A ~Froggy~ Festive Guide to Knott's Merry Farm

by Mommy Frog on November 30, 2022 1 Los Angeles

Summary

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 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 Camp Snoopy 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. 18, 2022, through Jan. 8, 2023, 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. The chaperone policy is in effect for Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holiday periods.

Best Knott’s Merry Farm Ticket Options

Knott's Merry Farm - Ghost Town

Tickets for Knott’s Merry Farm 2022 are already available for purchase as the holiday event takes place during normal park hours. No reservation or separate dated ticket is needed. When you purchase online through Knott's, they'll add taxes and fees after you put the tickets in your cart, but if you purchase Knott's Berry Farm tickets from Undercover Tourist, you'll see the final price up front. You can save up to $32 versus the gate price on a Monday through Thursday ticket! Save up to $25 on an Any Day ticket if you want to visit Friday through Sunday. Think of all the yummy treats you can buy with the savings.

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
Jaguar! (closed during refurbishment)
Knott's Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair
La Revolucion (closed during refurbishment)
Montezooma’s Revenge (under refurbishment)
Pony Express
Sierra Sidewinder
Silver Bullet
Supreme Scream
Timber Mountain Log Ride
Xcelerator (closed for refurbishment)

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. 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, waffles 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.

Snoopy's Night Before Christmas: Ice Show (New): The 40th anniversary of Snoopy on Ice brings the gift of an all-new show. Gather around for a retelling of the "A Visit From St. Nicholas" poem. 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.

Best Wishes (New): This daily Camp Snoopy Theatre show was made for tadpoles and froglets. Lucy Van Pelt comes to the realization of the true meaning of Christmas. She along with Charlie Brown, Sally and Linus spread the word that giving is better than receiving.

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 Christmas Carol & The Gift of the Magi, 1885: Many long-time Knott’s season passholders call "A Christmas Carol" a favorite holiday tradition . The historic Bird Cage Theater (located in Ghost Town) is home to the black box theater-style rendition of “A Christmas Carol” and now a new addition, "The Gift of the Magi, 1885." There are different showtimes for each performance.

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 day and 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.

Tinsel Top Club: Swing dance into the season at the Boardwalk Ballroom with swing band music.

Musical Acts: Check the Knott's app for showtimes for musical performances such as The Sleigh Bells, the Rockin' Reindeer duo, Mariachi Angelitas, Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies and the Bluegrass Duo.

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.

Calico Saloon Show: Celebrate the season with Miss Cameo Kate with a yuletide holiday sing-a-long.

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 those fancy waffles at Santa's Christmas Cabin and shakes topped with bundt cakes!). Here's where to find all the yummy goodness. Many of these dishes are on the dining plan — look for the dining plan symbol on special menus at the restaurant.

You can hop here for the holiday guide and to locate items that are gluten friendly, vegan, dairy-free, soybean-free or that contain nuts. Here are the 2022 holiday food items:

Gold Mine Trail Booths

Turkey bites with gravy and Brussels sprouts with pecans and cranberries
Mistletoe Meatloaf footlong hotdog with peppers and onions
Christmas churro
Merry Farm souvenir mug

Wagon Wheel Pizza

Gobble gobble turkey rice casserole (this tastes like home)
Jolly double stuffed baked potato

Ghost Town Bakery

Pumpkin spice cake
Grinch's gingerbread brownies
Donner's s'mores macarons
Santa's apple pie cupcakes
Ham and cheese quiche
Pumpkin scone
Assorted Christmas cookies
Buttery pecan macaron
Gingerbread cookies
Dipped and chewy chocolate chip cookie
Apple cider
Merry Farm souvenir mug

Spurs Patio Bar

Strawberry margarita
Halo Light
Christmas Cookie Milkshake IPA
GhostRider IPA
Chilly Delight
Santa-gria
Mulled red, white and boysenberry wine

Calico Tater Bites

Tinseltown's turkey bacon and Alfredo tater bites

Sutter's Pizza

Santa's pulled pork and onion pizza

Sutter's Grill

Pot roast beef burger
Merry Farm souvenir mug

Sutter's Funnel

Christmas peppermint bark funnel cake
Merry Farm souvenir mug

Pemmican Pickle

Boysenberry Heff

Santa's Christmas Cabin

Turkey balls with gravy & Brussels sprouts, pecans and cranberries
Stuffed waffle sandwiches (with a variety of yummy choices)
Bundt cakes
Salted caramel bread pudding
Fresh Christmas cookies
Select holiday beverages and more

Ghost Town Grub

Prancer's pumpkin cheesecake roll with cream cheese icing funnel cake
Maple fun bun with pecans
Merry Farm souvenir mug

