MOONEYES Christmas Party Show and Drag 2026: Drag Racing

If you love hot rods, classic cars, and the smell of burning rubber mixed with holiday cheer, then the MOONEYES Christmas Party Show and Drag is made for you. This legendary Southern California event returns on Saturday, December 12, 2026, at the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip at the Pomona Fairplex. It is, without question, one of the most celebrated car culture gatherings in the country. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a longtime fan, this guide covers everything you need to know before you arrive.

What Is the MOONEYES Christmas Party Show and Drag?

MOONEYES is a name that carries enormous weight in the world of custom cars and drag racing. Founded by Dean Moon in the 1950s, the brand became a cornerstone of California’s hot rod scene. The Christmas Party Show and Drag started as a small customer appreciation event in Whittier. Over time, it grew into one of the most iconic year-end celebrations in car culture.

For many years, the event was held at Irwindale Speedway. However, after Irwindale closed its gates at the end of 2024, the show found a new home at the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. The move has been widely welcomed. The larger venue means more space for cars, more vendors, and a bigger crowd. The 2025 edition celebrated 75 years of MOONEYES, and the 2026 event promises to build on that milestone with even more energy and excitement.

Event Date, Time, and Location

The 2026 MOONEYES Christmas Party Show and Drag takes place on a single day. Here are the key details at a glance.

Detail	Information
Event Date	Saturday, December 12, 2026
Gates Open	6:00 AM
Event Ends	Approximately 3:00 PM
Venue	In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, Pomona Fairplex
Address	1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768
Rain or Shine	Yes, event runs regardless of weather

The gates typically open very early in the morning. If you want a prime spot for your show car, arriving before sunrise is highly recommended. Thousands of vehicles line up along the surrounding streets well before the official opening time.

Tickets and Admission

Tickets for the MOONEYES Christmas Party Show and Drag are available online through the official MOONEYES website at mooneyes.com, as well as at the gate on the day of the event. However, purchasing in advance is strongly advised. The event draws thousands of attendees, and entry lines at the gate can move slowly.

Ticket Type	Approximate Price
General Admission (Spectator)	$20–$25
Show Car Entry (includes driver)	$35–$45
Drag Racing Entry	$50–$70 (per car)
Children (under 12)	Free or reduced

These prices are estimates based on previous years. Additionally, parking at the Pomona Fairplex is typically available for a small fee. Therefore, budget a little extra for parking when planning your trip. Always check the official MOONEYES website for the most current pricing before you go.

Daily Schedule Overview

The event is packed from morning until afternoon. Here is a general breakdown of how the day typically flows.

Time	Activity
6:00 AM	Gates open for show cars
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM	Spectator entry begins, vendors set up
9:00 AM	Live bands begin performing
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM	Drag racing session one
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM	Pinup contest, pinstriping demos
12:30 PM – 2:30 PM	Drag racing session two
2:30 PM	Trophy presentations
3:00 PM	Event closes

The schedule gives everyone plenty of time to explore. You can walk the showfield, catch a few drag runs, shop the vendor booths, and still have time to enjoy the live music. The day moves fast, so plan accordingly.

The Car Show: What to Expect on the Showfield

The showfield is the beating heart of the event. The MOONEYES Christmas Party focuses specifically on pre-1972 vehicles. That rule is part of what makes this show so special. You will not see modern muscle cars or late-model trucks here. Instead, the lot fills up with genuine old-school iron.

Expect to see a wide variety of vehicles, including:

Hot rods and gassers from the 1930s through the early 1970s
Lead sleds and lowriders with flawless custom paint
Rat rods with raw, unfinished charm
Bombers and survivor cars with original patina
Custom vans and period-correct motorcycles
Dragsters and race cars from the golden era of drag racing

The MOONEYES funny car, famously campaigned by Big Jim Dunn, is a regular display highlight. Additionally, land speed record vehicles and vintage racing machines often make appearances. The showfield is a visual feast for anyone who appreciates American automotive history.

Drag Racing at Pomona

The drag racing portion of the event takes place on the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, which runs an eighth-mile course. This is not a competitive bracket race with big prize money. Instead, it is more of a celebration run. Racers of all skill levels take turns making passes down the strip.

That relaxed spirit is exactly what makes the racing at this event so fun to watch. A perfectly restored 1955 Chevy gasser might line up next to a chopped and channeled roadster from the 1940s. The crowd loves every single pass.

The drag racing typically runs in two sessions throughout the day. Each session gives over 150 cars a chance to make multiple runs. Spectators can watch from the grandstands alongside the strip. Therefore, even if you do not bring a race car, the racing is absolutely worth watching.

Live Entertainment and Activities

Beyond the cars and racing, the MOONEYES Christmas Party delivers a full day of entertainment. Live bands perform throughout the event, playing rockabilly, surf, and roots rock that fits perfectly with the vintage car atmosphere. Past performers have included groups like the Dynotones, Hot Rod Trio, and the Delta Bombers.

The Pinup Contest, hosted in partnership with Mitzi and Co., is always a crowd favorite. Contestants dress in vintage-inspired fashion and compete for the title of Miss MOONEYES. The contest draws enthusiastic participation and is one of the most photographed moments of the day.

Pinstriping demonstrations are another beloved tradition. Skilled artists work live throughout the event, showing off the hand-lettering and detail work that has decorated hot rods since the beginning of custom car culture. Watching a master pinstriper at work is mesmerizing.

