Travel Costa Mesa Blog
Winter Wonders in Costa Mesa: Festive Activities for a Magical Holiday Escape
‘Tis the season! If you’re in the mood for some festive fun, look no further. Grab your beanies, charge up your phones, and get ready to experience Costa Mesa winter activities full of holiday vibes!
Top 5 Winter Activities & Events in Costa Mesa
Feel the Holiday Magic at Winter Fest OC
Dive headfirst into the holiday spirit at Winter Fest OC, Southern California’s largest winter festival! Glide through their enchanting ice-skating trail, enjoy winter-themed cocktails inside a cozy fireside igloo, speed down a 150-foot ice tubing slide, and experience a dazzling light show perfectly synchronized to your favorite holiday songs. It’s a must-do event with plenty of attractions for all ages and so many festive photo ops to fill your IG stories!
- Open select dates from Nov 22 – Jan 5
Find the Perfect Gift Shopping at South Coast Plaza
It’s time to get your holiday shopping done, and where better to do it than at South Coast Plaza? The magical holiday décor transforms this famous shopping destination into an atmospheric winter wonderland. Find the reindeer carousel and a whimsical Santa Express train inside the center’s festive corridors, or track down Santa to take memorable professional photos. Try your hand at holiday crafts with Santa’s Craft Shop workshops. With an unparalleled selection of high-end stores and holiday essentials, South Coast Plaza offers a luxurious holiday shopping experience.
- Santa’s Craft Shop open Dec 6 – 24
- Santa Photos available Nov 22 – Dec 24
Snap-Worthy Moments at the Town Center Park Tree
Capture the holiday spirit by visitingthe massive Christmas tree in Town Center Park to take photos, easily located right in front of The Westin South Coast Plaza. If you’re in the mood for a tasty meal, try Vaca, a renowned Spanish restaurant with a perfect view of the tree. And here’s a bonus – it’s just steps away from Segerstrom Center for Arts and South Coast Repertory so you can top off your night with a live holiday performance!
Indulge in Sweet Delights at Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
Satisfy your craving for a sweet treat with freshly made donuts from Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee. With accolades from CN Traveler, this culinary sensation is also a local favorite. Keep an eye out for their limited-time holiday options. From bourbon delights to peppermint perfection, experience the joy of the season in every bite.
Photo by South Coast Repertory
Become Part of the Tradition with “A Christmas Carol” at South Coast Repertory
The holidays in Costa Mesa aren’t complete without watching a performance of “A Christmas Carol” at Tony Award-winning South Coast Repertory. Watching the story performed on stage is a long-held tradition and the absolute best way to enjoy this classic, heartwarming tale.
- Runs from Nov 30 – Dec 24
Even More Festive Things to Do this December in Costa Mesa
Photo by Inspired Art Wine
Holiday-Themed Painting at Inspired Art Wine
Multiple Dates from Dec 1 – 22
This December, pick up a glass (or two) of wine and let your inner artist shine with over a dozen guided painting sessions featuring winter and holiday themes.
Laser Holidays II at the OCC Planetarium
Dec 3, 14, 15, 20, & 22
Step into the LAZERDOME for a holiday-themed laser show featuring seasonal music from across the decades. Experience 21st-century holiday cheer with a unique, high-tech show that delights the senses.
Holiday Maker’s Hive Market
Dec 7
A local hub of culture, food, and style, The CAMP will host a special market that will spark your holiday spirit with vendors for gifts, singing by carolers, and a free Santa Claus photo op.
Creative Babe Market
Dec 7
Support local artisans and track down holiday gifts at this family-friendly event with 100+ local vendors. Free admission and the opportunity to meet beloved cartoon character Bluey (with photo ops) make it an ideal outing for the whole family!
DIY Winter Wreaths at the Centennial Farm Workshop
Dec 7
Say goodbye to plastic, store-bought holiday decorations and make your own winter wreath at this family-friendly workshop in the beautiful Millennium Barn. Be sure to RSVP by the Nov 30 deadline!
Photo by Segerstrom
American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker
Dec 12 – 22
This beautiful rendition of Tchaikovsky’s classic tale features dazzling choreography by the famous Alexei Rratmansky. This timeless story offers pure joy for the entire family.
Holidays Around the World
Dec 14
Discover how cultures around the world celebrate their holiday traditions through a day of live music and dance. The event is free with Plaza Pass, and be sure to bring your own folding chairs.
Snoopy House Holiday Display
Dec 13 – 20
Dec 16 (Sensory Friendly Event)
Stop by Costa Mesa City Hall for live performances, train rides, sledding, food vendors, Santa photos, and more. Admission is free for all ages.
Silent Night Silent Disco
Dec 20
Put on your holiday best and get ready for a unique disco experience. Pick up your pair of light-up headphones at the venue and get moving on the dance floor with holiday classics and hits.
Photo by Segerstrom
Joss Stone: Merry Christmas, Love
Dec 20 & 21
GRAMMY Award-winner Joss Stone will be accompanied by Pacific Symphony for two nights of soul music and Christmas magic.
Truffle Making at the Centennial Farm Workshop
Dec 21
Indulge in cocoa couture with a hands-on class. In two hours, you’ll have learned to melt, mix, chill, and roll hand-made truffles that you can take home in gift boxes for sweetening your holiday. RSVP online by December 14.
See What Else Costa Mesa Is Up To
To see all the top events happening over the holiday season, check out our Costa Mesa events calendar.
