10 Winter Festivals And Events SoCal Residents Shouldn't Miss

Winter festivals and other fun events make chilly weather enjoyable for Southern California residents seeking an antidote for post-holiday blues that can set in at this time of year.

Winter Fest OC, called Southern California's largest winter festival, was extended through Jan. 11 at OC Fair Event Center. The event features dazzling light displays, a light show, a snow play zone, snowflake summit, carnival rides and more.

We've rounded up nine other winter events that bring people together and create warmth against the cold.

Before we get to them, a reminder: If you're planning a winter event, feature it, so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!

Disney On Ice

• When: Jan. 22-25
• Where: Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego
• Details: Disney On Ice presents Let's Dance! will feature the stories and songs from Disney films, along with ice skating, aerial acrobatics, stunts and special effects.

Free Family Festival: Lunar New Year

• When: Feb. 1
• Where: Bowers Museum, 2002 N Main St., Santa Ana
• Details: The festival will feature live performances, art making, face painting and complimentary treats.

Inside Look

• When: Jan. 10-11 and Jan. 17-19
• Where: SeaWorld San Diego, 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego
• Details: The theme park's Inside Look event is back with all-new presentations and interactive opportunities. The event offers educational experiences highlighting marine rescue, research and conservation.

Lunar New Year Celebration

• When: Feb. 7-8, Jan. 14-15 and Jan. 21-22
• Where: South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Estates
• Details: The celebration will feature interactive stations, a wishing tree and Zodiac Stroll, and a new dragon walk and morning tai chi class. Other highlights include include lion dancers, martial artists, folk dancers, drummers, specialty foods and hand-mixed cocktails.

Monster Jam

• When: Jan. 10-11 and Jan. 24-25 in San Diego; Jan. 17-18, Jan. 31-Feb. 1 and Feb. 21-22 in Anaheim
• Where: Snapdragon Stadium, 2101 Stadium Way, San Diego; Angel Stadium, 2000 Gene Autry Way, Anaheim
• Details: The motorsports event tour features 12 athletes and their 12,000-pound monster trucks tearing up the dirt in competitions of speed and skill.

Riverside Dickens Festival

• When: Feb. 21-22
• Where: White Park, 3936 Chestnut St., Riverside
• Details: Downtown Riverside will be transformed into a lively Victorian village, featuring a weekend of living history, including theatrical performances, costumed characters, live music and hands-on activities.

Riverside Lunar Festival

• When: Jan. 24-25
• Where: Chinese Pavilion, 456 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside
• Details: The 14th annual Riverside Lunar Festival returns to Downtown Riverside, bringing a celebration of culture, food and fun to Mission Inn Avenue.

Southwest Arts Festival

• When: Jan. 23-25
• Where: Empire Polo Club, 81-800 Ave. 51, Indio
• Details: The art festival features a variety of traditional, contemporary, and abstract fine works of art, jewelry and quality crafts.

Winter Festival

• When: Jan. 9-10
• Where: Poway Community Park, 13094 Civic Center Drive, Poway
• Details: This family-friendly festival features ice skating, skate rentals, a snow hill, sled use, crafts, bounce houses, snow play areas, a light walk, a photo booth, and a winter wonderland character encounter for free. Food vendors, face painting, and pony rides are also available for a fee.