WINTER FEST OC
- COSTA MESA, CA
Winter Fest OC is back to bring festive holiday cheer to Southern California. There probably isn't a winter season that goes by where residents of So Cal and South Orange County don't expect Winter Fest OC to be featured at the OC Fair and Event Center Fairgrounds. Winter Fest OC has become a staple of Orange County.
Winter Fest OC 2024: Experience
The Winter Fest OC experience this season was a bit different. New this year is what seemed like an expanded footprint overall. There seemed to be more rides and carnival games to fill up the expanded layout. The activities and add-ons from the previous years also made a return: Snow Play, The North Pole Journey, Mini Golf, Ice Skating, VIP Igloos and Ice Tubing. However, missing attractions we noticed were: story/skit inside The North Pole Journey rooms, the train ride, the parade, performances at the Holiday House and the Christmas tree lightings (There was a tree lighting ceremony when we attended on Nov. 30th, despite us being told that there wasn't going to be any this season).
Since there was no show at the Holiday House to open for the tree lighting, a magical light show takes it place. Since there was no parade, the characters of Winter Fest OC were able to roam freely through the grounds and guests may converse with them and take photos with them. Though no show inside The North Pole journey, it did allow for an easier and more flexible walk-through experience. Last season, attendees would have to wait outside in the front because each room had it's own mini-show and performance. You could already guess that this elongated the lines and created a very long wait at times. By making it strictly photo-ops this season, it definitely speeds up the walk-through giving everyone a chance to experience the decor and various stations inside it. The only interaction with characters inside would be with: the friendly helper elves, the town Mayor and Santa himself if you should feel like taking a photo with him. Guests can also exit or enter each room as they please now.
Winter Fest OC 2024: Conclusion
Guests that have attended last year may be disappointed at the lack of talent, activities and performances this season. However, if you are seeking thrill rides and selfie stations or photo-ops; then this may be the event for you. The longest line we've noticed was the line for the Snow Play tent. All other attractions seemed to move along smoothly. With less to see or do, it does give the attendee more time to enjoy everything that Winter Fest OC has to over. Otherwise, it would require strategic planning and early arrival if a guest wanted to do everything at Winter Fest OC. Nonetheless, guests can still enjoy the "fair" environment and experience the carnival and food vendors that can also be found at the fair.
(Click on Image for Photo-Journal)
For more info, https://www.winterfestoc.com/