5-Day SoCal Winter Break Getaway

Buena Park, nestled in Southern California and just five miles from Disneyland, is the perfect home base for an unforgettable winter break. Kids and teens are obsessed with the city, and it’s easy to see why—there are thrills around every corner, delicious eats to satisfy every craving, festive cheer, and a wide variety of activities to keep both kids and teens entertained. This 5-day itinerary is packed with holiday magic, foodie adventures, and endless family fun—making Buena Park the ultimate launchpad for your winter getaway. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to make visiting Buena Park a beloved holiday tradition your family will look forward to year after year.

PEANUTS characters in front of a festive backdrop for Knott's Merry Farm in Buena Park, CA

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Day 1: Holiday Magic Begins

Begin the morning with Breakfast with Santa at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant, just a short walk from Knott’s Berry Farm, where kids can meet Santa while enjoying a hearty classic breakfast. Be sure to try the famous boysenberry pie made from the local fruit created right here in Buena Park. After breakfast, head to Knott’s Merry Farm, where the theme park transforms into a winter wonderland. Enjoy nightly snowfall, festive shows, and holiday-themed rides featuring thrilling corkscrew coasters for adventure seekers. Families can also explore Camp Snoopy, a kid-friendly area filled with gentle rides and cheerful holiday fun. Keep the holiday spirit going with a visit to Pirates Take Christmas, an interactive dinner show with a holiday twist. With 150 participants, kids have a great chance to join the action, while the whole family enjoys a four-course feast and gets sworn in as pirates.

Candy Cane Shakes from Portillo's in Buena Park, CA

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Day 2: Taste, Play, Shop

Start the day with creative breakfast sandwiches at Flippoly, located inside The Source OC, a three-story shopping and entertainment center. After fueling up for the day, explore the complex's boutiques, eateries, and family-friendly activities. Kids will love the 4D experience at CGV Cinemas, complete with smoke, mist, and moving chairs, or Olympic Golf Zone for virtual golf and baseball fun. EKO Karaoke Lounge is perfect for a family sing-along, while younger children can enjoy PlayPie, featuring slides, an interactive ball pit, and an indoor playground. If you want to continue your shopping adventure beyond The Source OC, head to The Outlets at Orange, less than 10 miles away, where you’ll find a wide variety of popular brands at discounted prices. When it’s time to eat, families have plenty of options: Il Fiora for Italian favorites, Gangnam House for Korean BBQ, Myungrang Hot Dog for cheesy Korean hot dogs, and Don Melt for sweet croffles—a delicious hybrid between a waffle and a croissant. Don’t miss Portillo’s, a local favorite serving Chicago-style sandwiches and hot dogs. Try their seasonal candy cane shake, a sweet treat blending creamy vanilla with crushed peppermint candy chunks—holiday happiness in a cup!

Family enjoying an exhibit inside the Discovery Cube in Orange County, CA

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Day 3: A Day of Discovery

Kick off the morning at Gudetama Café, a Sanrio-inspired gem, and enjoy a whimsical breakfast surrounded by adorable Gudetama-themed décor. After breakfast, take a short drive (less than 10 miles) to the Discovery Cube, Orange County’s leading science center. With more than 100 hands-on exhibits, it’s perfect for curious minds of all ages. During the holiday season, the Discovery Cube hosts special festive events for the whole family. If your schedule allows, make a quick stop at the Santa Ana Zoo. Continue the excitement at John’s Incredible Pizza for a fun dinner experience that’s a hit with both kids and teens. With games, rides, and an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring the must-try peanut pizza, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. Kids can also play ticket-to-win games, making it a full day of fun and excitement for the entire family.

The castle at Disneyland decorated for the holidays

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Day 4: Disney Holiday Magic

Start the day at award-winning Porto’s Bakery and enjoy sweet seasonal treats like guava and cheese strudel, cheese rolls, and torrejas (Cuban-style French toast). If you’re staying at Knott’s Hotel or the DoubleTree, you can take advantage of their free shuttle service to Disneyland, just five miles from Buena Park. For the holidays, the park is transformed with festive décor, twinkling lights, and seasonal bites. Meet beloved Disney characters dressed in their winter best for a magical experience the whole family will treasure. If you’d like to eat outside of the park, head to the Packing District, a vibrant dining destination housed in a beautifully restored historic building. If you’re looking for dinner with a side of entertainment, head to Medieval Times in Buena Park. Kids can cheer, root, and enjoy their four-course meal while watching knights joust in a live-action dinner show.

Girl in winter clothes at Winter Fest OC, near Buena Park, CA

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Day 5: Winter Fest OC

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Black Bear Diner, known for its generous portions and all-American comfort food that the whole family will love. Return to your hotel to relax and enjoy the heated pool, or if you prefer, take a short trip to nearby Huntington Beach for some fresh air and a fun bike ride along the coast. For lunch, head to Buena Park, where teens will love Rock & Brews. Dine on the patio, gather around a fire pit, or challenge friends and family to a game of cornhole while enjoying the lively atmosphere and music. Just 20 miles away, experience Winter Fest OC (November 22–January 5), a family-friendly festival featuring ice skating, holiday shows, and winter activities that are sure to delight kids and adults alike. Keep the holiday fun going by taking a short drive to experience the Christmas Boat Parade. Viewed by over 1.5 million people each season, the parade features yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes illuminated with millions of dazzling lights, turning Newport Bay into a sparkling winter wonderland.

Entrance to Knott's Hotel in Buena Park, CA

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Your Holiday Hub

Buena Park has plenty of affordable and comfortable hotels that make your holiday stay easy and convenient. Knott’s Hotel offers on-site dining with boysenberry specialties, a Starbucks, and is within walking distance to Knott’s Berry Farm. The DoubleTree Buena Park welcomes guests with its signature warm cookie at check-in, along with onsite dining and shuttle service to nearby theme parks. Courtyard Marriott features an outdoor firepit, EV charging stations, and a prime location right across the street from Porto’s Bakery and interactive dining experiences. For those looking to stay close to The Source OC, The Hilton provides onsite dining and direct access to the three-story shopping and dining destination. Fairfield Inn is perfect for families with its spacious suites and complimentary hot breakfast, while the Hampton Inn also features roomy suites, EV charging stations, and a hot breakfast to start the day off right.