Tag Archives: Orange County

Winter Fest OC

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Winter Fest OC

By Erin

Southern California’s largest winter festival, Winter Fest OC is back in Costa Mesa and kicks off 26 days and nights of winter-themed fun at the OC Fair & Event Center on Friday, November 25th!

A popular destination for families, groups of friends and date nights, Winter Fest OC brings the community together this holiday season with tons of festive fun including live entertainment, outdoor ice skating under the stars, a nine-lane 150-foot-long ice tubing slide, ice bumper cars, LED mini golf, trackless train rides, snowboard simulator, carnival thrills, unique photo opportunities, visits with Santa, winter attractions, seasonal food and drinks, and so much more through January 1st.

Winter Fest OC transforms the OC Fair & Event Center into a magical winter wonderland with oversized holiday decor, more than a million lights, and endless opportunities for memory-making. New for 2022, and included in all admission tickets, is “North Pole Journey,” an immersive walk-through experience that guides guests to North Pole Village on an important mission to meet Santa Claus and save the holidays.

Enjoy the magic of the holiday season with past Winter Fest OC favorites as well as all-new activities, including outdoor ice skating under the stars, a nine-lane 150-foot-long ice tubing slide, ice bumper cars, LED mini golf, trackless train rides, snowboard simulator, and carnival thrills. Also returning are winter-themed bounce houses, an arts and crafts area, holiday market, and seasonal food and drinks. Winter Fest OC features a variety of stage and strolling entertainment, including a nightly Holiday celebration featuring snow flurries and Santa, meet and greets with kid’s favorite characters, tribute bands, and more. All this plus unique winter-themed photo opportunities with the 30-foot-tall giant walk-through ornament, numerous giant Christmas trees, and of course, meeting Santa himself. 

Claus House Stage Entertainment

At the center of Winter Fest OC is the 40-foot-tall holiday celebration tree and The Claus House Stage, where live entertainment can be enjoyed as well as community acts, interactive kid activities, and even more holiday magic. Daily entertainment includes meet-and-greets with favorite Winter Fest OC characters such as Yowie the Yeti, Snowman and Polar Bear, plus the popular nightly parade, tree lighting and live show with snow fall. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and winter treats and enjoy a variety of entertainment at The Claus House Stage to celebrate the holiday season.

North Pole Journey Immersive Walk-Through Experience

Included in all general admission tickets, the new North Pole Journey walk-through experience immerses guests in the sights, sounds and smells of five magical lands on an important mission from Santa. Enjoy dazzling lights, music, unique photo opportunities, and a wide range of free entertainment and interactive activities in each of the five pavilions. Keep an eye out for “Journey Guides” along the way to help gather the three elements of the Holidays that will help Santa! North Pole Journey highlights include:

  • Forest of Light: A kid’s hedge maze, wisteria tunnel, giant waterfall, and unique 360-degree free photo booth!
  • Winter Wonderland: Meet-and-greets with your favorite winter characters, plus Dance of the Snow Fairies performances daily.
  • Holiday Town: Remote-controlled model train exhibits plus an intimate movie theater with holiday classics.
  • Toyland Circus: Special appearances by PJ Masks (Nov. 25 – 27), Peppa Pig (Dec. 1 – 4), Paw Patrol (Dec. 8 – 11) and more of your favorite cartoon show characters! Plus Toyland Soldiers Assembly performances daily.
  • Santa Send Off: Tree ornament decorating, Santa Elves Dance Party performances, plus free meet-and-greets and photos with Santa (through Dec. 24)!

Seasonal Food & Drinks

Indulge in seasonal drinks and treats at Winter Fest OC including hot cocoa, hot apple cider, Mom’s Bake Shoppe cookies and brownies, Old Tyme Ice Cream, churros, popcorn, lemonade and kettle corn. All this plus meal options from BBQ ribs or chicken to pizza, hot dogs, sausages, fries and more! Seasonal adult beverages including beer, wine and holiday-inspired craft cocktails are also available for purchase.

