Carnival & Fair News

Winter Fest concluded its tenth season at the Orange County Fair and Event Center, once again transforming the fairgrounds into a festive winter destination despite Southern California's typically snow-free climate. Running from November 28 through January 4, the annual holiday event drew families from across the region with an expanded lineup of attractions, entertainment, and seasonal experiences.

Best known for its sparkling light displays and immersive holiday atmosphere, Winter Fest marked its milestone year by introducing new rides, entertainment zones, and a large-scale synchronized light show, while also bringing back many longtime guest favorites.

“We were thrilled to celebrate ten years of Winter Fest with the Southern California community,” said executive producer Katrina Carlson. “Seeing families return year after year, and watching new guests experience real snow, holiday lights, and live entertainment for the first time, made this season especially meaningful.”


Among the highlights of the 2025 season was the debut of a holiday light show featuring more than two million lights synchronized to festive music. The show quickly became a centerpiece of the event, complementing nightly tree-lighting ceremonies centered around a 40-foot holiday tree and the adjacent Holiday House.

Winter Fest also continued to offer what organizers describe as the region's largest outdoor ice-skating rink, along with an 8,000-square-foot snow play area and the 150-foot-long Snowflake Summit ice tubing slide. Real snow play once again proved to be a major draw for guests of all ages.

The carnival midway saw notable expansion this year through a partnership with Butler Amusements. A newly added kiddieland area provided age-appropriate rides for younger guests, including the Wacky Worm and Jumbos, while thrill-seekers enjoyed new attractions such as the new Turbo and Invader from KMG.

Other new rides resulting from the new Butler partnership included Hawaiian Express, a re-themed Wisdom Himalaya, along with the Inversion from KMG, Alien Invasion, and panoramic views from the Giant Wheel. Ride access was handled through Butler Amusements' Magic Money system, available via mobile app and on-site kiosks.


Returning seasonal experiences included the popular North Pole Journey walk-through, roaming musicians, strolling carolers, hourly snow flurry effects, and costumed characters such as snowmen and Yowi the Yeti, who interacted with guests throughout the grounds.

New themed entertainment zones debuted during the season, each featuring live music, costumed performers, and interactive elements. Musical stage shows ran throughout the event, adding to the festival's family-friendly atmosphere.

Santa Claus appearances were once again part of the Winter Fest tradition, joined this year by a new Falling Snow Zone. Additional ticketed experiences included carnival rides, bounce houses, ice skating, Polar Putt-Putt mini golf, and inflatable attractions.


Food and beverage offerings remained a major part of the guest experience, with seasonal favorites such as hot chocolate, mini cinnamon rolls, filled churros, grilled cheese with soup, teriyaki chicken on a stick, pulled pork sandwiches, and chicken dumplings available throughout the fairgrounds. Guests also had the option to reserve private fireside igloos for small-group gatherings.

Winter Fest closed out the year with a family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration on December 31, running from early evening through just after midnight. Entertainment included a performance by Queen Nation, a Queen tribute band, music from DJ Ryan spinning hits from the 1970s and 1980s, and a midnight fireworks display.

Throughout December, live music remained a consistent draw, with tribute acts honoring artists such as Bruno Mars, Britney Spears, and Jimmy Buffett, alongside performances by local groups including the Huntington Beach Singers Company and Orange County Song & Dance.

According to organizers, several dates sold out during the season, reflecting continued strong interest in the event. Carlson credited community support for the festival's longevity, noting that Winter Fest has grown steadily over the past decade.

Winter Fest was produced by PSQ Productions, an Orange County–based event production and management company. Carlson serves as the company's chief operating officer.