Each holiday season, Knott's Merry Farm puts Knott’s Berry Farm into the holiday spirit and transforms the Orange County theme park into a winter wonderland. Festive lights, holiday treats and cheery entertainment will have froglets of all ages feeling merry and bright. This guide will walk you through everything your family needs to know before heading to Knott's Merry Farm, at this berry-themed, theme park just a 10-minute drive from Disneyland Resort!
Knott's Merry Farm 2024 Overview
One of our family traditions that goes back to my own froglet days is watching "A Charlie Brown Christmas." Maybe that's why Peanuts characters and the holidays just seem to go together. You'll be able to celebrate with the Peanuts at Knott's, by meeting them in the park and seeing them in shows. Ice skating Snoopy and Peppermint Patty? Oh, yeah!
Knott's Berry Farm always puts out a nice spread of unique foods. Those crispy breaded turkey balls with stuffing and cranberry are toadally calling me! There are so many unique holiday-inspired treats to try. The park is beautifully decorated and lit at night. And there is special Holiday entertainment as well. Add all the festivities to the rides and western atmosphere of the park, and you have something for everyone in your family.
Knott’s Merry Farm Dates and Tickets
Knott’s Merry Farm is open every day, Nov. 22, 2024, through Jan. 5, 2025, except for Christmas Day when Knott's is closed. You can enjoy special entertainment and foods both day and night.
Hours vary based on the day, but typically the weekend has longer hours, while Mondays through Thursdays are shorter. If you want to bask in the glow of holiday lights, then choose a weekend visit.
Crowds will intensify on holiday weeks (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve), especially on the weekends. If you can, we recommend taking your froglets during a weekday, or earlier in the holiday season. Check the chaperone policy before you visit.
Best Knott’s Merry Farm Tickets
Knott’s Merry Farm tickets are available for purchase now. Knott's Merry Farm hours are the same as normal park hours (although a few shows and food options are offered only on select days). No reservation or separate dated ticket is needed.
If your froglets are old enough to ride the roller coasters, we recommend adding Fast Lane through Knott's if it's within your budget. Holiday crowds are inevitable and a Fast Lane pass will optimize your time for many of the most popular rides.
What are the Fast Lane Rides? Rides offering Fast Lane during Knott's Merry Farm include:
- Calico Mine Ride
- Calico River Rapids
- Coast Rider
- GhostRider
- HangTime
- Knott's Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair
- La Revolucion
- Los Voladores
- Pony Express
- Sierra Sidewinder
- Silver Bullet
- Sol Spin
- Supreme Scream
- Timber Mountain Log Ride
- Xcelerator
Camp Snoopy is open with a beautiful refurbishment (parts are ongoing). The new rides are open during Knott's Merry Farm. Check the app for times and locations to meet PEANUTS characters. They are back in Camp Snoopy in a temporary location on the lawn!
Knott's Merry Farm Décor and Meeting Santa
Every part of the theme park is festive and bright. When you enter the park, you'll be greeted with trees, poinsettias, signs and holiday lights. You'll spot white lights and green garland, wreaths and a tall Christmas tree in Ghost Town. Camp Snoopy has colorful holiday decorations all day and festive lightning at night.
Walk under strings of lights in the Boardwalk area while you sip and savor the holiday flavors. Don't let the SoCal climate keep the fountain in Charleston Circle from freezing over.
Note the colorful trees all around the Boardwalk area and a Charlie Brownish tree in Camp Snoopy. Look for festive photo ops around the park.
Santa’s Christmas Cabin
You can experience all kinds of Christmasy sights and smells in Santa's Christmas Cabin. If you want to meet Santa, feast on some sweet holiday treats, or sample some wine (for the 21+ frogs), Santa’s Christmas Cabin is the place to be. Upon entering, frog families are greeted with the aroma of roasted nuts and baked goods, and the sight of Santa on his chair, twinkling lights and an overall atmosphere of merriment. In the morning or when Santa is off feeding his reindeer, you might get treated to Santa Snoopy instead.
Must-See Entertainment at Knott's Merry Farm
You can get into the Christmas spirit with holiday shows and other forms of entertainment. Here's a look at the Knott's Merry Farm 2024 shows. Note that weekdays have shorter hours and reduced entertainment. You can always check the schedules in the Knott's Berry Farm app.
Snoopy's Night Before Christmas: Ice Show The 40th anniversary of Snoopy on Ice brought the gift of an all-new show in 2022. Gather around for a retelling of the "A Visit From St. Nicholas" poem and some of the recitations from "A Charlie Brown Christmas". Snoopy joins the world-class Knott's Ice Skating Ensemble in the Walter Knott Theater. You'll see ice skaters and Snoopy himself twirling and spinning across the stage. Join in the fun on select days. This is a can't-miss show with acrobatic skating, many costume changes and even snowfall. Look for appearances by Charlie Brown, Linus, Franklin and Peppermint Patty.
Home for the Holidays: “Home for the Holidays” invites frog families to sing along to favorite Christmas tunes, dance along with magical dancing toys and let in the joy of the holidays. Enjoy classic holiday songs and timeless seasonal traditions. It's located at the Calico Mine Stage.