VIP Experiences & Large Party Reservations

VIP Fireside Lounge: Enjoy an exclusive VIP fireside lounge area with comfortable seating, fire pits roasting s’mores and an exquisite view of the nightly parade and stage entertainment from The Claus House Stage. With a private bar with craft cocktails, beer and wine, then Fireside Lounge is perfect for groups and holiday corporate parties, and can be reserved in advance to accommodate up to 300 people.

Rink-Side VIP Private Cabanas: Private, ice rink-side VIP cabanas for up to 10 people are available to rent for 2-3 hour timeblocks, creating the ultimate premium lounge for intimate holiday gatherings and other special occasion celebrations. A private server is available for the purchase of specially themed food and drinks including craft cocktails. Rink-Side VIP Private Cabanas can also be adjoined to accommodate up to 150 people for memorable office parties.

Holidays Experiences

New Year’s Eve Orange Ball Celebration: Ring in the New Year not once, but twice, with a special countdown, Orange Ball drop, fireworks and an unforgettable balloon drop at both 6pm and midnight. Live bands will be playing to commemorate the end of the year, and the start of 2023! Awarded by Reader’s Digest as one of the top New Year’s Celebrations in the U.S. 

Military & Veteran Discount Days

Every Thursday, Winter Fest OC will honor local military members and veterans with a special $5 off online coupon code. Eligible guests can use the code “HERO” to purchase tickets in advance online and bring their relevant ID for onsite verification.

Season Passes for Unlimited Fun

Enjoy holiday magic all season long with a Winter Fest OC season pass, providing unlimited entry for all 26 days, access to the “North Pole Journey” immersive walk-through experience, daily live entertainment, the crowd-favorite evening tree lighting parade and show, dazzling light displays, winter photo ops and the opportunity to meet Santa in-person.

Lowest Prices of the Season

Don’t miss the lowest prices of the season with limited time early bird specials. General admission tickets include the all-new “North Pole Journey” immersive walk-through experience, stage and strolling entertainment, nightly Holiday celebration, plus unique photo opportunities throughout Winter Fest OC. Other select attractions require an add-on ticket or reservation. Visit WinterFestOC.com to see all pricing information, including season passes for 26 unlimited days and nights of family fun, friend outings or date nights.

Discounts will be offered on select days to honor our community heroes: First Responders, Nurses, Teachers, and Military/Veterans with proof of ID. 

For the latest updates on ticket promotions, entertainment, food and fun, follow Winter Fest on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube or with #WinterFestOC. See you at Winter Fest OC! Happy Holidays!

Night of Lights OC + Giveaway

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Night of Lights OC Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Experience Returns with More Nights of Magical & Safe Holiday Fun

By Erin

Night of Lights OC

Night of Lights OC, an immersive Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show Begins November 26th through January 2nd at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa; Features More Than One Million Lights Animated to Music, Interactive Holiday Vignettes, Characters, Special Effects, and More

Night of Lights OC, is a beautiful, magical and interactive winter wonderland drive-thru experience presented by Winter Fest OC, that returns to the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa this November to provide the Southern California community with a safe, family-friendly holiday celebration. The Night of Lights OC experience guides guests through a mile-long drive-thru course filled with more than one million lights, themed holiday scenery and immersive vignettes, animated light shows, snow flurries and tunnels synchronized to music, special effects, even more interactive characters including Santa through December 24th and more.

“Building on the immense success of last year’s inaugural Night of Lights OC, we are thrilled to return with an even bigger and more magical holiday drive-thru event beginning Thanksgiving weekend through the New Year,” said Katrina Carlson, executive producer of Night of Lights OC. “Night of Lights OC allows you and your loved ones to enjoy the magic of the holiday season from the comfort and safety of your own vehicle, keeping annual holiday traditions alive.”

Night of Lights OC kicks-off the holiday season on Friday, November 26th and runs Wednesday to Sunday nights through January 2nd. The experience begins at 5:00 p.m. with ticketed time slots available until 10:00 p.m. (Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday) or 11:00 p.m. (Friday and Saturday).

