December 2021 events at OC Fair & Event Center
COSTA MESA (Dec. 1, 2021) – OC Fair & Event Center is closing out the year with several events, including Night of Lights OC, a mile-long winter wonderland drive-thru experience; two shopping weekends featuring Gem Faire and Creative Babe Market this weekend and the Original O.C. Swap Meet next weekend; and a Christmas tree lot open daily.
Night of Lights OC, now through Jan. 2
After last year’s sold-out event, Night of Lights OC is back! Don’t miss a magical and interactive Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Experience. From the safety and comfort of your own vehicle, guests will be guided through a mile-long course featuring more than one million dazzling lights, themed holiday scenery & immersive vignettes, characters and dancers, animated light shows, light tunnels, snow flurries and more.
Hours: Days vary, times start at 5 p.m.
How much: Tickets per car start at $49 for general admission and $69 for VIP
More info: Visit NightofLightsOC.com, email Info@NightofLightsOC.com or call (657) 333-2520.
Seasonal Adventures Christmas Tree Lot, now through Dec. 17
Pick out your fresh tree here on the fairgrounds.
Hours: Open daily 9 a.m.-9 p.m. through Dec. 17
Where on the fairgrounds: Lot C (corner of Fair and Fairview)
How much: Free admission and parking; tree prices vary
More info: Visit seasonaladventures.com
Fight Club OC, Dec. 2
Pro Boxing & MMA live inside The Hangar. The most fun you can have on a Thursday night in the OC!
Hours: Thursday, Dec. 2, 7 p.m. (happy hour begins at 5:30 p.m.)
Where on the fairgrounds: The Hangar
How much: $60 general admission tickets available via Fight Club OC. Parking is $10.
More info: Visit socafights.com
Gem Faire, Dec. 3-5
Fine jewelry, precious & semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold & silver, minerals & much more at manufacturer’s prices. Nearly 200 exhibitors from around the world. Jewelry repair, cleaning & ring sizing while you shop.
When: Friday, Dec. 3, noon-6 p.m. (wholesale preview 10 a.m.-noon); Saturday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
How much: $7 general admission; free for kids age 11 and younger. Parking is $10.
More information: Visit gemfaire.com or email info@gemfaire.com
Truffle-Making Workshop at the Farm, Dec. 4
In this hands-on class taught by Chef Vina you’ll learn about chocolate’s origin, how to make your own ganache, and how to decorate with several gourmet toppings.
Hours: Saturday, Dec.4, 10 a.m.-noon OR 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Silo Building at Centennial Farm
How much: $30 includes ingredients and handouts
More info: Reserve your at ocfair.com/gardenclasses
Creative Babe Market, Dec. 4
Holiday shopping market with 100+ local businesses, mainly women-owned. Featuring home decor, seasonal items, clothing, pet goodies, holiday gifts, hand crafted items. The event is family friendly with face painting, family photo ops, sensory kids workshop, live reading and signing with children’s author, succulent wreath workshop, and tons of delicious food & drinks.
Hours: Saturday, Dec. 4, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
How much: Free admission, $10 parking.
More info: Visit creative-babe-market.com/upcoming-markets
OC Fair Board Strategic Planning Session, Dec. 7
OC Fair’s Board of Directors will meet for a Strategic Planning Session. The public is invited to watch or participate in Board meetings via Zoom or in person. The meeting will also be recorded and posted on our website afterward.
Hours: Tuesday, Dec. 7, 3 p.m.
Shoreline Dog Fanciers All-Breed Dog Show, Dec. 10-12
Shoreline Dog Fanciers will be having three shows this year. Concurrent Cocker Spaniel Specialty and Supported Entries for Flat-Coated Retrievers, Japanese Chins and Australian Cattle Dogs. 4-6 beginner puppy on Friday, NOHS on Saturday and CGC & Trick Dog Testing available.
Hours: Friday-Sunday, Dec. 10-12, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach buildings
How much: Free admission. Parking is $10.
