Plan a Holiday Visit to Knott’s Merry Farm

The holidays are upon us with Halloween almost over around here. We’re finally planning to visit Knott’s Berry Farm this year during the holidays. The amusement park plays with its name and transforms to Knott’s Merry Farm during this joyous season. The park is located in Buena Park which is a little over an hour away from our home in San Diego. This is considered America’s first theme park and is the country’s 12^th most visited amusement park. The festivities run from Nov. 21, 2015 to Jan. 3, 2016.

I grew up with the Peanuts gang – Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Sally, et al. The PEANUTS® movie comes out next week and my kids want to watch it. I’m glad the PEANUTS® isn’t lost on the next generation. Lucky for us, we can find the gang over at Knott’s Berry Farm too. We’re excited reading up on everything happening during the holidays there and also celebrating it with the PEANUTS® characters. Here are of some of the activities, shows and entertainment at Knott’s Merry Farm during the holiday season that we’re looking forward to experiencing.

The Shows

• “Christmas Time is Here, Charlie Brown” will debut at the Camp Snoopy Theater featuring a mash up of some favorite holiday songs. I have a feeling we’ll be singing these songs long after we leave the park.

• The Knott’s melodrama company will be performing Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and O. Henry’s “A Gift of the Magi” daily at Ghost Town’s historic Bird Cage Theatre.

• Snoopy lights it up nightly during “Snoopy’s Merriest Tree Lighting” show at Calico Square Stage.

• Snoopy, the PEANUTS® gang and a cast of world-class ice skaters perform “Merry Christmas, Snoopy!” in their 2,100 seat theater. It’s a whimsical ice show centered on how Snoopy enjoys the holiday season.

Entertainment/Activities

• How about going back in time to celebrate the holidays in the Old West town of Calico? Everyone can climb aboard the Calico Railroad for Christmas on Engine 41 and meet Ghost Town residents who are eager to share their holiday plans.

• Shop at the Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village. Visitors can see local artisans demonstrating their crafts and selling their items. Demonstrations include chainsaw sculpting and glass blowing. I’m not sure what chainsaw sculpting is but it has piqued my interest. The village looks like a great place to shop for gifts. My family may have a hard time making me leave this area.

• The whole family can meet and visit Santa Claus inside his Christmas Cabin. Kids can even take a picture with him. My kids are still young enough to appreciate a Santa visit.

• Taste the holiday treats. I’m looking forward to indulging my sweet tooth with Knott’s holiday pastries, cinnamon rolls, holiday churros, fresh poured-to-order maple lollipops, gingerbread men and Santa’s homemade cookies. There’s also fresh roasted nuts and seasonal craft beer, which I’m sure my husband will enjoy.

• Watch the snow fall. Since we don’t have snow here in Southern California, we’ll take snow falling gently through the Ghost Town area with the festive decorations and holiday music playing in the background. This sounds like a perfect area for a stroll after eating all those holiday treats.

Knott’s Merry Farm Basics and Tips

• Ticket Prices: Single Day Regular (Online) $43; 3 Day Advance Single Day (Online) $40; Single Day Jr/Sr (online): $37; Front Gate or Good Any Day: $67
• If you live in Southern California and want to take advantage of all the merriment during the holidays and events throughout the year at the park, a Knott’s season pass may be the key. These would make great gifts! The 2016 Season Passes start at $81 per person and includes a free 2015 admission. There is a payment plan option of 9 payments of $9 per month. The pass has no blackout dates and offers discounts on select food and merchandise. Various passes that include dining plans and/or parking are also available. Passes are valid for everyone ages 3 and up.
• Knott’s Merry Farm festivities will run from Nov. 21, 2015 to Jan. 3, 2016.
• If you are a U.S. veteran, retired and active military personnel, you are eligible for free admission along with a spouse or guest from Nov. 1 to Dec. 20, 2015. Up to six additional tickets may be purchased at Knott’s Ticket Booths for only $25 each from November 1 -20 and for $30 each November 21 through December 20, 2015. Military personnel may also purchase additional tickets at a participating local Military ticket office.
• Stay tuned for our review of the festivities, food, and rides during our visit next month.

*Disclaimer: This post was made possible with contributions from GigaSavvy. Photos provided by Knott’s Berry Farm. 

*Is Knott’s Merry Farm a place you’d want to spend the holidays?

[stextbox id=”black” bgcolor=”b0c4de”]  If you liked this post, please get the latest posts and updates free.  Follow me on Twitter, Google+, or Facebook.  Thanks! [/stextbox]