This year, guests will enjoy many new themed experiences and immersive vignettes including a drive-in movie queue area when they arrive, featuring classic holiday movies playing and strolling entertainers offering holiday favorite treats to enjoy before starting their magical holiday journey. Additional new experiences include an interactive Santa’s Workshop with synchronized lights to music, Toyland where a toy chest is brought to life, Steam Engine Springs with model trains, Santa Takes Flight as St. Nick greets guests through December 24th, plus the return of the most popular vignette from last year: Winter Wonderland, with even more snow flurries to dust car windows!

“Last year, guests were amazed that Night of Lights OC was so much more than a typical drive-thru light show, there was interactive entertainment and special effects that invited you to become a part of this unique experience,” continued Carlson. “This year, we are planning to add even more unique experiences as guests will drive-thru a mile long path of holiday magic as they’re taken through dazzling lights and spectacular scenes including a Christmas Village, Santa’s Workshop, Forest of Lights, and Winter Wonderland. Whether it’s a family outing, date night, company get together or girls night, we’re thrilled to bring holiday cheer to the Southern California community with a safe and fun activity for all ages.”

Also, new this year, Night of Lights OC is excited to announce a partnership with the Power of One Foundation’s Annual Toy Drive. Beginning opening night through December 17th, guests attending Night of Lights OC are encouraged to bring new toys for boys and girls ages 1-15 to donate as they will be collected by the elves at Santa’s Workshop in Night of Lights OC. Our goal is to put a smile on the faces of more than 3,000 children in need in Orange County during Christmas by putting a toy in their hands and leaving a lasting impression in their hearts during the holiday season. Toys will be distributed to qualifying low-income families on select nights.

Tickets & Pricing

Entry to the event is through online ticket purchases only at https://nightoflightsoc.com. Limited reservations are available per time session and guests are encouraged to buy in advance to reserve their date and time session before they sell out.

Early Bird general admission (while supplies last) starts at $39.99 per vehicle (up to five people) on select nights. Larger vehicle tickets (six to nine people) start at $59.99 on select nights. Vehicle height is limited to 8 feet or less, due to the light tunnels. Silver Admission vehicle tickets are also available, which include express lane entry, a digital in-vehicle photo and Holiday 3D glasses. Pricing will increase after Early Bird tickets are sold out.

Pre Order In-Car Holiday Food Treats

Holiday favorite treats are available before entering the Night of Lights OC experience through a pre-order with ticket purchase. Seasonal favorites include hot cocoa, cinnamon sugar donuts, as well as Mom’s Bake Shoppe cookie buckets and brownies, cinnamon roasted nuts, tamales, Holiday ‘Family 4 Pack’ meals, and much more. Food is available to order online by 10am on the date of admission and will be available to pick-up prior to entering the drive-thru experience.

Community Heroes Discounts

Every Wednesday, Night of Lights OC will honor local community heroes with a special $5 off online coupon code for teachers, military personnel, medical workers, firefighters and law enforcement. Tickets must be purchased in advance online using the online code.

  • ●  December 1st Salute to Teachers: Eligible guests can use the online code “TEACH” and bring their relevant Teacher ID for onsite verification.
  • ●  December 8th Salute to Military: Eligible guests can use the online code “HERO” and bring their relevant Military ID for onsite verification.
  • ●  December 15th Salute to Medical Workers: Eligible guests can use the online code “FIRSTAID” and bring their relevant Medical ID for onsite verification.
  • ●  December 22nd Salute to Firefighters: Eligible guests can use the online code “FIRE” and bring their relevant Firefighter ID for onsite verification.
  • ●  December 29th Salute to Law Enforcement: Eligible guests can use the online code “SERVICE” and bring their relevant Law Enforcement ID for onsite verification. For more information, visit NightOfLightsOC.com or follow them on Facebook, Twitterand Instagram @NightofLightsOC.