A Calico Christmas Carol & The Gift of the Magi, 1885: Many long-time Knott’s season passholders call "A Christmas Carol" a favorite holiday tradition. It's time for a new tradition with the "A Calico Christmas Carol" adapation. The historic Bird Cage Theater (located in Ghost Town) is home to the black box theater-style rendition of “A Calico Christmas Carol” and welcomes back a new addition, "The Gift of the Magi, 1885." There are different showtimes for each performance on select dates of the season.
More Holiday Fun at Knott's Merry Farm
Calico Carolers: Keep an eye out for Christmas Carolers on the streets of Ghost Town. They spread holiday cheer with their bells and voices throughout the morning and early afternoon. They are a pleasure to listen to.
Snow and Glow: Experience a magical snowfall and light show in Ghost Town once the sun sets. The snowfall occurs hourly from sundown until the park closes and only lasts a few minutes, so don't be late.
Nightly Christmas Tree Lighting: Is there anything better than a good old-fashioned Christmas tree lighting? Gather together at Calico Square and witness the nightly Christmas tree lighting at sunset. It was at 5:15 p.m. the night we visited.
Bluegrass Duo: Be transported to the heart of Ghost Town with this classic duo at Fireman's BBQ.
Christmas Light Show: Enjoy a holiday light show throughout Camp Snoopy.
Parkwide Lighting Moment: Knott's Berry Farm comes alive with the lights of the season kicking off the nighttime festivities.
Wandering Wranglers: Head to the tree at the Calico Park Stage for singing cowboys and the songs of Christmas. Put on your Yule Tide dancing boots!
Mrs. Claus' Kitchen: On select days, kids can decorate cookies in an old schoolhouse building and take them home.
Knott's Merry Farm Holiday Food & Merchandise
All year long, it's all about the food for us at Knott's. But Knott’s Merry Farm offers a few of our froggy favorites (such as turkey balls and festive funnel cakes!). Here's where to find all the yummy goodness. Many of these comfort food dishes are on the dining plan — look for the dining plan symbol on special menus at the restaurant. Many of our photos are from a media tasting, so they may be plated differently or actually be a larger serving when you get it.
You can hop here for the holiday guide. Here are the 2024 holiday food items (items on dining plan marked with "DP"):
Gold Mine Trail Booths (open select days)
- Pretzel with Christmas Cart Beer Cheese
- Chili Cheese Footlongs
- Bowl of Chili and Onions
- Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel
- Turkey Ball on a bed of mashed potatoes with gravy and crispy Brussels Sprouts. It's Always a Frog Family favorite and you can also find it at Santa's Christmas Cabin patio. This is year it's one larger ball stuffed with turkey and stuffing.
- Hot Chocolate Dip with Toasted Marshmallows, Graham Crackers, and Nilla Wafers
- 12 Days of Christmas Beers #1 and #7
Miners Mac and Spuds (open select days)
- Turkey, stuffing, gravy and cranberry on a baked potato - DP
Sutter’s Funnel Cake
- Tiramisu Funnel Cake
Ghost Town Bakery
- Gingerbread People
- Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bar
- Pistachio Orange Cookie – Vegan and Gluten-free and so moist!
- Peppermint Truffle
- Christmas Snoopy Cookie and Cupcake
- Chai Spice Maple Pumpkin Bread
- Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake
- Black Forest Brownie
Mrs. Murphy’s
- Spiced Holiday Wine
- Blue Christmas
- Brandy Cane (candy cane)
- 12 Days of Christmas Beers #2 and #8
- The Bruery - Dear Great Pumpkin
- Brewery X - Cranberry Seltzer
Ghost Town Grub
- Carrot Cake Funnel Cake
Calico Tater Bites (open select dates)
- Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tater Tots - DP
- Philly Cheesesteak Pizza -DP
Sutter's Grill
- Glazed Ham, Cheddar Cheese, and Cranberry Aioli Burger - DP (It's sliced ham and one of the most flavorful, must-have items in 20241)
Log Ride Funnel Cakes
- Loaded Churro and Caramel Apple Funnel Cake
Mrs. Claus' Kitchen (open select days)
- Christmas Tree Decorating Kit
Santa's Christmas Cabin
- Turkey Ball with Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, and Crispy Brussel Sprouts
- Empanadas - Beef or Spinach
- Bacon and Gouda Mac & Cheese
- Monkey Bread with Ice Cream – Strawberry or Glazed
- Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream
- Cheesecake on a Stick dipped in Chocolate
- Freshly Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies with Milk and Eggnog
- Pumpkin Whoopie Pie
- Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
- Christmas Cupcake
- Festive Cookie
- Gourmet Cookie
- Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
Gourmet Churro Factory
- Gingersnap dipped Churro, stuffed with Dulce De Leche
- Beignets with a Maple Glaze
Wilderness Dogs and Drinks (open select days)
- Turkey Dog with Stuffing, Mashers and Cranberry - DP
- Blue Christmas Cosmopolitin
Chow House
- Fall Apple Lemonade
- Ginger Molasses Cookiewich
Calico Saloon
- Holiday Santa-Gria
- Blue Christmas