More info: Premium List with details and entry information available at onofrio.com/plist/xsho1pl.pdf.
Discovery Days at the Farm, Dec. 9 and Dec. 17
Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public and perfect for group visits. Docents are on hand to answer questions during your self-guided tours and there will be extra activities to help students learn about agriculture.
Hours: 9 a.m.-noon on select days through 2022
Where on the fairgrounds: Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking
More info: See complete list of dates and reserve your spot at ocfair.com/discoveryday
The Original OC Swap Meet, Dec. 11 and Dec. 18
This event was created to provide a space for local small businesses and the community to come together in an outdoor setting. The swap meet showcases products and goods for all to buy and enjoy.
Hours: Saturdays, Dec. 11 and Dec. 18, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
How much: Free admission. Parking is $10.
More info: Check instagram.com/ogocswapmeet, email ogswapmeet@gmail.com or call (949) 302-0355
Winter Wreaths Workshop at the Farm, Dec. 11
Learn to make a winter wreath from fresh greens! All fresh greens and ribbons will be provided.
Hours: Saturday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m.-noon OR 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Silo Building at Centennial Farm
How much: $50 includes ingredients and handouts
More info: Reserve your at ocfair.com/gardenclasses
OC Fair Board of Directors meeting, Dec. 16
OC Fair’s Board of Directors typically meets monthly via Zoom and in person at OC Fair & Event Center. The agenda and location for this meeting will be available later in the month at ocfair.com/public-information/public-meetings. The public is invited to watch or participate in Board meetings via Zoom. The meeting will also be recorded and posted on our website afterward.
Hours: Thursday, Dec. 16, 9 a.m.
Share Our Selves Adopt A Family Event, Dec. 16
Since 1969, Share Our Selves has been linking generous community members with families in need of extra support during the holidays.
More info: Visit shareourselves.org
Make It, Take It – Gifts From the Kitchen Workshop, Dec. 18
This class will bring you up to date on the latest recommendations, teach you how to process your food safely and tell you why you are doing it that way. You will learn what equipment is needed and proper storage methods. A simple recipe will be taught and prepared in class for participants to take home.
Hours: Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, 10 a.m.-noon
Where on the fairgrounds: Silo Building at Centennial Farm
How much: $25 fee covers ingredients and handouts. Bring two half-pint Ball or Kerr canning jars with lids and rings, along with an apron. Knives will be provided, but you may bring your own if preferred. Tied-back hair and close-toed shoes are required.
More info: Reserve your at ocfair.com/gardenclasses
COVID testing, daily through Dec. 31
Free COVID testing here on the fairgrounds.
Hours: Mondays-Fridays, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., through Dec. 31 (closed Saturdays & Sundays)
Where on the fairgrounds: Lot E (corner of Fairview and Arlington; enter at Gate 4)
How much: Free drive-through COVID-19 testing
More info: Make an appointment online. PCR test results take 24-48 hours. Ongoing events at OC Fair & Event Center
Ongoing events
Farmers Market – Every Thursday
Shop local at this OC Farm Bureau-certified farmers market featuring produce, fresh flowers, fish, hummus, honey, hot sauce and more. Some vendors also sell hot food for lunch such as tamales and tacos/burritos.
Hours: Thursdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (closed Nov. 25 and Dec. 30)
Where on the fairgrounds: Outdoors in Lot D
How much: Free admission and parking
More info: Visit ocfarmbureau.org
Heroes Hall – Open Wednesdays-Sundays
Visit our museum to view the latest exhibits and learn about local veterans.
Hours: Wednesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking
More info: Visit ocfair.com/heroeshall
Centennial Farm – Open daily
Visit our three-acre working farm, which features seasonal crops, farm animals and knowledgeable staff.
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (except holidays and all-grounds events)
Where on the fairgrounds: Centennial Farm is on the south side of our property
How much: Free admission and parking
More info: Visit ocfair.com/centennialfarm