‘Tis the season for festivals, shopping, trees and more at OC Fair & Event Center!

Winter Fest OC, Nov. 25-Jan. 1

Winter Fest OC, Southern California’s favorite annual holiday tradition, returns Nov. 25 through Jan. 1. Enjoy 26 days of affordable fun as the fairgrounds are transformed into a massive winter wonderland of attractions and live entertainment.

When: Various days Nov. 25-Jan. 1

Where: OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa

How much: Weekdays: $20 general admission, $15 children 12 and younger, free for children 2 and younger. Weekends: $25 general admission, $20 children 12 and younger, free for children 2 and younger. Parking is $10.

More info: Ticket discounts, packages, VIP and party rental information is available at winterfestoc.com. 

Seasonal Adventures Christmas Tree Lot, Nov. 25-Dec. 13

Fresh holiday trees and seasonal decor.

When: Nov. 25 – Dec. 13

Hours: Open daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot E (corner of Arlington Dr. and Fairview)

How much: Entrance is free; prices for trees vary. Parking fee varies depending on Fairgrounds events. 

More info: Visit seasonaladventures.com 

Fight Club OC, Dec. 1

Pro Boxing & MMA live. The most fun you can have on a Thursday night in the OC!

When: Thursday, Dec. 1 – doors open at 6 p.m., first fight at 7 p.m. (Baja Blues happy hour is from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.)

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar

How much: $65 general admission. Parking is $10; enter at Gate 1. 

More info: Visit https://socafights.com/

Gem Faire, Dec. 2-4

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. 2, noon-6 p.m.

      Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

      Sunday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (No admittance after 4 p.m. Sunday)

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building and Santa Ana Pavilion 

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

Garden Class: Winter Wreaths, Dec.3

Embrace the magic of the holiday season by learning to create a fresh winter wreath in the beautiful Millennium Barn at Centennial Farm! All fresh greens, materials and instructions for this hands-on course will be provided to make a beautiful wreath. 

When: 1-3:30 p.m.; register by Nov. 25. (morning session is full)

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm

How much: $65 fee covers materials and any handouts. Ribbon and décor selection will be limited, feel free to bring your own to personalize your winter wreath. We recommend participants bring their own pruners and gloves. Refund policy: Due to supply chain issues and ordering of materials in advance of the class, there will be no refunds for cancellations.

More info: Sign up at ocfair.com/gardenclasses

Creative Babe Holiday Market, Dec. 3

This free family-friendly holiday event features shopping from more than 100 local small businesses along with photos with Santa, food and drinks, DIY workshops for all ages, henna tattoos, hair tinsel, a live DJ and more.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar

When: Saturday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

How much: Free admission, parking is $10

More info: Visit www.creative-babe-market.com/upcoming-events

Garden Class: Make It, Take It – Gifts from the Kitchen – Food Preservation, Dec. 10

This class will bring you up to date on the latest process recommendations, teach you how to process your food safely and explain the reasons behind the process. 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. 

When: Saturday, Dec. 10, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; register by Dec. 2.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm

How much: $35 fee covers ingredients, handouts and two (half-pint) canning jars with lids and rings. Knives will be provided, but you may bring your own if preferred. Aprons are highly recommended. Tied-back hair and close-toed shoes are required. There will be no refunds for cancellations made within 48 hours of a class. For cancellations made prior, only class fee will be refunded (not booking fees).

More info: Sign up at ocfair.com/gardenclasses

Garden Class: Chocolate Bliss!, Dec. 17

Calling all chocoholics! What could be better than making and eating chocolate? Let’s take your chocolate obsession to the next level with this hands-on class taught by Chef Vina here at Centennial Farm. You’ll learn about the origin of chocolate and how to make your own ganache and decorate with several gourmet toppings. We will also provide gift boxes and holiday ribbons to pack your scrumptious treats. 

When: Saturday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m.-noon; register by Dec. 9.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm

How much: $35 fee covers ingredients and any handouts. There will be no refunds for cancellations made within 48 hours of a class. For cancellations made prior, only class fee will be refunded (not booking fees).

More info: Sign up at ocfair.com/gardenclasses

The Original O.C. Swap Meet, Dec. 10 and 17

This event was created to provide a space for local small businesses and the community to come together in an outdoor setting showcasing products and goods for all to buy.

When: Saturday, Dec. 10

Also: Saturday, Dec. 17

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot D

How much: Free admission, parking is $10.

More info: Check instagram.com/ogocswapmeet, email ogswapmeet@gmail.com or call (949) 302-0355

Ongoing at OC Fair & Event Center

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.

Where on the fairgrounds: Outdoors in Lot D

How much: Free admission and parking; let parking attendant know you are going to the Farmers Market.

More info: Visit ocfarmbureau.org 

Centennial Farm open daily

Visit our three-acre working farm, which features seasonal crops, farm animals and knowledgeable staff.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (see calendar for closures)

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

Heroes Hall Museum open Wed.-Sun.

Visit our museum to view the latest exhibits and learn about local veterans.

Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (see calendar for closures)

Where on the fairgrounds: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm

How much: Free admission and parking

More info: Visit ocfair.com/heroeshall

Exhibit: ‘Armed Only With A Camera’ through Sept. 2023

The World War II Photography of Stanley Troutman is now on display at Heroes Hall. Troutman served his country by photographing the war in the South Pacific Theater including the devastated cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (see calendar for closures)

Where on the fairgrounds: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm

How much: Free admission and parking

More info: Visit ocfair.com/heroeshall

Looking ahead to January

Jurassic Quest, Jan. 14-16

Jurassic Quest is the world’s largest, most popular dino event with unique and exciting experiences for the whole family. Observe our herd of life-size animatronic dinosaurs including Apatosaurus, Spinosaurus, T-Rex and an incredible 50-foot long Megalodon. Interact with our trainers, baby dinos and watch a live raptor show. Explore our dinosaur rides, giant fossil dig, inflatables, fossil science exhibit, “Triceratots” soft play area and more.

When: Jan. 14-16

Saturday, Jan. 14, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 15, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 16, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building, Huntington Beach Building and Santa Ana Pavilion

How much: $22 general admission for all ages, free for children 2 and younger, $19 seniors (65+).Parking is $10. 

More info: Get tickets at tickets.jurassicquest.com/costamesaca2023/events