Gourmet Churro Factory

Comet's cinnamon sugar pretzel bites
Cinnamon sugar churro with Spanish hot chocolate dip and sip
Merry Farm souvenir mug

Wilderness Broiler

Orange chicken over French fries

Chow House

Pomegranate lemonade
Cake batter blondie cookiewich with butterscotch chips
Kids chilly delight

Calico Saloon

Halo Light
Christmas Cookie Milkshake IPA
Merry mimosa
Boxing Day bourbon mule
Holiday beer on tap in the Saloon
Icy winter breeze
Partridge in a Pear Tree - Belgian ale
3 French Hens seasonal dark ale
Christmas cart
Christmas Cookie Milkshake Hazy IPA
Boysenberry Heff
Merry Farm Blonde
Candy Cane Lane chocolate peppermint stout

Log Ride Funnel Cake

Prancer's pumpkin cheesecake roll with cream cheese icing funnel cake
Maple fun bun with pecans
Merry Farm souvenir mug

Strictly on a Stick

Mini turkey corn dogs with Sriracha ketchup
Bang Bang cauliflower bites with sweet chili sauce

Cantina

Holiday cheese enchiladas with turkey
Walking toastada taco
Holiday horchata (alcoholic)

Prop Shop Pizzeria

Vixen's scalloped potato and ham pizza
Santa's pulled pork and onion pizza
Pot pie stromboli
Gingerbread cookies
S'mores buttery pecan macaron
Merry Farm souvenir mug

Fiesta Bar

Fiesta Village lager
S&T West Coast IPA
Candy Cane Lane chocolate peppermint stout
Mangonada margarita

Coasters Diner

Christmas maple walnut bundt cake shake
Happy tidings turkey burger with cranberries, mashers and gravy on a brioche bun
Yuletide s'mores pecan milkshake

Charleston Circle Coffee

Apple cider
Gingerbread cookies
Dipped and chewy chocolate chip cookies
S'mores or buttery pecan macaron
Pumpkin cream pie trifle
Cheeky pumpkin fudge bar
Peanut buttery winter cocoa with PB whiskey
Merry Farm souvenir mug

Hollywood Hits

Couscous salad
Italian sausage and caramelized onion pizza

Boardwalk BBQ

Classic turkey sandwich with all the trimmings
Blitzen's Brussels sprouts with cranberries, pecans and basalmic drizzle
Ham and scalloped potato casserole
Pumpkin cream pie trifle
Gingerbread cookies
Pumpkin spice cake
S'mores or butter pecan macaron
Boysenberry Heff
Boardwalk IPA
10 Hop Hazy IPA

Grizzly Creek Lodge

Vixen's scalloped potato and ham pizza
Mac and Cheeseburger with jalapeños and Sriracha ketchup
Grinch's gingerbread brownies
Merry mint float
Pumpkin spice cake
Kids Chilly Delight
Christmas Ales
Mangonada margarita
SOK, Mexican lager
S&T West Coast IPA
Merry Farm souvenir mug

Outside the Park

Cable Car Kitchen - Christmas peppermint bark funnel cake, pumpkin cheesecake roll with cream cheese frosting funnel cake and Merry mint float
Farm Bakery - Pumpkin spice cake, Grinch's gingerbread brownie, Gingerbread cookie, Santa's apple pie cupcakes, Buttery pecan macaron, Christmas cookies, pumpkin scone and dipped and chewy chocolate chip cookie
Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant - Holiday horchata (alcoholic)

To view the complete list of foods while in the park, scan the QR code on the pole just after you enter the park. On select days beginning Dec. 4, 2021, visit the Holiday Hideaway (past the GhostRider exit) for more turkey balls, seating and a beer garden.

Holiday Shopping: Buy some unique gifts in Ghost Town at several craft booths with hand-made items. Purchase the Merry Farm PEANUTS short and get a free pin! The souvenir mug comes with free refills of coffee or hot cocoa on your first visit. Pay $2 for each refill on return visits through Jan. 8, 2023.

Tips for Festive Fun

Here are some hoppin' tips to make the most of Knott's Merry Farm:

Knott's Merry Farm - The Sleigh Bells warm up to perform at tree

Buy the Fast Lane pass to ensure the froglets get on all the rides they want to during your visit.
Follow this link for the full list of holiday foods and merchandise.
Be sure to read up on the Knott's chaperone policy for weekends and holiday periods.
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).
Meet Peanuts characters in their holiday best in Camp Snoopy. Hugs allowed!
Save some green on tickets by buying Knott's Berry Farm tickets through your favorite froggy friends.
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 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 as of Nov. 15, 2021. Knott's has Cash-to-Card kiosks in the park in case you load cash into a card.
Keep in mind that Fiesta Village is undergoing a refurbishment that will be completed in 2023, with a new take on Montezooma's Revenge — MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress!