Your guide to Knott’s Berry Farm’s Christmas festival, Knott’s Merry Farm

Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California has kicked off their Christmas festival, which will run until January 8, 2023. In addition to the park being decorated to look like a fairytale Christmas town, there are also seasonal treats, handcrafted gifts, festive shows, a nightly tree lighting, snowfall, and so much more.

knott's merry farm Santa's living room
Photos by Jacob Goldberg

By Lauren Freeman

Here are some tips on how to capture as much Christmas spirit as possible at Knott’s Merry Farm, as well as give you an idea of what to expect.

Knott’s Merry Farm shows

One of the more popular shows is “Snoopy’s Night Before Christmas Ice Show,” performed by the Peanuts gang at the Walter Knott Theater. This show is a visual display of the classic poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” Be sure to arrive early as seating is limited.

At the Camp Snoopy Theatre, “Best Wishes” debuts this year. It’s a heartwarming tale of the Peanuts gang sharing the true meaning of Christmas. 

Over on the Calico Mine Stage, you’ll find “Home for the Holidays.” This show is a musical filled with classic Christmas songs, like “There’s No Place Like Home for The Holidays,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Jingle Bells,” “Here We Come A-Caroling,” and more. 

knotts merry farm night view

At the Bird Cage Theatre, you can find two different shows throughout the season. The infamous telling of “A Christmas Carol” is performed on select dates, with a production of “The Gift of the Magi” running on other dates.

If you’ve visited in the past, check out how some of the holiday shows have gotten a bit of a twist this year.

Festive eats and treats

Throughout the park many festive holiday dishes and desserts can be found. Below is a “taste” of what to expect:

  • Blitzen’s Brussel Sprouts with Cranberry, Pecans, and a Balsamic Drizzle 
  • Gobble Gobble Turkey Rice Casserole
  • Happy Tidings Turkey Burger with Cranberry Mashers and Gravy
  • Holiday Cheese Enchiladas with Turkey
  • Jolly Double Stuffed Baked Potato
  • Mistletoe Meatloaf 
  • Foot Long Hot Dog
  • Tinseltown’s Turkey
  • Bacon Alfredo Tater Bites
  • Vixen’s Scalloped Potato and Ham Pizza
  • Santa’s Pulled Pork and Onion Pizza
  • Christmas Peppermint Bark Funnel Cake
  • Comet’s Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites
  • Donner’s S’mores Macaron
  • Prancer’s Pumpkin Cheesecake Funnel Cake
  • Peanut Buttery Winter Cocoa
  • Yuletide S’mores Pecan Milkshake
  • Festive Cocktails

Knott’s Merry Farm entertainment 

As you’re strolling through Ghost Town, you can find Calico Carolers. Meanwhile over at The Boardwalk Ballroom, which is currently the Tinsel Top Club, you can dance to live swing music. Over at Camp Snoopy you can watch a Christmas light show with the little ones. There are also various musical performances from groups like The Sleigh Bells, the Rockin’ Reindeer, Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies, and the Bluegrass Duo.

knott's merry farm cocktails
Festive cocktails
knott's merry farm windmill
Knott’s Merry Farm windmill

Nightly tree lighting show

Every night at sunset, Knott’s Merry Farm is lit up with Christmas lights. The best place to be when this occurs is Calico Square. From this spot you’ll be able to see the lighting of the Christmas tree and hear the Merry Farm carolers. For an ideal viewing location, you may want to arrive a bit early. 

Snow!

After sunset, in addition to the lights, the park will also get snow. The “Snow and Glow Spectacular” brings snowfall to the streets of Ghost Town. This will occur several times throughout the night.

##Photos with Santa

Santa and friends are available for photos in Santa’s Christmas Cabin. After Christmas, Santa Snoopy will step in for meet-and-greets so that Santa can get back to the North Pole to prepare for next year.

Shopping without park admission

The Christmas Crafts Village at Knott’s Merry Farm is open to guests without park admission on select days. With over two dozen vendors, you can get some holiday shopping done. From wood carvings done while you watch to glass-blown ornaments, you can find some one-of-a-kind gifts. There is also merchandise that can be found year-round just outside the park at the Marketplace Emporium in the California Marketplace.

Tips and park policies to know before you go

For more details visit Knott’s Merry Farm.

Check out Knott’s Berry Farm during Halloween time: 


Knott's Spooky Farm at Knott's Berry Farm Overview
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