Costa Mesa City Hall transforms into Snoopy House each December — a beloved PEANUTS-themed holiday tradition more than 50 years strong, with Santa photos, train rides, performances, and a wonderland of lights, all free for families.
Costa Mesa City Hall hosts the annual Snoopy House holiday display, one of Orange County’s most cherished family traditions. Built by local resident Jim Jordan more than 50 years ago, the PEANUTS-themed wonderland grew into a multi-decade neighborhood legend before being rescued by the City of Costa Mesa when it faced retirement — relocated to the City Hall grounds at 77 Fair Drive, where it has run free every December since.
Across a multi-night run in mid-December, the City Hall grounds turn into a winter wonderland: photos with Santa, holiday train rides, stage performances by local schools and community groups, twinkling light displays, a place to drop letters to Santa, and a kid-friendly festival atmosphere. The whole experience is free, with nightly hours typically starting at 5:30 p.m.
The nearby OC Fair & Event Center (at 88 Fair Drive) hosts the separate ticketed Winter Fest OC — a great option if you want a bigger paid experience after the free Snoopy House stop.
Yes — admission, Santa photos, train rides, and stage performances are all free. The city collects optional toy donations during the event.
Snoopy House at Costa Mesa City Hall runs across several nights in mid-December, typically from December 12 through 19 each year. Nightly hours start at 5:30 p.m.
Free street parking is available around the Costa Mesa civic center area. On busy nights, arrive 30 minutes before the festivities start. The OC Fair & Event Center lots nearby also offer parking but may charge during their Winter Fest OC dates.
If you can — the city collects unwrapped toys at the event to support local holiday drives. Donations are entirely optional but warmly welcomed.
Snoopy House at Costa Mesa City Hall (77 Fair Drive) is the city’s free family holiday event. Winter Fest OC at the OC Fair & Event Center (88 Fair Drive, next door) is a separately ticketed extravaganza with snow zones, carnival rides, and ice tubing.
Southern California’s holiday lights and festive outings are pure magic — but nothing compares to Santa Claus himself stepping through your own front door. House of Kringle brings a real-bearded, professionally trained Santa to homes and gatherings across SoCal for an intimate live visit your family will treasure for years.