GIVEAWAY

Now it’s time to spread some Holiday Cheer! I am giving away 1 Silver Large Group Vehicle Ticket to Night of Lights OC: Includes entry for (1) Vehicle (6 to 9 people maximum). PLUS a digital in-vehicle photo and express entry lane. Up to a $99.99 value. Valid for any night, depending on availability.*See all rules below* Happy Holidays!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*****US Residents Only +18 years to enter. No purchase necessary to enter. Ends 11/16 at 12AM PST. All readers have an equal chance to win, however, you must enter to win. Winner will be selected at random via RaffleCopter and notified via email. If the winner cannot be reached by email within 48 hours, a new winner will be selected the same way. There are several different ways to enter. Prizes are not transferable or refundable and must be accepted as awarded. The winner is responsible for any and all other costs, travel to Orange County to the event and expenses not listed above. Horsing Around In LA is not liable for unclaimed prizes or fulfillment of the prize.*****

Knott’s Spooky Farm Celebrates the Halloween Season

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Knott’s Spooky Farm Celebrates the Halloween Season

By Erin
*We were given media tickets to go and enjoy Knott’s Spooky Farm for purposes of this post. All thoughts and opinions reman my own*
Knott's Spooky Farm at Knott's

Knott’s Spooky Farm is here and it’s time to enjoy the spooktacular Halloween season! This family-friendly Halloween celebration is geared for kids ages 3-11. Families can join in on the ghoulish fun as the park is transformed with themed décor and wicked fun around every corner. The fall Season of Fun offers Halloween-themed activities that celebrate the season, including trick-or-treating, a line-up of original shows, pumpkin decorating and the brand-new Calico Carnival Costume Cavalcade. In Ghost Town, little ghouls can trick-or-treat around the town’s shops and buildings to collect sweet treats from the friendly townsfolk. Knott’s Spooky Farm takes place on weekends through October 31st.

We took my niece to Spooky Farm for the first time and she had a blast! She has never gotten to go on rides yet since all the parks were closed the past year and change. Needless to say she LOVED it and now wants to go on ALL the rides.

You can find Charlie Brown, his best friend Snoopy and the beloved PEANUTS Gang celebrating the spooky holiday with their own Halloween costumes at special meet & greets and fun photo encounters throughout Camp Snoopy. Kids ages 3 -11 can participate in a memorable trick-or- treating experience available along Ghost Town’s Main Street and Schoolhouse Road. During trick-or-treating, kids will interact with an array of spooky but friendly shopkeepers as little ones have the opportunity to show off their festive Halloween costumes. In Ghost Town, Stanley Scarecrow has opened the Livery Stable for guests of all ages to get close and personal with the Creepy Critters of Calico.

It was my niece’s first time trick-or-treating, she caught on fast. She wanted to go up to everyone afterwards for more trick-or-treating. At the schoolhouse she was so sweet, she wanted to share her candy with the teacher! But of course… NO EATING is allowed in class! lol *She had a super cute Super Woman costume, but it was very hot out that day, so she didn’t want to wear it.*

Whimsical jack-o-lanterns surround Calico Park as it changes into an enchanting Pumpkin Patch location for families to enjoy the atmosphere of the season with photo ops and crafters. Miniature pumpkins or Halloween cookies can be decorated for a nominal fee. Linus can be spotted at the pumpkin patch, helping little ones pick out their very own perfect pumpkin. Gals and ghouls are in for a treat as new fun Halloween-themed shows are in store with the Bob Baker Marionette Theatre Show at Birdcage Theatre. These peculiar puppeteers will amaze all with a spooky puppet show.

At Camp Snoopy, families can hop aboard the Grand Sierra Railroad, joining Linus in the Pumpkin Patch as he and Sally await the arrival of The Great Pumpkin because Halloween isn’t complete without this timeless tale from the Peanuts Gang. Additionally, The Camp Snoopy Theater is debuting the Great Pumpkin Palooza show, where you’ll get more than a rock as you join Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang for a high-energy music tribute to the best holiday ever, Halloween.

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