Winter Fest is Coming to Orange County!

By Erin

*I will be attending Winter Fest as Media.*

It’s getting cold outside! Well, for Southern California standards it is, and it’s about to get colder! Winter is coming to the OC with an all-new holiday wonder, Winter Fest. Unfolding over the OC Fair & Event Center December 18 – January 3, a magical and whimsical getaway will be unveiled  that features unlimited ice tubing, the world’s largest walk-through ornament, festive entertainment, ice skating, VIP rink-side cabanas, live reindeer, a nightly Christmas tree lighting ceremony with snowfall, seasonal-themed eateries, libations, a carnival and much more. Winter Fest offers such an unforgettable experience at an unbelievable value with tickets starting at only $10 online while they last. Many of Winter Fest’s attractions are within buildings, making the event as “El Nino-proof” as possible.

Entertainment for Winter Fest begins each morning with a snow-capped opening moment led by resident master magician, Jimmy H.  The Chainsaw Chicks will also be here at Winter Fest, carving out fantastic ice sculptures while captivating the crowd with their unbridled charm. Local bands, strolling carolers, and performances by community organizations from around Orange County bring tons of live entertainment to Winter Fest.

The Winter Fest Promenade will be bustling with all of the sights and sounds of winter and with a variety of holiday food and beverage options. A 30-foot Christmas tree stands at the end of the Winter Fest Promenade, where guests will gather nightly at 5:30 p.m. for a heartwarming tree lighting ceremony complete with snowfall. Near the Christmas tree are two of Santa’s reindeer, available for viewing and feeding.

The  Mistletoe Lounge is a hot spot at Winter Fest, that you will surely find me at! Offering holiday-themed cocktails, international craft beers, and comfortable seating amid the holiday décor and entertainment of the Winter Fest Promenade. The Slippery Slope Ski Lodge (known as Baja Blues Restaurant during the OC Fair) is another exciting Winter Fest destination. The family-friendly eatery will capture a ski-lodge vibe with holiday-themed cuisine and drinks, mountain décor, nightly live entertainment, and staff decked out in ski gear.

Thrill seekers can climb Snowflake Summit to take part in unlimited ice tubing down a 130-foot, six-lane ice slide, where guests 42 inches and taller can race down the slope and experience the exhilarating side of winter. Snowflake Summit also offers bleacher seating, allowing friends and family to cheer on loved ones while they zoom down the ice.

The Hangar building will be transformed into an ice-skating rink, where guests can enjoy skating around a 6,000 square foot ice rink for an additional fee of only $15 onsite. Holiday films will be projected onto a theater-sized screen in the background as skaters zip around the rink. Elegant rink-side VIP cabanas will be available for only $99 per session while they last, and accommodate 2 – 10 people but can adapt to fit parties of up to 100. The VIP cabanas offer exclusive menus with seasonally inspired food, cocktails, a private ice rink entrance and private servers.  VIP cabanas are perfect for groups, parties, or a date with a loved one. Santa has transported several sleighs from his collection to the Hangar building, which will be on display for the first time ever at Winter Fest.