platinum Pass: $101.99 Value Flex / $111.99 Anytime Flex (adds express lane and unlimited rides)
Season Snow Pass: $47.99 for unlimited visits
Four-packs are also available at a small discount, and children 2 and under are free. Buy tickets through the official Winter Fest OC tickets page.
Parking, Food, and Policies
Parking at the OC Fair & Event Center is $15 per vehicle. Winter Fest OC is cashless, so bring a debit or credit card for food, add-ons, and parking.
Outside food isn’t allowed, except unopened water, baby food, and food for dietary needs. The event runs rain or shine, so check the forecast and dress in layers. See the Winter Fest OC FAQ for the full policy list.
Tips for Visiting Winter Fest OC With Kids
Go early in the season or on a weeknight for shorter lines at the tubing hill. Value Flex dates are the best deal, so check the calendar when you buy.
Dress kids in waterproof pants or leggings, bring gloves, and pack dry socks for the car ride home. Snow play is a lot more fun when nobody’s shivering.
If Santa is a must, go before December 24. You can also compare other options in our guide to places to take photos with Santa.
Takeaway
Winter Fest OC brings a real taste of winter to Costa Mesa, with a 150-foot ice tubing hill, snow play, holiday lights, Santa, and new ice skating for 2026. It runs on select dates from November 27, 2026, through January 3, 2027, and tickets start at $25.99.
Buy tickets early, bring layers, and plan on a cashless visit. For more winter fun, see our guides to snow play near Los Angeles, holiday lights in Los Angeles, and SkyPark at Santa’s Village.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is Winter Fest OC 2026?
Winter Fest OC runs on select dates from November 27, 2026, through January 3, 2027, at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. Daily hours haven’t been announced yet.
2. How much are Winter Fest OC tickets?
Snow Passes start at $25.99 on Value Flex dates, Winter Passes with skating start at $45.99, and Platinum Passes start at $101.99. Children 2 and under are free.
3. Is there real snow at Winter Fest OC?
Yes. Winter Fest OC has a daily snow play area with real snow, plus a 150-foot ice tubing hill called Snowflake Summit.
4. How much is parking at Winter Fest OC?
Parking at the OC Fair & Event Center is $15 per vehicle. The event is cashless, so plan to pay by card.
5. Is Santa at Winter Fest OC?
Yes. Santa is at Winter Fest OC through December 24, 2026, and visiting him is included with admission.
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