- Brandy Cane (candy cane cocktail)
- 12 Days of Christmas Beers #4 and #10
- Golden Road- Christmas Cart
- Karl Strauss - Golden Stout
- Brewery X - Cranberry Seltzer
- Brewery X - Frosty Mallows
Judge Roy Bean (open select dates)
- Spiced Holiday Wine
Strictly on a Stick
- Mac and Cheese Bites with Gouda and Bacon served with Aioli - DP
Prop Shop Pizzeria
- Birria Pizza - DP
- Chorizo, Mushroom, and Alfredo Ravioli - DP
- Black Forest Brownie
- Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake
- Pistachio Orange Cookie – Vegan and Gluten-free
Coasters Diner
- Holiday Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash, Kale, and Cranberry Couscous - DP
- Caramel Apple Pie Milkshake
Charleston Circle Coffee
- Chai Spice Maple Pumpkin Bread
- Peppermint Truffle
- Gingerbread People
- Christmas Snoopy Cookie
- Peanut Buttery Winter Cocoa (cocktail)
- Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
Boardwalk BBQ
- Classic Turkey Sandwich with all the Trimmings -DP
- Honey Maple Chicken Wings - DP
- Peppermint Truffle
- Gingerbread People
- Sam Adams - Winterfest
Grizzly Creek Lodge
- Mini Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket
- Muddy Buddy Rice Krispie
- Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake
- Gingerbread People
- Chilly Cranberry Delight (mocktail)
- Granny Cane (candy cane mocktail)
Casa California Restaurante
- Chile Colorado - new flavor -DP
- Mexican Wedding Cookies
Papa’s Mexicana
- Loaded Maple Waffle Fries with Bacon and Cheese - DP
- Horchata Bites
Baja Taqueria (open select dates)
- Red and Green Chilaquiles with Beef Barbacoa and Scrambled Egg
Cable Car Kitchen (Outside the Park)
- Carrot Cake Funnel Cake
- Loaded Churro and Caramel Apple Funnel Cake
- Tiramisu Funnel Cake
Farm Bakery (Outside the Park)
- Gingerbread People
- Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bar
- Peppermint Truffle
- Christmas Snoopy Cookie and Cupcake
- Pistachio Orange Cookie – Vegan and Gluten-free
- Chai Spice Maple Pumpkin Bread
- Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake
- Black Forest Brownie.
To view the complete list of foods while in the park, scan the QR code on the pole just after you enter the park or follow this link.
Holiday Shopping: Buy some unique gifts in Ghost Town at several craft booths with hand-made items (some accept cash). Purchase the Merry Farm PEANUTS shirt and get a free pin! The souvenir mug is $13.00 plus tax and comes with free refills of coffee or hot cocoa on your first visit. Pay $1 for each refill on return visits through Jan. 5, 2025. (The initial cost and refill cost is less than the 2023 prices!)
You'll find clothing, toys and a variety of take-home foods. The bubble wands have interactive stations in the park! The also interact with the new holiday light you can carry in the park.
Tips for Festive Fun
Here are some hoppin' tips to make the most of Knott's Merry Farm:
- Buy the Fast Lane pass to ensure the froglets get on all the rides they want to during your visit. Or arrive early to get a head start before the crowds arrive. Ghost Rider often opens 30 minutes before the park opens, so it's worth arriving 45 to 60 minutes before park opening.
- Follow this link for the full list of holiday foods and merchandise.
- Be sure to read up on the Knott's chaperone policy.
- Catch the snowfall near the Blacksmith or on Schoolhouse Road in Ghost Town — don't be late. It's quick but oh so special.
- Enjoy the holiday lights in Camp Snoopy and meet Peanuts characters in their holiday best, including Snoopy.
- Arrive early for shows (show times in the app).
- Check the weather and dress in layers, as California winter weather tends to be cold in the mornings, warm in the afternoons, but then chilly again in the evenings.
- Use the Knott's Berry Farm app to see a park map and list of showtimes/character meet and greets and fun holiday food.
- Bring water and snacks for the long day, but save room for lots of sweet and savory treats!
- Consider getting an all-day dining plan to eat a meal every 90 minutes, or get the plan that comes with a refillable souvenir bottle and a meal or snack every 90 minutes.
- If you can, try and stay until after the sun goes down. The true magic of Knott’s Merry Farm happens with the Christmas tree lighting, and the festive vignettes and lights found throughout the park.
- On New Year's Eve, you can experience live shows, entertainment and midnight fireworks.
- Bring credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay or Google Pay to pay for food and merchandise since Knott's is cashless. Knott's has Cash-to-Card kiosks in the park in case you load cash into a card. Some of the craft venders do accept cash.
- Hop by the cemetery to see the grave of Ebenezer Scrooge.
Have questions about Knott’s Merry Farm? Ask us questions in the comments below! You can get your discount Go City passes to use at Knott's Merry Farm through Undercover Tourist.
Related: ~Toadally~ Must-Try Eats at Knott's Berry Farm
Related: The Full Lineup of Beary-Good Knott's Berry Farm Events
Hoppy planning!
