Author Archives: Erin

Winter Fest OC

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Winter Fest OC

By Erin

Southern California’s largest winter festival, Winter Fest OC is back in Costa Mesa and kicks off 26 days and nights of winter-themed fun at the OC Fair & Event Center on Friday, November 25th!

A popular destination for families, groups of friends and date nights, Winter Fest OC brings the community together this holiday season with tons of festive fun including live entertainment, outdoor ice skating under the stars, a nine-lane 150-foot-long ice tubing slide, ice bumper cars, LED mini golf, trackless train rides, snowboard simulator, carnival thrills, unique photo opportunities, visits with Santa, winter attractions, seasonal food and drinks, and so much more through January 1st.

Winter Fest OC transforms the OC Fair & Event Center into a magical winter wonderland with oversized holiday decor, more than a million lights, and endless opportunities for memory-making. New for 2022, and included in all admission tickets, is “North Pole Journey,” an immersive walk-through experience that guides guests to North Pole Village on an important mission to meet Santa Claus and save the holidays.

Enjoy the magic of the holiday season with past Winter Fest OC favorites as well as all-new activities, including outdoor ice skating under the stars, a nine-lane 150-foot-long ice tubing slide, ice bumper cars, LED mini golf, trackless train rides, snowboard simulator, and carnival thrills. Also returning are winter-themed bounce houses, an arts and crafts area, holiday market, and seasonal food and drinks. Winter Fest OC features a variety of stage and strolling entertainment, including a nightly Holiday celebration featuring snow flurries and Santa, meet and greets with kid’s favorite characters, tribute bands, and more. All this plus unique winter-themed photo opportunities with the 30-foot-tall giant walk-through ornament, numerous giant Christmas trees, and of course, meeting Santa himself. 

Claus House Stage Entertainment

At the center of Winter Fest OC is the 40-foot-tall holiday celebration tree and The Claus House Stage, where live entertainment can be enjoyed as well as community acts, interactive kid activities, and even more holiday magic. Daily entertainment includes meet-and-greets with favorite Winter Fest OC characters such as Yowie the Yeti, Snowman and Polar Bear, plus the popular nightly parade, tree lighting and live show with snow fall. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and winter treats and enjoy a variety of entertainment at The Claus House Stage to celebrate the holiday season.

North Pole Journey Immersive Walk-Through Experience

Included in all general admission tickets, the new North Pole Journey walk-through experience immerses guests in the sights, sounds and smells of five magical lands on an important mission from Santa. Enjoy dazzling lights, music, unique photo opportunities, and a wide range of free entertainment and interactive activities in each of the five pavilions. Keep an eye out for “Journey Guides” along the way to help gather the three elements of the Holidays that will help Santa! North Pole Journey highlights include:

  • Forest of Light: A kid’s hedge maze, wisteria tunnel, giant waterfall, and unique 360-degree free photo booth!
  • Winter Wonderland: Meet-and-greets with your favorite winter characters, plus Dance of the Snow Fairies performances daily.
  • Holiday Town: Remote-controlled model train exhibits plus an intimate movie theater with holiday classics.
  • Toyland Circus: Special appearances by PJ Masks (Nov. 25 – 27), Peppa Pig (Dec. 1 – 4), Paw Patrol (Dec. 8 – 11) and more of your favorite cartoon show characters! Plus Toyland Soldiers Assembly performances daily.
  • Santa Send Off: Tree ornament decorating, Santa Elves Dance Party performances, plus free meet-and-greets and photos with Santa (through Dec. 24)!

Seasonal Food & Drinks

Indulge in seasonal drinks and treats at Winter Fest OC including hot cocoa, hot apple cider, Mom’s Bake Shoppe cookies and brownies, Old Tyme Ice Cream, churros, popcorn, lemonade and kettle corn. All this plus meal options from BBQ ribs or chicken to pizza, hot dogs, sausages, fries and more! Seasonal adult beverages including beer, wine and holiday-inspired craft cocktails are also available for purchase.

