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 2023 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. 17, 2023, through Jan. 7, 2024, 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. 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 $38 versus the gate price on a Monday through Friday ticket! Save up to $29 on an Any Day ticket if you want to visit Saturday or 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!
- Knott's Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair
- La Revolucion
- MonteZOOMa (under refurbishment)
- Pony Express
- Sierra Sidewinder
- Silver Bullet
- Supreme Scream
- Timber Mountain Log Ride
- Xcelerator (recently reopened!)
Camp Snoopy is undergoing a refurbishment, so some rides and the stage are temporarily closed. You can meet Peanuts characters around the park. check the app for times and locations.
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. Here's a look at the Knott's Merry Farm 2023 shows.
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. 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.
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. 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 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.
Musical Acts: Check the Knott's app for showtimes for musical performances such as The Sleigh Bells at Calico Park, Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies at Wagon Camp (Starting Dec. 2, 2023), and the Bluegrass 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.
Mrs. Claus' Kitchen: On select days, kids can decorate cookies and take them home.
Native American Dancer: Witness the culture of Native America as the dancer takes the stage for a spiritual show.
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. Items on the dining plan are marked with an asterisk below.
You can hop here for the holiday guide. Here are the 2023 holiday food items:
Gold Mine Trail Booths (open select days)
- Pretzel with Christmas Cart Beer Cheese
- Chili Cheese Footlongs
- Bowl of Chili and Onions
- Cinnamon Sugar Churros
- "Got to Have It:" Turkey Ball on a bed of mashed potatoes with gravy and green bean almandine. (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.)
Miners Mac and Spuds (open select days)
- Gobble Gobble Turkey Dinner — Turkey, Stuffing, Gravy, and Cranberry on a Baked Potato or in a Mac and Cheese Sourdough Bowl*
- 6” Pecan Pie
- Merry Farm Souvenir Mug
Sutter's Pizza
- Rudolph’s Chicken, Artichoke and Spinach Dip Pizza*
Sutter’s Funnel Cake
- Funnel Cake with Apples, Caramel, Soft Serve and a Festive Lollipop
- Merry Farm Souvenir Mug
Ghost Town Bakery
- Pumpkin spice cake
- Gingerbread cookies
- Christmas Tree Cupcakes
- Dirty Chai Petit Cake with Coffee Ganache Filling and Pumpkin “Cold Foam” Whipped Cream
- Candy Cane Lane Fudge Brownie with Peppermint Mousse and Crushed Candy Cane
- Santa's Milk & Cookies Mousse
- Jingle Bells Cake Ball
- Christmas Snoopy Cookie
- Merry Farm Souvenir Mug
Ghost Town Grub
- German Chocolate Funnel Cake with Chocolate Drizzle, Coconut Topping and Soft Serve
Calico Tater Bites (open select dates)
- French Onion Beef Dip Tater Tots with Gruyere*
Sutter's Grill
- Pork Burger — Slices of Pork Loin with Brown Sugar and Grainy Mustard on a Burger Patty*
- Merry Farm Souvenir Mug
Funnel Cakes
- Yellow Snow Lemon Bar and Mint Funnel Cake
- Funnel Cake with apples, caramel, soft serve and a festive lollipop
- German Chocolate Funnel Cake with cream cheese
Santa's Christmas Cabin (2023 menus to come)
- Got to Have It - Turkey Ball on a bed of Mashed Potatoes with Gravy and Green Bean Almondine (So good!)
- Holiday Tamale
- Cheesecake on a Stick dipped in Chocolate
- Cinnamon Sugar Indian Fry Bread with Fruit and Ice Cream (1. Banana, Pecans, Cookie Butter, and a Chocolate Drizzle OR 2. Mixed Fruit, Pistachios, and a Honey Drizzle)
- Christmas Brussel Sprouts with Cranberries (meatless)
- Eggnog Bread Pudding with Whiskey Caramel Sauce
- Pecan Cookie a La Mode with Peppermint Bark
- Gourmet Cookie
- Freshly Baked Chocolate Chip Cookie
- Apple Cider with a Cinnamon Stick
- Coffee
- Hot Chocolate
- Pomegranate Lemonade – Make it Naughty with Vodka
- Seasonal Adult Beverages (Frosty Smash cocktail or Santa's Night Cap Pot de Creme cocktail)
Gourmet Churro Factory
- Red Velvet Churro with peppermint bark cream cheese
- Merry Farm Souvenir Mug
Wilderness Dogs and Drinks
- Christmas Caesar Salad Hot Dog*
- Vegan dog with Vegan Slaw*
Chow House
- Pomegranate Lemonade
