The holidays are the best time to visit Southern California’s theme parks. We have spent the last two years, as a prelude to our holidays, at Knott’s Berry Farm when it transforms into the aptly named Knott’s Merry Farm. Knott’s is a little bit more low key with a small town feel compared to the other major parks around the area. We’ve never had issues with unbelievably long lines or massive crowds. The whole park is beautifuly decorated and really gets you into the holiday spirit. Here are ten reasons why you should visit Knott’s Merry Farm during the holidays.
1. Experience Christmas in Calico
Kids can write letters to Santa Claus at the Town Hall or listen to one of the Calico citizens read the classic Night Before Christmas. Look out for the Calico Carolers, dressed in their Victorian garb, to spread the holiday cheer throughout the streets. We loved listening to them.
2. The Rides
Luckily, Knott’s awesome rides are here for you to experience everyday. But, it is quite special to see the park all lit up and decorated while riding the rollercoaters. The thrills, loops and heights of many of the rollercoasters and rides here are the reasons why my kids repeatedly ask to visit this park. My kids recommend Boomerang, Ghostrider and the Silver Bullet. There are family rides too for the non-adrenaline junkies and the little ones.
3. See Snoopy Ice Skate
Who wouldn’t want to see the beloved beagle glide through the ice? The Merry Christmas, Snoopy! Ice Show is a family favorite. Snoopy joins a cast of world class ice skaters for an impressive holiday show. Try to get to the theater early for some seats in the front section.
4. Meet the Peanuts Gang
My husband and I grew up with the Peanuts Gang. I’m really glad my kids have a special fondness for them considering the many cartoon characters out there for their generation. They look forward to watching the holiday specials on TV. So, we make an effort to meet the gang when at the park. It’s like seeing old friends. We love seeing them all dressed up in their holiday wear. You can take photos with the gang after some of the live shows.
5. Eat/Drink Holiday treats
You’ll be doing a lot of walking around the park and burning calories. So, it’s only fitting to replenish them with holiday treats. Special holiday goodies are available but most can be found at Santa’s Christmas Cabin. It smells so delicious walking through here. There’s even craft beer and spiced holiday wine for adults. My kids always enjoy freshly baked cookies with hot cholocate topped with marshmallows and whipped cream.
6. Watch the Live Holiday Shows
The park puts on some of the best heartwarming holiday shows.
- It’s the Merriest Christmas Show Ever, Charlie Brown – This is a new show starring the Peanuts gang under Charlie Brown’s direction. See if Snoopy makes it back home to his friends to spend the holidays. It was almost like watching a classic holiday TV special.
- A Peanuts Guide to Christmas at Camp Snoopy Theater – Let the Peanuts gang show you how to cope with Christmas through humor and holiday song mash-ups.
- A Christmas Carol – See the classic Charles Dicken holiday tale of Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the Christmas ghosts.
- The Gift of the Magi – I have always loved this classic O. Henry story and it’s wonderfully told by the Knott’s cast. It’s a great production to take the kids.
7. See the Tree Lighting Ceremony
Do not miss this nightly tradition of lighting the beautiful and large Christmas tree. This year, it’s the Calico Bell Choir and Citizens of Calico who are featured. Try to get there early so the kids can see the stage and performers better.
8. Visit the Christmas Crafts Village
Need to cross out some people on your Christmas shopping list? You can in between rollercoaster rides. The Ghost Town area becomes a shopping wonderland during the holidays. I love walking through here and seeing the many talented artisans at work. This is one of the best places to get unique gifts. If you’re lucky, you may catch the demoonstrations for glass blowing or chainsaw wood carving.
9. Watch Snow Fall
As Southern Californians, we usually have to drive a few hours through winding roads to see snow up in the mountains. It’s easy to get that magical feeling from snow falling here at Knott’s Merry Farm. Snow falls lightly every night amidst the holiday lights at Ghost Town’s Main Street and School House Road. Then, you may just momentarily forget that you’re still in sunny SoCal. We enjoy watching many of the kids’ reactions and joyful expressions here.
10. Meet Santa
Of course, the holidays wouldn’t be complete without visiting Santa at his Christmas Cabin. The backdrop is always so beautiful for the photos. The photographers always do a great job of capturing these special moments. I still cherish these moments and I’m glad my teen and tween still want to have that special Santa photo.
Tips for Visiting Knott’s Merry Farm
- The park opens at 10 AM. Check their site for varying closing hours. It is closed on Christmas Day.
- Get there early to take advantage of all the rides. But, stay until it gets dark to see the park all lit up.
- Ticket Prices (as of Dec 2016) starts at $44. See their website for various updated prices. Knott’s season pass for $90 is also available.
- Knott’s Merry Farm activities will run from Nov. 19, 2016 to January 8, 2017.
- Check the Show Times for the live shows to plan out your day so you don’t miss them.
- Military Tribute Days (Nov. 28-Dec. 16). Active, Retired or Veteran US Military receive free admission for themselves and a guest. Up to 6 additional discounted tickets can be purchased
*Have you visited Knott’s Berry Farm during the holidays?
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Disclosure: My family and I were given complimentary one day tickets to Knott’s Merry Farm. All photos and opinions are my own.
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