Winter Fest OC Kicks Off Christmas in July Sale

Summer just got a little more festive. Winter Fest OC, Southern California's largest winter festival, is bringing back its Christmas in July ticket promotion, giving guests a chance to lock in the season's lowest prices starting today through August 5^th. 

Now heading into its 12th year, Winter Fest OC will once again turn the OC Fair & Event Center into a winter wonderland from Nov. 27, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027. Expect all the holiday charm that's made this a local tradition: real snow, sparkling lights, ice skating under the stars and a visit or two with Santa himself.

The Classics Are Back

Guests can look forward to the festival favorites that keep families coming back year after year, including:

• Dazzling holiday lights and festive décor
• Real Snow Play areas
• Snowflake Summit, the 150-foot ice tubing slide
• Outdoor ice skating
• Visits with Santa
• Carnival rides and games
• Seasonal food and drinks
• Holiday photo moments
• Live entertainment

An all-new Holiday Light Trail and other surprises are set to be announced in the coming weeks.

What's New This Year

This season brings a redesigned ticket lineup built around flexibility and value. All passes are now "Flex," meaning guests can buy ahead and choose their visit date later. Options include Value Flex, good for off-peak days, and Anytime Flex, valid any day of the season.

Pass options include:

Snow Pass, starting at $19.99, with general admission and access to signature attractions

Winter Pass, the best value pick starting at $34.99, adding unlimited ice skating and the Bounce Pass experience with Polar Putt-Putt

Platinum Pass, starting at $89.99, which layers in an unlimited carnival ride wristband, Snowflake Summit Fast Pass access and entry to a new VIP Holiday Lounge with hot cocoa, s'mores kits and a dedicated bar (carnival games sold separately; height and safety restrictions apply)

• Family 4-Packs, starting at $17 per person plus fees, available with the Anytime Flex option
• Season Pass, offering unlimited Snow Pass admission all season for $39.99
• Unlimited Ice Skating, now bundled with select passes or available as an add-on

For those wanting an extra-cozy touch, Private Holiday Igloos are back too, offering a warm gathering spot with VIP Lounge access and complimentary s'mores kits (separate festival admission required).

The Christmas in July sale is the best window to grab tickets before prices climb in future sales phases ahead of opening day. Tickets go live today through August 5^th. For full pricing and package details, head to WinterFestOC.com.

Image courtesy Winter Fest OC

LJ’s Lounge Brings Soul-Infused Dining and Music to Triangle Square

LJ's Lounge has opened at Triangle Square, bringing elevated Southern-inspired comfort food and a lively music scene to Costa Mesa. The restaurant serves dinner on weekdays and brunch on weekends, with plans to add breakfast and lunch daily in the coming weeks.

Black and veteran-owned by Orange County native Kenneth Jackson, LJ's is named for his mother, Linda Jean. The weekend brunch series, Soul to Sole, features a DJ spinning old-school music on Saturdays and live gospel and jazz on Sunday mornings that transition to reggae by evening. A full entertainment calendar is coming in August.

Jackson developed the menu with chef Justin McNeil, blending Southern classics with a California coastal twist, from citrus-brightened roasted potatoes to a layered, well-seasoned gumbo. Breakfast and brunch highlights include the Sunshine Waffle & Soul Stack, Darlene's Shrimp & Grits, and a West Coast Breakfast Burrito. Lunch and dinner bring Uncle Manuel's Delta Catfish, a Fried Chicken Sandwich, the Black Mamba Smash Burger, gumbo, pizzas and shareable sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and wings. Desserts include peach cobbler and chocolate cake.

The bar offers craft cocktails, mocktails, beer on tap, and a wine list featuring House of Brown, a Black-owned, sustainably farmed Napa Valley label. Signature drinks include the Rhythm & Soul, Georgia on My Mind, and a Passion Fruit Margarita. Offset Coffee, a South Bay roaster, is also served, with a take-out window opening in August.

The 4,000-square-foot space will host live music, DJs, podcast recordings and community events throughout the week.

“LJ's is a long-awaited soul-infused restaurant and social hub for Orange County,” said Jackson. “We look forward to celebrating great food, unforgettable music, and connection, along with the kind of hospitality that makes every visit feel like Sunday dinner at Mom's.”

“Our mission is to become Orange County's go-to destination for dining, music, and elevated private and corporate events,” he added.

LJ's Lounge is located on the upper level of Triangle Square, 1870 Harbor Blvd. at Newport Blvd. in Costa Mesa. For reservations, hours or the entertainment schedule, call (949) 791-2022 or visit ljslounge.com.

VIII by Selanne Unveils Summer Tasting Menu

VIII by Selanne, the intimate tasting-menu restaurant next to Selanne Steak Tavern, has introduced a new summer menu celebrating California's seasonal harvest through a multi-course dining experience.

Available for a limited time, the menu highlights premium seafood, locally sourced produce and expertly prepared meats, with each course designed to capture the freshness of summer and reflect VIII's contemporary approach to fine dining.

Executive Chef Vince Terusa and his team open the experience with an assortment of canapés, including king crab tartelette, beef tartare and pomme dauphine, before moving into California Coastline, a seafood trio of bay scallop, bluefin tuna toro and Misty Point oyster. Inspired by VIII's oceanfront setting, the opening courses pay homage to Laguna Beach's coastline and Southern California's abundant seafood.

Seasonal produce takes center stage in the Summer Vegetables course, featuring Jimmy Nardello peppers with labneh and house-baked focaccia. The menu continues with California seabass, charred fennel and preserved apricot, followed by handkerchief pasta with sweet summer corn, squash and ricotta.

Entrées include pork secreto with pineapple, Anaheim romesco and guajillo jus, and dry-aged rib loin with cherry, torpedo onion, celeriac custard and pepper jus. The tasting concludes with a peach profiterole featuring champagne caramel, raspberry gel and almond anglaise, a bright finish inspired by California's stone fruit season.

Each course is paired with VIII's signature wine selections, curated by Advanced Sommelier Vito Pasquale. Highlights include Klein Constantia Blanc de Blanc from South Africa, a Riesling tasting, Reverdito Pelaverga 2023 from Italy, Granbazán Albariño 2025 from Spain, La Rioja Alta Reserva 2020 from Spain, a special Judgment of Paris tasting and Miles Madeira 1988 to close the evening.

Together, Terusa's seasonal cuisine and Pasquale's wine pairings reflect VIII by Selanne's philosophy of showcasing exceptional ingredients through globally inspired cuisine, all while celebrating the coastal beauty of Laguna Beach.

VIII by Selanne is located at 1464 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach. 949-715-9881.