A trip to Buena Park California is great any time of year, and a day at Knott’s Berry Farm is practically required, but between mid-November and the first of the year, this park is transformed into Knott’s Merry Farm.

We were lucky enough to visit Knott’s Merry Farm, and their celebration of the holidays is second to none. They spread holiday cheer all over the park, and this is one holiday festival you won’t want to miss! Knott's Merry Farm Buena Park California

Disclosure: We partnered with Visit Buena Park to bring you coverage of Knott’s Merry Farm. Opinions are (as always) our own. Links may be affiliates of Along for the Trip and help us to continue to bring you great content. Thanks for reading and Happy Holidays!

Celebrating the Holidays at Knott’s Merry Farm

Knott's Merry Farm Buena Park CA — *Pin this!*

Knott’s Berry Farm has been a Southern California mainstay for long time (since 1934 when fried chicken was the main attraction), and its world-class roller coasters and family fun keep visitors coming back year after year. Their innovative rides like 2018’s Hangtime are reason enough to visit, but Knott’s Merry Farm sprinkles festive cheer over everything, making it a magical time to visit.

Related: Explore the rest of family-friendly Buena Park here.

Looking for a great deal on tickets?

If your trip to Buena Park and Southern California will last more than a few days, consider purchasing a Go Los Angeles Card. Just choose how many days you're planning on staying, and then visit as many attractions as you'd like from the list during that period. Easy!

We used these in San Diego a few years back, and they're a great deal!

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Things to see and do at Knott’s Merry Farm

Enjoy a great show (Showtimes here)

We found the shows and live performances at Knott’s to be top-notch. While we didn’t have time to watch them all (because roller coasters!), we did see a few and came away impressed. We think you will also, so check ’em out! Here’s what’s showing in 2018.

A Christmas Carol/The Gift of the Magi

These are short, 30 minute performances in the intimate Bird Cage Theater – perfect for taking a break and sipping some cider. We enjoyed “A Christmas Carol” on our particular visit, and the show was great. The condensed performance was just right for keeping younger kids engaged, and the cast was superb.

A Peanuts Guide to Christmas

A guide to surviving the holidays from the Peanuts gang – what’s not to love? You can find this show in the Camp Snoopy Theater, and be sure to head next door after the show for some photos with the gang.

Get in the holiday spirit before your trip with the Peanuts Holiday Specials!

Calico Carolers

Knotts’ talented vocal quartet takes you back to a classic Victorian Christmas with holiday songs and carols everyone loves. You can hear them in Ghost Town throughout the day.

Calico Saloon Christmas Show

On Old West review with Cameo Kate and Dakota Dan. Music, laughs, and old-fashioned fun in the Calico Saloon.

“It’s The Merriest Christmas Show Ever, Charlie Brown”

Charlie Brown himself directs the greatest Christmas pageant ever at the Calico Mine Stage. Enjoy some holiday fun as the entire Peanuts gang spreads holiday cheer and answers the question, “Will Snoopy make it home in time for Christmas?”

“Merry Christmas, Snoopy!” On Ice

“Merry Christmas, Snoopy!” was the one show on our list that we didn’t want to miss. It’s held in the Charles M. Schulz Theatre and is a popular show, so hop in line early!

The stage is turned into an ice rink, and it has everything you would expect – your favorite Peanuts characters, spins and twirls around the ice, and lots of holiday cheer! This was definitely our favorite show of the day!

This has has some serious production value – not just for a theme park, but for anywhere – and everything about it impressed us. The skaters were amazing, and the Peanuts characters will warm your heart as they share their favorite holiday stories. Don’t miss this one!

Snow and Glow Show

Head over to Main Street in Ghost Town for this snowy wonderland! Watch as Main Street gets lit up with lights set to your favorite holiday tunes. There’s snow in the forecast, so get your cameras ready!

Times for all of Knott’s Merry Farm’s shows can be found here.

Browse the Christmas Crafts Village

Make some time to stroll through the Christmas Crafts Village. Not only can you find fun holiday souvenirs to take home, you can watch the artisans work and see how they’re made. Our favorite? Definitely the glass blowers. They’ll even make you a custom holiday ornament to take home for your tree. How cool is that?

Sample some tasty holiday treats

The holidays are a great time to eat, amirite? (Christmas cookies are penalty-free). Knott’s Merry Farm has you covered, and everywhere you look, there is something tasty to try. From fresh baked cookies, to seasonal treats like hot cocoa and spiced wine, you can find it at Knott’s Merry Farm.

Fancy making your own holiday #noms with none other than Mrs. Claus herself? Go right ahead at Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen. For $5.99 you get your own cookie decorating kit, and of course, you get to eat your creation when you’re done.

We’d be remiss if we didn’t also mention Mrs. Knott’s Fried Chicken Restaurant. We ate here on Thanksgiving Day where they were serving a special prix fixe menu, and it was delicious. Seriously, it was some of the best fried chicken we’ve ever had!

Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant Hours
Monday – Friday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm (Lunch and dinner)
Saturday: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Sunday: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm (Breakfast and dinner)

Location
Mrs. Knott’s is located right outside the gates at Knott’s Berry Farm.

Drop off your Christmas list in person

If you’re a fan of efficiency (or just don’t trust the USPS), you can give your Christmas list to the Big Elf in Charge at Santa’s Christmas Cabin, located in the Wilderness Dance Hall in Ghost Town. Santa makes visits throughout the day for pictures, and you can purchase photos on the spot to send a Christmas wish to someone special. Be sure to sample some of their seasonal snacks like fresh cookies or cheesecake on a stick (chocolate fountain anyone?).

Create some fantastic family memories!

Knott’s Merry Farm really is a magical place to visit during the holidays. Our family loved the extra cheer spread all around the park. If you’re in town, be sure to play for a day at Knott’s!

Have you been to Knott’s Merry Farm? What did you like best?

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$Knott\'s Merry Farm - A Very Merry California Christmas$

Knott’s Merry Farm – A Very Merry California Christmas