Knott’s Merry Farm Tips and Tricks

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and there are few places more magical to spend the holidays than Knott’s Merry Farm. From November 19th to January 2nd, Knott’s is transforming into a winter wonderland with festive decor, holiday shows, seasonal food and drinks, and artisan gift shopping opportunities.

With so much happening at Knott’s Merry Farm, how can you get the most out of your visit? Here are seven tips and tricks for a magical experience you’ll carry with you for many seasons to come.

Arrive Hungry

Be sure to pack your appetite, because Knott’s Merry Farm is overflowing with tasty treats exclusive to the holiday season. The best way to make sure you save room for everything your heart (or stomach) desires is to pick up a “Seasonal Eats and Treats” guide (or check it out online before you arrive) and map out everything you want to taste on your visit.

Some of this year’s highlights include Holiday Chicken Waffle Tacos, the Tinsel Thai Turkey Burger, Turkey Poutine Tater Bites, and Vixen's Italian Sausage and Caramelized Onion Pizza. Pair those with festive beverages like Holly Jolly Limeade, a Merry Berry Sparkler, mulled wine, or assorted Christmas ales.

And don't forget dessert! Round out your day with sweet treats like Noel's Nutella & Cream Cheese Funnel Cake, Santa's Apple Spice Loaf, Pumpkin Spice Cake, Boxing Day Pecan Butter Tarts, and loads more Christmassy confections.

Plan Ahead to Catch All the Talent

If live entertainment is your thing, you are definitely in luck! Knott’s Merry Farm offers more holiday-themed performances than you can dream of. The only problem? Figuring out how to fit them all into one visit. (Though who’s to say you can’t make repeat visits this season?)

I recommend downloading the Knott’s mobile app so you can plan ahead using the full schedule of shows and events. From the app, you can even click “Add to Calendar” to keep a running itinerary for the day. That way, you’ll be sure to catch all the performances that spark your interest—with room in between to eat your way through the park, of course!

So what are some of the shows you won’t want to miss this year? Watch Snoopy and his Peanut pals skate through highlights of the holiday season in the beloved ice show, Merry Christmas, Snoopy! If that leaves you hankering for more fun with the Peanuts gang, head to the Camp Snoopy Theatre for A Peanuts Guide to Christmas.

Stop by the historical Bird Cage Theatre for a showing of Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol, or the holiday musical Marley’s Wings. Keep the 19th-century vibes rolling with the Calico Carolers who serenade Ghost Town.

Plus, there’s no shortage of music for all tastes, including live performances by groups like Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies, acapella group The Sleigh Bells, the Mariachi Angelitas, and more. Check out the Knott’s Merry Farm app or this guide for full details. So much to see, so little time! 

Make a List, Check It Twice

Haven’t yet found the right gifts for everyone on your list? Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village is the perfect place to find presents for all your loved ones. There, you’ll find local artisans selling goodies like handmade ornaments, jewelry, carvings, and more.

Stick Around After Dark

Southern California's winter sunshine makes daytime a great time to visit Merry Farm, but don't call it quits too early, because nighttime is when the magic really begins. Kick off the night by watching the streets of Calico come to life, then wander around the park checking out all the glistening lights and festive decorations.

Stroll through Ghost Town’s Snow & Glow, where you’ll find falling snow and thousands of lights dancing to Christmas music. Camp Snoopy and The Boardwalk also come alive at night with glowing trees and twinkling roller coaster tracks.

Bring Your Best Photogenic Self

Who doesn’t love a good photo op, especially during the holidays? Don your best holiday apparel, practice your smile, and make sure your phone is fully charged because you’ll want to snap photos left and right as soon as you arrive at Knott’s Merry Farm.

Pay a visit to Santa’s Christmas Cabin, where you can grab a picture with the big man himself, Santa Claus. There, you can also pick up some of the best seasonal treats and drinks the farm has to offer.

After catching a showing of A Peanuts Guide to Christmas at the Camp Snoopy Theater, don’t forget to stop by the Peanuts Meet and Greet area to meet festively dressed Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and more. And keep an eye out throughout the park for other fun photo ops like a festive display at the main gate and a 45-foot Christmas tree.

Make All Year Merry with a Season Pass

Merriment doesn’t have to end after the holidays are over. Keep the Knott’s spirit alive all year by treating yourself and your loved ones to a Season Pass. Pick one up now, and you’ll be able to visit Knott’s as much as you want between now and December 17th (perfect timing for checking out Merry Farm!), plus for all of 2022.

There’s tons to do year-round, and if you’re as much of a festive fiend as I am, you’ll especially love the other Seasons of Fun like the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival in spring, Knott’s Spooky Farm and Knott’s Scary Farm at Halloween, and, of course, next year’s Knott’s Merry Farm.

The passes easily pay for themselves in two visits, and they also make a fantastic holiday gift for everyone on your list. When I was growing up, my grandma gifted her grandkids Knott’s Season Pass each Christmas, so I can personally attest to what wonderful presents they make for the entire family!

Cozy Up with the Knott’s Podcast

If all of this doesn’t already have you itching to stop by the farm this holiday season, get yourself even more pumped up for your Knott’s Merry Farm visit by listening to The Official Knott’s Berry Farm Podcast before you go.

Episode eight takes listeners behind the scenes by interviewing the folks behind the Merry Christmas, Snoopy! ice show and Knott’s gorgeous landscaping and decor. It’s a fun way to dive deeper into all the fun at Knott’s, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that upcoming episodes will share even more backstage glimpses into Knott’s Merry Farm.

There’s no place like Knott’s for the holidays, and these tips should make your visit this winter even merrier. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of Knott’s Merry Farm, and happy holidays!