Tuesday, November 28, 2023 (1:43 pm)
What’s happening at OC Fairgrounds in December
Seasonal Adventures Christmas Trees, Through Dec. 12
Seasonal Adventures’ Christmas trees are harvested one to three days prior to shipping. The tree lot staff will help you pick the best type of tree for your home, cut it fresh and load it into your vehicle. If you like your tree to have a fresh-fallen snow look, there is a selection of flocked trees to choose from. Christmas tree stands, gorgeous fresh garlands, wreaths and a variety of Christmas accessories will also be available.
When: Through Dec. 12, 2023, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot E
How Much: General admission is free. Christmas trees vary in price. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Seasonal Adventures
Winter Fest OC, Nov. 24 – Jan. 7
Southern California’s largest Winter Fest returns! This year, we’re introducing an outdoor ice skating trail and a real snow play area, including snowball throwing zones, sledding and a snow carousel for the little ones. Also, we’ve got an all-new holiday market featuring talented local artisans. Returning attractions include sliding down the thrilling 150-foot-long ice tubing slide and a tour through the magical “North Pole Journey” with four unique lands filled with wonder, interactive discoveries and so much more!
When: Nov. 24, 2023 – Jan. 7, 2024
Schedule:
Nov. 24 – Dec. 9
Thursday – Friday: 4 – 10 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 2 – 10 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 10. Closed for a private event
Dec. 14 – 17
Thursday – Friday: 4 – 10 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 2 – 10 p.m.
Dec. 21, 2023 – Jan. 7, 2024
Monday – Friday: 4 – 10 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 2 – 10 p.m.
New Years Eve celebration at Winter Fest OC
Sunday – Dec. 31, 2 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot A
How much: Adults $55, kids $50, children 2 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Winter Fest OC
Gem Faire, Dec. 1-3
Kickstart your holiday shopping! Find gifts for every budget. Fine jewelry, precious and semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold and silver, minerals and much more at manufacturers’ prices. Buy directly from wholesalers and importers. Jewelry repair, cleaning and ring sizing while you shop.
When: Friday-Sunday, Dec. 1-3, 2023
Schedule:
Friday, Dec. 1, noon – 6 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building, Main Mall, Santa Ana Pavilion
How Much: General admission is $7, children 11 and younger are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Gem Faire
Centennial Farm Workshop: Make it, take it – Food preservation with UCCE Master Food Preservers, Dec. 2
This class will provide you with up-to-date process recommendations, teach you how to process your food safely and explain the reasons behind the process. You’ll also learn about the essential equipment required and effective storage practices.
When: Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: $35 class 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. Parking is free.
More Info: Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes
Centennial Farm Workshop: Make it, take it – DIY winter wreaths, Dec. 9
Embrace the magic of the holiday season by learning to create a fresh winter wreath in the beautiful Millennium Barn at Centennial Farm! This class has become a tradition at Centennial Farm and will surely be a memorable activity for friends and family to join in on! All fresh greens, materials and instructions for this hands-on course will be provided to make a delightful wreath.
When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023
Schedule:
Session 1: 9:30 a.m. – noon
Session 2: 1-3:30 p.m.
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. Parking is free.
More info: Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes
Creative Babe Market, Dec. 9
Free family-friendly holiday event with 100+ local small businesses to grab your holiday gifts from, and meet Minnie and Mickey! FREE Disney patches for the first 100 customers and FREE grab bag and tote for the first 25 customers.
Disney holiday-inspired photo op and boho VW bus photo op. “Build a Bestie” build-a-bear inspired workshop, face painting, live DJ, concessions, bar, food trucks and holiday fun!
When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: Admission is free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Creative Babe Market
OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, Dec. 14
When: Thursday, Dec. 14, 9:30 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Administration Building or on Zoom
More Info: Visit OC Fair Public Meetings Information
Fight Club OC, Dec. 14
Pro Boxing & MMA
Welcome to Fight Club OC, a hybrid boxing and MMA fight series that does six shows a year. With three high definition cameras always on the action and an LED HD video board with instant replay, we’ll sell you the seat, but you need to bring the edge.
When: Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023
Schedule:
Baja Bar & Grill Happy Hour 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Hangar doors open at 6 p.m.
First fight 7 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How Much: Free general admission is $65. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Fight Club OC
Centennial Farm Workshop: Truffle making – Cocoa couture for your holiday party!, Dec. 16
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 at Centennial Farm. You’ll learn about chocolate’s origin, how to make your own ganache and how to decorate with gourmet toppings. We will also provide gift boxes and ribbons to pack your scrumptious treats!
In this two-hour class, we’ll measure, melt, mix, chill and roll truffles made with fair-trade cacao chocolate and silky cream. It’s sure to be a delicious experience to share with your loved one, friend or coworker, and just in time for the holidays! All participants will leave the workshop with chocolate truffles.
When: Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, 10 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: $35 fee covers ingredients and any handouts. Refund policy – There will be no refunds for cancellations made within 48 hours of a class. For cancellations made prior, only the class fee will be refunded (not booking fees). Parking is free.
More info: Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes
Share Our Selves “Adopt a Family” Annual Program, Dec. 19-20
Join us for the 54th Adopt a Family Program!
Provide comfort to families and individuals by exploring the profiles, stories and wish lists of families who could use a little extra cheer during the holidays. Select the family you’d like to support and get ready to bring on the joy!
When: Tuesday & Wednesday, Dec. 19-20, 2023, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Anaheim Building, Los Alamitos Building
How Much: Donation requests vary based on family size and needs.
More Info: Visit SOS Adopt A Family
Ongoing at OC Fair & Event Center
Centennial Farm
Centennial Farm is home to fruit and vegetable gardens, livestock and the Millennium Barn. Two youth educational tour programs are offered – Discovery Days and Junior Farmer Tours – as well as year-round daily hours so the public can visit the farm.
When: Monday – Friday, 1 – 4 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Excluding holidays and all-grounds events).
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Centennial Farm
Centennial Farm Pig Cam
Want to keep tabs on our pigs all year long? Watch the Centennial Farm pigs LIVE on our official Pig Cam and see what these adorable animals are up to!
More info: Visit Centennial Farm Pig Cam
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.
When: Thursdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot D
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit OC Farm Bureau
Heroes Hall
Heroes Hall is a free, permanent, year-round museum and education center with exhibitions, performances and educational programs that celebrate the legacy of Orange County veterans and others who have served our nation. The two-story exhibition space will rotate themes semi-annually with each focusing on an aspect of the personal stories and experiences of veterans.
When: Wednesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Excluding holidays and all-grounds events).
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall
Coming up in January
Orange County Brick Convention – LEGO® Fan Expo, Jan. 27-28
Brick Convention is the greatest LEGO® fan event! Bringing all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO® building and experiences together in one activity- and entertainment-packed family event for children of all ages and builders of all skills and interests.
When: Saturday & Sunday, Jan. 27-28, 2024
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building
How Much: General admission is $15. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Brick Convention
Newport Mesa Unified School District College & Career Night, Jan. 31
Save the Date for the Newport-Mesa Unified School District College & Career Fair. There will be opportunities to meet college, university and international school representatives, as well as workshops on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), hands-on Career Technical Education (CTE) demonstrations and more!
When: Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building, Santa Ana Pavilion
How Much: Free admission and parking.
More Info: Visit NMUSD College & Career Night