Book Your Overnight Stay
Skip the stress and tension of the in-laws’ house and instead celebrate the holiday season in comfort, peace, and style with an overnight stay at a Costa Mesa hotel. With central locations, these top options put you at the heart of the city’s seasonal festivities while offering a cozy, quiet space to return to in the evening for the ultimate relaxation. Beat the holiday rush and lock in your stay today.
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2024 Lunar New Year: Embrace the Year of the Dragon in Costa Mesa
Lunar New Year is nearly here, and Costa Mesa is one of the best places to spend it. From dining to unique experiences, the city is brimming with ways to join in the festivities and welcome in the Year of the Dragon.
About Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of the new year on the lunisolar calendar. It is one of the most important holidays in China, and it is also widely celebrated by other cultures. It is a fifteen-day celebration marked by many traditions in the home, auspicious wishes, shopping and spending time with family. The fifteenth and final day of the holiday is celebrated as the Lantern Festival, marked to end the celebration. Lunar New Year is part of a larger cycle, moving through the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, bringing us out of the year of the rabbit into the year of the dragon. The only mythological creature of the Chinese zodiac, the dragon symbolizes good luck, strength, and power.
In 2024, Costa Mesa will kick off with several celebrations and special events on the weekend of February 9–11th, providing cultural experiences that will entertain, educate, and allow you to explore with family and friends. But it doesn’t end there—many places will have ongoing opportunities to celebrate throughout the month.
The Lunar New Year Experience at South Coast Plaza
Shop, Dine, and Celebrate
South Coast Plaza eateries will feature unique menu options, special offers, and activities to immerse you in the festive spirit of the Lunar New Year. Expect thematic decor, special shopping deals, and events throughout the month. Be sure to visit Jewel Court for a themed year of the dragon installation.
South Coast Plaza Lunar New Year Flavors
Paradise Dynasty
Paradise Dynasty will offer six specialty dishes designed by their chef, including Singapore-style stir-fried black pepper lobster, steamed Chilean sea bass, braised pork, Paradise salted duck, and Dynasty sticky rice. Specialty dishes are available through March 31st. Hot Tip: If you arrive for the Lunar New Year, you will receive a lucky red envelope with a certificate for 20% off a future visit.
Afternoon Tea at Knife Pleat
This Michelin-starred restaurant is adding Lunar New Year-inspired additions to its Saturday afternoon tea service on February 10th, 17th, and 24th. Some of the unique items will include mini mooncakes, black sesame balls with mandarin filling, and chocolate gold coins. Hot Tip: For something stronger try their commemorative year of the dragon cocktail.
Lucky Dishes at Din Tai Fung
Known for its xiao long bao (soup dumplings), Din Tai Fung is a great stop for the whole family, where they will be serving up lucky Lunar New Year dishes. Adding to the luck, every guest will receive a red envelope with a surprise inside. Hot Tip: Arrive early to put in your name then explore South Coast Plaza while you await your call back.
For Sweet Temptations
Laderach, Sugarfina, and See’s Candies will all feature limited-run Lunar New Year sweets. All make great gifts to take home to share the Lunar New Year cheer with friends and family.
More Year of the Dragon Specials
- Terrace by Mix Mix: Offering a three-course prix fixe menu with Asian fusion flavors throughout February. Featuring shrimp spring roll lettuce wraps, glazed duck breast, and coconut panna cotta.
- AnQi: Featuring a prix fixe Good Luck Menu February 10–11th, either as six courses or à la carte. Dig into crispy quail, Wagyu “pop tarts,” shrimp and lobster money bags, and more.
- Water Grill: An immersive experience with festive decor, symbolic à la carte dishes, and garlic noodles (for luck and a long, joyous life). Ongoing from February 8–24th.
Lunar New Year Cultural Events
Pacific Symphony Lunar Year at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Saturday, February 10th
8pm
Experience a celebration of communities coming together with performances of Eastern and Western music and dance at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. A total of more than 200 performers will showcase their talents, including distinguished soloist Fei-Fei Dong performing Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy. Other performers of note include:
- Acclaimed pipa player Yu Liu
- Zither player Brian Bùi
- Pacific Choral
- The American Feel-Young Chorus
- Armonia Singers
- The Ya Ya Dance Academy
- Wendy Hua’s Violin Studio at Orange County Music and Dance
Tết Festival at OC Fair & Event Center
February 9th–11th
Hours vary by day
Experience the largest Vietnamese Lunar New Year Festival at the OC Fair & Event Center from February 9th through the 11th. This family-friendly celebration offers a memorable experience where you can merge fun and education, learning about Vietnamese culture in the best ways possible—through delectable food, traditional performances, and cultural exhibitions. General admission is $8, and children 2 years old and under get in for free.
Event parking is $12.
OC Lantern Festival at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Saturday, March 2nd
11am–4pm
At the tail end of the Lunar New Year celebrations on March 2nd is the OC Lantern Festival held at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Free for the whole family, the event marks the end of the Lunar New Year season. Be dazzled by a lobby transformed with floating lanterns and the dive into the array of events, including music, dance, art making, food, riddles, and more. Then, it all culminates with a thrilling dragon dance held in the plaza!
Shen Yun at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
March 13th–17th
If the Lunar New Year celebrations have sparked your interest in learning more about the vibrant cultures across the continent of Asia, a performance of Shen Yun is a must see. This performance explores China’s rich 5000-year history through inspiring performances of classical Chinese dance and music with stunning costumes and backdrops.
Stay the Night to Continue the Celebration
With Lunar New Year celebrations lasting fifteen days it’s a beautiful time of the year to extend your stay to experience everything this holiday has to offer. Start the Year of the Dragon with comfort and extensive amenities when you book an overnight stay at one of our eleven Costa Mesa hotels.
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