OC Fair Holiday Lights — OC Night Out 2026

“The OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa transforms…”

The OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa transforms into a holiday light spectacular each December for OC Night Out — the annual holiday lights event that converts the fairgrounds into an immersive walk-through light installation featuring tens of thousands of lights, themed display zones, seasonal entertainment, and the family-friendly atmosphere that has made this a staple of Orange County's holiday season.

The event differs from the summer county fair in scope and presentation — the holiday lighting transforms the fairgrounds into a destination that functions as an outdoor holiday market, a light art installation, and a family entertainment venue simultaneously. Visitors walk through themed zones including traditional holiday imagery, winter wonderland landscapes, and the over-the-top display competitions between adjacent sections.

Hot chocolate, mulled cider, roasted chestnuts, and seasonal food vendors operate throughout the event grounds. Live holiday music programming runs on covered stages. Holiday merchandise and gift vendors fill the indoor exhibit areas that are part of the fairgrounds complex.

The OC Fair & Event Center is at 88 Fair Dr in Costa Mesa, easily accessible from the 405 and 55 freeways. Multiple parking lots on-site. Timed entry tickets required — advance purchase strongly recommended for weekend dates as the most popular nights sell out weeks in advance. The event runs from late November through early January on selected nights.