VIP Experiences & Large Party Reservations

VIP Fireside Lounge: Enjoy an exclusive VIP fireside lounge area with comfortable seating, fire pits roasting s’mores and an exquisite view of the nightly parade and stage entertainment from The Claus House Stage. With a private bar with craft cocktails, beer and wine, then Fireside Lounge is perfect for groups and holiday corporate parties, and can be reserved in advance to accommodate up to 300 people.

Rink-Side VIP Private Cabanas: Private, ice rink-side VIP cabanas for up to 10 people are available to rent for 2-3 hour timeblocks, creating the ultimate premium lounge for intimate holiday gatherings and other special occasion celebrations. A private server is available for the purchase of specially themed food and drinks including craft cocktails. Rink-Side VIP Private Cabanas can also be adjoined to accommodate up to 150 people for memorable office parties.

Holidays Experiences

New Year’s Eve Orange Ball Celebration: Ring in the New Year not once, but twice, with a special countdown, Orange Ball drop, fireworks and an unforgettable balloon drop at both 6pm and midnight. Live bands will be playing to commemorate the end of the year, and the start of 2023! Awarded by Reader’s Digest as one of the top New Year’s Celebrations in the U.S. 

Military & Veteran Discount Days

Every Thursday, Winter Fest OC will honor local military members and veterans with a special $5 off online coupon code. Eligible guests can use the code “HERO” to purchase tickets in advance online and bring their relevant ID for onsite verification.

Season Passes for Unlimited Fun

Enjoy holiday magic all season long with a Winter Fest OC season pass, providing unlimited entry for all 26 days, access to the “North Pole Journey” immersive walk-through experience, daily live entertainment, the crowd-favorite evening tree lighting parade and show, dazzling light displays, winter photo ops and the opportunity to meet Santa in-person.

Lowest Prices of the Season

Don’t miss the lowest prices of the season with limited time early bird specials. General admission tickets include the all-new “North Pole Journey” immersive walk-through experience, stage and strolling entertainment, nightly Holiday celebration, plus unique photo opportunities throughout Winter Fest OC. Other select attractions require an add-on ticket or reservation. Visit WinterFestOC.com to see all pricing information, including season passes for 26 unlimited days and nights of family fun, friend outings or date nights.

Discounts will be offered on select days to honor our community heroes: First Responders, Nurses, Teachers, and Military/Veterans with proof of ID. 

For the latest updates on ticket promotions, entertainment, food and fun, follow Winter Fest on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube or with #WinterFestOC. See you at Winter Fest OC! Happy Holidays!

Disney On Ice Presents Road Trip Adventures

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This holiday season Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures! This magical adventure will whisk families away on an immersive getaway chock-full of magical participatory moments.  Featuring new and classic tales, this unique multi-generational experience makes its SoCal debut for four weeks playing in Los Angeles, Anaheim, Ontario and Long Beach from December 8th thru January 2nd, 2023.  

Hit the road with Mickey Mouse and his pals for a high-octane ride in Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures. Exciting twists and turns await as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and guests of all ages embark on an interactive and memory-rich adventure to iconic Disney destinations.  See the world from the rooftops of London with Mary Poppins and Jack and his band of dancing lamplighters.  Travel to the sun-soaked Motunui and help Moana restore the heart of Te Fiti.  Set off on a safari and snap unforgettable photos of wild cheetahs and monkeys when guests traverse through the Pride Lands with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa.  Discover a whole new world and be swept up in Aladdin’s princely parade filled with spectacular stunts, magical moments with Genie, and a brand-new song from Jasmine that will render the audience “Speechless.”  Mosey on over to a larger-than-life comedic carnival and team up with Woody and Bo Peep as they search for their new friend Forky.  Fans will hit a high note with Mickey and pals while singing along to beloved Disney tunes as they welcome Merida, Belle, Ariel, Mulan and Tiana to the ice. 

Families should be prepared for a getaway jam-packed with unexpected hijinks and surprise, up-close character interaction as Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures makes several pitstops throughout Greater LA area!

FELD ENTERTAINMENT CYBER WEEK DISCOUNT:  As a special holiday offer for the ultimate gift experience, fans can purchase tickets online to Disney On Ice shows playing in the Southern California area using code C2022W to save up to 35% off select price levels and performances (maximum 8 tickets per purchase; online offer only). 

*This offer expires on Sunday December 4th at 11:00pm local time.

