Last Updated on November 7, 2024 by Kimberly Stroh
Buena Park, California is home to Knott’s Berry Farm amusement park, but during the holiday season, the park transforms to Knott’s Merry Farm. This seasonal event turns the park into a winter wonderland, featuring holiday decorations, special shows, themed attractions, and a variety of seasonal food and treats. The event occurs annually from mid-November through January, and it’s perfect for families to enjoy.
If you’ve got little ones, it’s the perfect time to visit Knott’s Berry Farm. They’ll love the extra special holiday touches that fill the park, including the youngest ones! Knott’s Merry Farm is included with the regular Knott’s Berry Farm park ticket during the holiday season. When you purchase admission to Knott’s Berry Farm, you automatically have access to all the special events and seasonal attractions that are a part of the event.
However, it’s important to note that some premium experiences or extra offerings—such as photos with Santa, certain dining experiences, or special behind-the-scenes tours—may come with an additional cost. Parking fees are also not included in the park ticket price.
1. The Park’s Holiday Decor Brings Seasonal Cheer
The newest event at Knott’s Merry Farm is the ‘Tis the Season Tree Lighting Ceremony, which occurs nightly. The event in Calico Park invites everyone to kick off the evening’s holiday celebration with dancers, singers, and, of course, Snoopy. The event is the perfect way to kick off your holidays, as you watch thousands of lights twinkle as they turn on for the season.
Christmas in Calico continues as the Snow and Glow experience fills the buildings and paths with thousands of lights dancing to the beat of Christmas music while “snow” gently falls throughout Ghost Town. Listen up for Knott’s own vocal quartet, the Calico Carolers, transports guests back in time to a Victorian Christmas as they perform the season’s songs throughout the streets of Ghost Town.
Throughout the park, there’s miles of decorated garland and a landscape of holiday lights. It’s quite a backdrop for family photos and the little ones are sure to be dazzled.
2. Meet Santa At Santa’s Christmas Cabin
The Wilderness Dance Hall transforms into Santa’s Christmas Cabin, where the entire family can create fond memories by taking photos with Santa Claus and his friends. The Big Guy attracts quite the crowd, so be prepared for lines, but it’s a great way to get the kid’s photos with Santa.
3. Enjoy Festive Christmas Entertainment
The entertainment at Knott’s Merry Farm is top-notch with so many seasonal shows to watch. Check out the park show time to plan out your nightly itinerary. Each venue has different entertainment options.
- The Bird Cage Theatre: Knott’s melodrama company presents a reimagined Charles Dickens classic, A Calico Christmas Carol. The theatre will also present the heartwarming Knott’s version of O. Henry’s classic tale of love and sacrifice, The Gift of the Magi, 1885.
- Calico Mine Stage: Yuletide cheer is in store with Home for the Holidays, where joyous merriment takes over the Calico Mine Stage with dancing and fun set to popular holiday tunes.
- Walter Knott Theater: Snoopy and the Peanuts gang take to the ice in Snoopy’s Night Before Christmas. This guest favorite returns with the Knott’s Ice-Skating Ensemble and Snoopy retelling the classic poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” re-imagined Peanuts style.
- Fiesta Plaza Stage: Guests can enjoy Latin Caribbean and New York salsa as well as current American top 40 songs, but with a Latin band format and rhythms provided by Adelaide Pilar.
4. See Your Favorite Peanuts Characters
Snoopy and Peanuts are easy to spot when you grab seats for the Snoopy’s Night Before Christmas show at Walter Knott Theater, but they’re also throughout the park. Grab a park map upon entering and look up the character greeting locations. Snoopy and his friends are dressed in their special seasonal attire for photos.
5. Taste Seasonal Knott’s Merry Farm Treats & Drinks
It’s not a holiday celebration without festive food. Knott’s Merry Farm offers seasonal food items, such as holiday pies, gingerbread cookies, hot chocolate, and roasted chestnuts. The park also features special holiday-themed menus at many of its restaurants. Guests can indulge in traditional holiday classics with a twist, including a Merry Farm favorite, the crispy breaded “Turkey Ball” filled with perfectly seasoned stuffing and sweet cranberry sauce, or the vegan and gluten-free pistachio orange cookie.
6. Shop Local At Knott’s Merry Farm For Christmas
Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village is back with dozens of local artisans selling their unique gifts, including chainsaw wood carvings and elegant glass blowing. Guests can find a variety of unique gifts and holiday merchandise, including ornaments, crafts, and other seasonal items. It’s a SoCal twist on a Christmas market experience, and it’s a great way to support local artists. Knock off a few items on your holiday list during your park time.
7. Ride The Attractions During Knott’s Merry Farm
What’s a trip to Knott’s Berry Farm without a few rides on coasters? Most of the roller coasters and other rides at Knott’s Berry Farm are still open and operating during Knott’s Merry Farm, so you can enjoy the thrilling rides in addition to the holiday festivities.
Some of the park’s most popular roller coasters, like Silver Bullet, GhostRider, and Xcelerator, remain open throughout the event, as well as other attractions like the Log Ride and Calico Mine Ride. Knott’s Merry Farm adds holiday-themed decorations rather than altering or shutting down the regular rides and attractions. The coasters are even better with thousands of twinkling lights!
Book A Hotel Stay at The Knott’s Hotel
Turn your Merry Farm experience into a holly jolly hotel getaway with an overnight stay at The Knott’s Hotel. The Knott’s Merry Farm Holiday Package includes hotel accommodations, Knott’s Merry Farm admission for one day for each registered guest, and hotel parking. Upgrade to the Hotel Breakfast Package for an unforgettable holiday celebration.