- Cinnamon Roll Cookiewich
- Santa’s Hat Hot Mocktail
- Icy Winter Breeze Mocktail
Calico Saloon
- Christmas Ale
- Christmas Cookie Hazy IPA
- Espresso Martini
- Golden Stout
- Pie Seltzer
- Goses are Red
- 12 Days of Christmas Bourbon Barrel Aged Ale
- Ginger Snap Spiced Rum Mule
- White Christmas Sangria
Judge Roy Bean (open select dates)
- Western Winter Whiskey Mule
- Holiday Twisted Tea
- Midwinter Sprite® Spritz
- Pickle Hitchin’ – Whiskey and Pickle Juice in a Cored-out Pickle
- The Knotty Bean – Bourbon, Nutella, Irish Cream, Vanilla, and Coffee served over ice
- The Judge – Jack Honey Whiskey Lemonade
Railroad Bar
- Christmas Ale
- Christmas Cookie Hazy IPA
- Golden Stout
- Goses are Red
- 12 Days of Christmas Bourbon Barrel Aged Ale
- Knott’s Imperial Coffee Stout
- Coors Light
- S&T West Coast IPA
- Pie Seltzer
- Wine
- White Christmas Sangria
- Frosty Smash Vodka Mojito
Log Ride Funnel Cake
- Yellow Snow Funnel Cake – Funnel Cake topped with a Lemon Bar, Lemon Zest and a Mint Garnish
- Merry Farm Souvenir Mug
Strictly on a Stick
- Hush Puppies with a Spicy Aioli*
Prop Shop Pizzeria
- Santa's Pulled Pork and Onion Pizza*
- Rudolph's Chicken, Artichoke & Spinach Dip Pizza*
- Burrata Salad, as well as delectable treats like
- Pumpkin Spice Cake
- Minty Cookies
- Holiday Bliss Bars
Coasters Diner
- Garlic Truffle Mayo and Mushroom Burger*
- Holiday Arugula Salad with Apple, Pecans and Balsamic Dressing*
- Yuletide Butter Pecan Cookie Crazy Milkshake
- Christmas Ale
- Seasonal Adult Beverages
- Merry Farm Souvenir Mug
Charleston Circle Coffee
- Holiday Bliss Bar
- Tinseltown Triple Chocolate Peppermint Trifle
- Gingerbread People
- Gourmet Gingerbread Cookie
- Jingle Bells Cake Ball
- Christmas SNOOPY Cookie
- Seasonal Adult Beverages
- Merry Farm Souvenir Mug
Boardwalk BBQ
- Classic Turkey Sandwich with all the Trimmings*
- Regular Shepherd’s Pie (a meatless version is in the works)*
- 6” Pecan Pie
- Triple Chocolate Peppermint Trifle
- Pumpkin Spice Cupcake
- Gingerbread Cookie
- Merry Farm Souvenir Mug
Grizzly Creek Lodge
- Naughty & Nice Beef Burger with Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Slaw*
- Candy Cane Brownies
- Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes
- Gourmet Gingerbread Cookies
- Santa's Milk and Cookies Mousse
- Ice Winter Breeze Cocktail
- Merry Farm Souvenir Mug
Casa California Restaurante
- Ground Beef Taco Salad*
Cantina Del Sur
- Assorted Draft Beers
- Assorted Canned Beers
- Seasonal Adult Beverages
Papa’s Mexicana
- Seasonal Tamales Fries*
- Goses are Red
- Merry Farm Souvenir Mug
Baja Taqueria (open select dates)
- Red Pozole with all the Fixin’s
- Goses are Red
- Merry Farm Souvenir Mug
Cable Car Kitchen (Outside the Park)
- Yellow Snow Funnel Cake – Funnel Cake topped with a Lemon Bar, Lemon Zest and a Mint Garnish
- German Chocolate Funnel Cake with Chocolate Drizzle, Coconut Topping, and Vanilla Ice Cream
- Funnel Cake with Apples, Caramel, Vanilla Ice Cream and a Festive Lollipop
Farm Bakery (Outside the Park)
- Pumpkin Spice Cake
- Gingerbread People
- Gourmet Gingerbread Cookie
- Gourmet Chocolate Minty Cookie
- Dirty Chai Petit Cake – Chai Cake with Coffee Ganache Filling and Pumpkin “Cold Foam” Whipped Cream
- Christmas Tree Cupcake
- Santa’s Milk and Cookies Mousse
- Candy Cane Lane Brownie with Peppermint Mousse and Crushed Candy Cane
- Jingle Bells Cake Ball
- Christmas SNOOPY Cookie
- Christmas Cakesicle
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. Purchase the Merry Farm PEANUTS shirt and get a free pin! The souvenir mug is $15.99 plus tax and comes with free refills of coffee or hot cocoa on your first visit. Pay $2 for each refill on return visits through Jan. 7, 2024.
You'll find clothing, toys and a variety off take-home foods. The bubble wands have interactive stations 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.
- 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).
- 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 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.
Have questions about Knott’s Merry Farm? Ask us questions in the comments below! You can get your discount Knott's Merry Farm tickets through Undercover Tourist. Save $38 Monday through Friday and $29 on any day tickets (good Saturday and Sunday) through Jan. 7, 2024.
Related: ~Toadally~ Must-Try Eats at Knott's Berry Farm
Related: The Full Lineup of Beary-Good Knott's Berry Farm Events
Hoppy planning!
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