articles

Mac Kid MPK - Glendale - Glendora Reviews the Santa Anita Winter Fest!

Winter Fest Santa Anita has FUN for ALL!!

By Bronwyn Velazquez - Monterey Park, Glendale Publisher November 29, 2018


  We had the opportunity to attend the Press and Media day at  Winter Fest at Santa Anita Park. It was held on the inaugural opening day! We were really excited for the day, as this event is literally almost in our front yard. We only live a few miles. And we love the race track. To start off with, there is FREE parking! And as you enter the parking lot, there is the cutest Christmas Tree Lot set up! We parked and checked in. 

  As you enter, there are several jumpers set up on one of the grassy areas. And across the way there are vendors and pop up shops ready for holiday shopping. Naked Juice was popped up when we went, and they had samples, coupons and swag to give away!! Each week will be someone different. There are a bunch of hand made artisan and crafters ready to help you find the perfect holiday gift. Winter Fest is partnered up with the Odd Market! The Odd Market pops up at the grassy lawn area at the Autry. They are a Husband and Wife duo who are also local parents. They like to bring family friendly events and festivals to the area. And let me tell you..... THIS festival has something for EVERYONE!!! 

  Next off for your kids, you can buy a wristband and let them jump, bounce, ride ponies and pet animals til their hearts are content!! There is also a built in playground at Santa Anita. And FREE holiday movies every night!! There is also crafts, like ornament decorating and wreath making and cookie decorating for an additional fee. SO much to do!! My daughter and her friend loved ALL the activities that they participated in!! And we look forward to going back soon. Most of these events are cash only so bring some cash with you. If you forget, there are several ATM's located throughout the park. 

  We got to attend the Hosted Media Event in the Cabanas next to the Ice Rink!! They really really spoiled us. And we just loved the comfiness of the cabanas. They are ALL decorated for the holidays. It was both little girl and teenage boy approved! And all of us, Mac Kid Publishers who attended had a fabulous time. You can rent the cabanas too!!! If you want to go skating and enjoy some down time and stay warm.... you can rent them in two hour increments. I highly suggest doing this at least once during the event. Food, and champagne service are extra. Below are a few pictures of the fun we had ice skating and enjoying our holiday treats in the cabanas. 

  And Ice Skating!!! Bring the whole family for a few laps around the rink. Listen to some Christmas music and get into the holiday spirit!! The rink is perfect for newbie skaters. And there is plenty of staff on hand to help you.

  After dark, we went back to the petting zoo and I got to meet the coolest llama! His name is Elvis! The animals were getting ready for bedtime when we stopped by and said good night. They are a sweet and kind bunch. I look forward to going back and visiting Elvis the Llama. Next we sat down and had some treats from the food trucks. The food trucks will vary from week to week. I went into the beer garden, and I must report, there is a Christmas Tree made of kegs! That was very creative. There is ample seating in there and lawn games! You can play Corn Hole and a giant Jenga!! I had fun playing. 

  And lastly we went to visit with Santa and had our photos taken. They offer some amazing prices on Santa pictures. And Saint Nick is the sweetest! We concluded our night with a carriage ride. I personally LOVED Winter Fest at Santa Anita Park and WE highly recommend the event. We ALL had a blast!! You can use this code  Promo code – SANTA18 for $10 off all online packages! 


A WINTER WONDERLAND, RIGHT IN YOUR BACKYARD!

FEATURING A REAL ICE RINK PLUS:

Santa Claus | Tree Lot | Horse Drawn Carriage Rides | Santa’s Village with Ginger Bread Making | Wreath Making | Ornament Making | Santa’s Petting Zoo | Giant Inflatables | Live Music & DJs | Seasonal Favorite Foods | More than 80 Pop Up Vendors

Use Promo code – SANTA18 for $10 off all online packages!




Admission $5

FREE General Parking

Kids 3 & Under are FREE.

Online ticket sales will conclude a hour prior to event start time each day of Winterfest. Walk ups are welcome! Click HERE to purchase your tickets online!

Winterfest is co-produced by “Santa Anita Park, The Odd Market and The Stronach Group”

WINTERFEST STARTER PACK ($35 – A $42 VALUE) 

Use Promo code – SANTA18 for $10 off all online packages!

Winterfest Admission

Ice Skate Session including Rentals

10 Inflatable & Ride Tickets


KID* WINTERFEST ULTIMATE PACK ($60 – A $77 VALUE)

Use Promo code – SANTA18 for $10 off all online packages!

Winterfest Admission

Ice Skate Session including Rentals

Unlimited Wristband: Inflatable & Ride Tickets

A picture with Santa Claus (one print)

Petting Zoo

Pony Ride

Carriage Ride (must be accompanied by an adult)

*Valid for kids 3 to 13 years old.


ADULT WINTERFEST ULTIMATE PACK ($65 – A $83 VALUE)

Use Promo code – SANTA18 for $10 off all online packages!

Winterfest Admission

Ice Skate Session including Rentals

Unlimited Wristband: Rides

First Specialty Winter Cocktail*

Petting Zoo

Carriage Ride

*Must be 21 or over to receive specialty cocktail.

Activities / Offerings / Pricing:

Christmas tree Lot Prices varies depending on size (located on Colorado lot)
Parking Free
Admissions $5 per person - kids 3 and under free
Holiday Movies Free
Giant Snow Globe photo booth Free
Ice Skating Rink $15 per person include skates
Santa’s Village Initial Print $14.95

Two (2) Prints for $19.95 - Additional Prints $7.95
Digital High Resolution Download (No additional print purchase required) $29.95


Inflatables & Rides (Kid Zone) $6 for 4 tickets
$12 for 10 tickets
$20 for 20 tickets
$25 All-inclusive wristband

Horse Drawn Carriage Rides $7 per person
Petting Zoo $10 per person
Pony Rides $7 per kid


Holiday Foods Prices Varies


Holiday Shopping Prices Varies


Gift Wrapping Booth Different Prices depending on size

Schedule from November 23 through December 23:

Thursdays: 3pm – 10pm

Fridays: 3pm – 10pm

Saturdays: 11am – 10pm

Sundays: 11am – 8pm


Ice Rink will remain open until January 6th!