Prepare to be enchanted as Santa Ana transforms into a winter wonderland for the third consecutive year with the return of the Santa Ana Winter Village. Breaking the mold of Southern California’s warm climate, this month-long celebration promises a magical experience, featuring an outdoor ice-skating rink, captivating holiday light shows, and a host of festive activities for residents and visitors.
From December 2 to December 31, the heart of OC’s downtown, the Plaza of the Flags at Orange County Civic Center, will play host to a winter spectacle. Attendees can immerse themselves in the joy of the season by renting ice skates and gliding across a top-tier outdoor rink nestled in the heart of Orange County.
The Winter Village is not merely an ice-skating affair. Throughout the month, special days will be dedicated to diverse entertainment, holiday merchandise, local food trucks, and community groups. Families can enjoy weekends filled with storytime sessions with Mrs. Claus and daily festive light shows.
Brought to you by the City of Santa Ana’s Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency, the Winter Village is more than just fun—it’s a community event designed to engage residents and attract visitors to downtown Santa Ana, fostering support for the local business community.
Mayor Valerie Amezcua shared her excitement, stating, “While Santa Ana is a diverse city with a lot to offer year-round, the Winter Village is a special community event that brings together residents, neighbors, and visitors to celebrate the holiday season.”
At the heart of Santa Ana Winter Village lies its signature attraction—a portable outdoor ice rink catering to guests aged 3 and up. Tickets are available for purchase in advance, with general admission and discounted rates for Santa Ana residents. General admission for ice-skating is $15 for adults (13+) and $10 for kids (3-12), while Santa Ana residents can enjoy discounted rates of $10 for adults and $5 for kids.
While the Winter Village itself is free to enter, specific activities such as ice-skating, food trucks, and merchandise vendors have separate costs. Family activities, including story time with Mrs. Claus, meeting Santa Claus, and entertainment, are available at no cost.
The first three Saturdays of the event will showcase special “vendor days,” featuring local merchandise vendors and unique food offerings. On December 16, the Power of One Foundation, a local community nonprofit organization, will host a Toy Giveaway from 5 pm to 10 pm for registered Santa Ana youth. Attendees are encouraged to contribute by donating a toy before December 16.
Special Events
- Tree Lighting Ceremony (December 2, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm): Join us as we officially open the Winter Village with a spectacular 30-foot tree lighting ceremony. The lighting is scheduled to begin promptly at 5:30 pm.
- Breakfast with Santa (December 9, 9:00 am – 11:00 am): Experience an extra special morning as we get into the holiday spirit with breakfast alongside Santa. Tickets are available for purchase now.
- Power of One Foundation (P.O.O.F.) Toy Giveaway (December 16, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm): Prepare for an evening of wonder as the Power of One Foundation hosts a toy giveaway in the heart of the Winter Village. Open to all Santa Ana youth and teens ages 17 and under, tickets will be available for online registration on December 4.
Plan Your Visit
Santa Ana Winter Village opens its doors to the public Thursday through Sunday from December 2 to 24, with the skating rink and event space available for private group rentals Monday through Wednesday each week. To book reservations or for more information, contact the City of Santa Ana special events office at (714) 571-4227.
Stay updated on event details, ice-skating hours, advance ticket sales, parking information, and more by visiting the Santa Ana Winter Village page at www.santa-ana.org/wintervillage