**Enter code before selecting seat(s) to see if offer applies to that performance

Other restrictions, availability limits and exclusions may apply.

SHOW LOCATIONS

L O S  A N G E L E S 

WHEN: Thursday, December 8 7:30 PM

Friday, December 9 7:30 PM

Saturday, December 10 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, December 11 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

WHERE:  Crypto.com Arena – 1111 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

TICKETS: Family friendly ticket pricing available – tickets can be purchased online at AXS.com or in-person at the venue box office.

*Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand.

A N A H E I M

WHEN: Thursday, December 15 7:00 PM

Friday, December 16 7:00 PM

Saturday, December 17 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, December 18 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Monday, December 19 7:00 PM

WHERE:  Honda Center – 2695 E. Katella Ave. Anaheim, CA 92806

TICKETS: Family friendly ticket pricing available – tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the venue box office.

*Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand.

O N T A R I O

WHEN: Thursday, December 22 7:00 PM

Friday, December 23 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Saturday, December 24 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM 

Sunday, December 25 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM

Monday, December 26 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

WHERE:  Toyota Arena – 4000 Ontario Center Parkway, Ontario, CA 91764

TICKETS: Family friendly ticket pricing available – tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the venue box office.

*Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand.

L O N G  B E A C H

WHEN: Thursday, December 29 7:00 PM

Friday, December 30 7:00 PM

Saturday, December 31 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM 

Sunday, January 1 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Monday, January 2 5:00 PM

WHERE:  Long Beach Arena – 300 E. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90802

TICKETS: Family friendly ticket pricing available – tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the venue box office.

*Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand.

For more info about Disney On Ice, follow Disney On Ice social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.   

Subscribe to the Disney On Ice YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce

The Disney on Ice Show is one that Disney fans of ALL ages can enjoy!

Jack Nightmare Before Christmas Cheesecakes

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Jack Nightmare Before Christmas Cheesecakes

By Erin

Ok so HOW cute are these Jack Skellington cheesecakes? Halloweentown’s beloved pumpkin king, is turned into a delicious Nightmare Before Christmas Cheesecake! Perfect to serve during spooky season, any Nightmare Before Christmas fan will get a kick out of these!

Makes 12 mini cheesecakes

Jack Fondant Piece

1 4 oz white fondant
1 black edible marker
1-2 inch circle fondant cutter Cornstarch

Directions
Follow directions on the back of the package to roll out the fondant. Cut out 12 circles and place onto a cookie sheet overnight. The next day, use the edible marker to draw on Jack Skellingtons face and set aside.

Crust Ingredients

1 package of oreo cookies, creme filling removed and finely crushed, 3 tablespoons of sugar
1⁄2 cup of butter, melted

Sally Cheesecake

2 – 8oz cream cheese, softened 2⁄3 cup sugar
1⁄4 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract

2 large eggs
Teal, Pink, Neon Yellow and Black gel food coloring , Halloween sprinkles

Topping
Fresh whipped cream

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees and line the cupcake/muffin pan with the cupcake liners.

Using a medium bowl, whisk the oreo cookies, sugar and melted butter until a wet sandlike mixture forms.

Scoop 1 1⁄2 tablespoons of chocolate cookie crust into the cupcake liners and press into an even bottom using a flat bottom glass or measuring cup.

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 5 minutes. Remove and allow to cool completely.

Preheat the oven to 350.

Using a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until combined and smooth. Beat in the sour cream and vanilla until combined and smooth.

One egg at a time, beat until combined.

Divide the batter into four bowls,

Starting with the yellow, add in 1 tablespoon of the cheesecake batter into the crust.

Add in 1 tablespoon of the pink batter on top of the yellow batter.

Add in 1 tablespoon of the teal batter on top of the pink.

Add in 1 teaspoon of the black batter on top.

Use a toothpick and swirl the batter together.

Place into the oven and bake for 25-35 minutes or until the center is set!

Remove and allow to cool on the counter until room temp before moving to the fridge overnight.

Top with fresh whipped cream and halloween sprinkles and place a Jack fondant piece in the center of the whipped cream.

“My skull’s so full, it’s tearing me apart.” — Jack Skellington

Enjoy!