Other activities include:

Vendor booths selling car parts, accessories, and clothing
Specialty food vendors serving everything from BBQ to street tacos
Photography opportunities with legendary cars and talented artists
Merchandise tables offering MOONEYES branded items

Notable Cars and Vehicles to Watch For

While every car at the show deserves attention, a few types of vehicles tend to draw the biggest crowds.

Vehicle Type	What Makes It Special
MOONEYES Funny Car	Historic race car linked directly to the brand’s legacy
Land Speed Racers	Built for Bonneville Salt Flats competition
Gassers	Lifted front ends, wild paint, and straight-axle suspension
Lead Sleds	Heavily customized 1949–1951 Mercurys and Fords
Rat Rods	Raw fabrication, patina, and one-of-a-kind creativity
Period-Correct Dragsters	Open-wheel, front-engine machines from drag racing’s early days

If you are new to this world, do not be shy about asking car owners about their builds. The community is incredibly welcoming. Most owners are happy to talk about their vehicles for as long as you will listen.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

Going to the MOONEYES Christmas Party for the first time is an experience you will not forget. However, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are some practical tips to make your day go smoothly.

Arrive early. The show starts filling up well before the gates open at 6:00 AM. If you bring a show car, arriving at 5:00 AM or earlier is ideal. Spectators who arrive by 8:00 AM will find better parking and fewer crowds.

Wear comfortable shoes. The showfield and vendor area cover a large area. You will do a lot of walking throughout the day. Comfortable footwear makes a significant difference.

Dress in layers. December mornings in Southern California can be surprisingly cold, especially in the early hours. However, the afternoon usually warms up nicely. Layers let you stay comfortable all day long.

Bring cash. Many vendors and food stalls prefer cash transactions. There may be ATMs on-site, but they tend to have long lines by midday.

Check the MOONEYES website. Before the event, visit mooneyes.com to confirm the schedule, ticket prices, and any last-minute announcements. Details can change, and staying informed ensures you do not miss anything important.

Getting to the Pomona Fairplex

The Pomona Fairplex is located in the city of Pomona, in Los Angeles County, California. It is easily accessible from several major freeways.

From	Route
Los Angeles	Take I-10 East to Fairplex Drive exit
San Diego	Take I-15 North to SR-60 West, exit Fairplex Drive
Orange County	Take SR-57 North to SR-60 West, exit Fairplex Drive
San Fernando Valley	Take I-210 East to I-57 South to SR-60 West

Public transit options include the Metrolink San Bernardino Line, with a station at downtown Pomona just minutes from the fairgrounds. Additionally, rideshare drop-off points are available at the Fairplex main entrance.

Conclusion

The MOONEYES Christmas Party Show and Drag 2026 is a must-attend event for anyone who loves classic cars, drag racing, and the unique culture that has surrounded both for decades. On December 12, 2026, the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip will once again become the gathering place for thousands of hot rod enthusiasts, racers, artists, and fans from across Southern California and beyond.

The event brings together an incredible range of experiences: a stunning showfield of pre-1972 vehicles, exciting eighth-mile drag racing, live music, the beloved Pinup Contest, skilled pinstriping artists, and vendors selling everything a car enthusiast could want. Whether you show up with a rare gasser, a freshly finished rat rod, or simply a love for old iron, you will find your people here.

Plan ahead, arrive early, and bring your camera. The MOONEYES Christmas Party is more than just a car show. It is a celebration of history, craftsmanship, and community that has been bringing people together for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the MOONEYES Christmas Party Show and Drag 2026?

The event takes place on Saturday, December 12, 2026. Gates open at approximately 6:00 AM and the event wraps up around 3:00 PM.

Where is the 2026 MOONEYES Christmas Party held?

The event is held at the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, located at the Pomona Fairplex in Pomona, California.

How much do tickets cost?

General admission spectator tickets are approximately $20 to $25. Show car entry is around $35 to $45, and drag racing entry is around $50 to $70 per car. Children under 12 may enter free or at a reduced rate. Check mooneyes.com for confirmed prices.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

Purchasing tickets in advance is strongly recommended. The event draws thousands of attendees and gate lines can be very long. Advance tickets help you get inside faster.

What types of cars are eligible for the car show?

The showfield is reserved for pre-1972 vehicles. This includes hot rods, customs, lowriders, rat rods, gassers, lead sleds, bombers, and vintage motorcycles.

Can anyone participate in the drag racing?

Yes. The drag racing at this event is open to enthusiasts of all skill levels. It is run in a casual, fun format rather than strict competition. Participants must register in advance and meet basic safety requirements.

Is the event family-friendly?

Yes, the event welcomes families. Children will enjoy the cars, live music, and festive atmosphere. However, the drag racing area does involve loud noise, so earplugs for young children are a good idea.

What should I bring to the event?

Bring cash, a camera, comfortable shoes, and layers of clothing for the cool morning temperatures. Sunscreen is also wise for the afternoon hours.

Is parking available at the Pomona Fairplex?

Yes, parking is available on-site at the Pomona Fairplex for a small fee. Arriving early gives you better parking options. Rideshare and public transit via Metrolink are also good alternatives.

Who organizes the MOONEYES Christmas Party Show and Drag?

The event is organized by MOONEYES USA, led by Shige Suganuma and Chico Kodama. The team has been running the Christmas Party for decades and is deeply respected throughout the hot rod and custom car community.