The holidays have come to Buena Park as Knott’s Berry Farm makes its annual transformation into Knott’s Merry Farm. For those of you who have never been to the Merry Farm before, you are in for quite the treat. Knott’s has truly brought top-notch Christmas cheer to the park and it’s something we look forward to all year-long.
For starters, Ghost Town is once again host to the Christmas Crafts Village, where vendors line the streets to sell their artisan-made goods. You can find vendors selling soaps, bags, garments, toys, and a whole lot more. It’s a great stop for those looking to fill their Christmas shopping lists.
Over on the Calico Main Stage is the new Home for the Holidays show. Home for the Holidays is easily one of (if not the) best shows that Knott’s Berry Farm has ever created in-house. It is a full musical with amazing choreography, singing, and dazzling set pieces. The show runs multiple times a night, so be sure to check out one of the performances.
Once again, Merry Christmas, Snoopy! is playing at the Charles M. Schulz Theatre and, much like I lamented last year, the show is in dire need of a refresh! It’s good, mind you, and the skaters are always a blast to watch, but we’ve seen this same show for years now and, after seeing Home for the Holidays, I know Knott’s can do so much better.
Across from the Calico Main Stage, you’ll find a gigantic Christmas Tree! Be sure to check out the tree lighting ceremony during your visit.
After dark, be sure to checkout the hourly Snow and Glow Show in Ghost Town. A lights and music show throughout the area, this event culminates in the park dispensing faux-snow all over – much to the delight of children. A hot tip for you – if you grab a seat at the Ghost Town Grill’s patio about a half hour before the show, you will have prime real estate for when it happens. Just be sure to shield any uneaten food from the falling “snow”. It’s a soapy solution and doesn’t taste that good…
Santa’s Christmas Cabin is back at the Wilderness Dance Hall and features an array of treats as well as a photo opportunity with Santa Claus himself. My personal favorite were the hand dipped caramel apple slices. It’s so good, it should be illegal!
Speaking of treats, look for special Knott’s Merry Farm goodies at a variety of places around the park. You can find Apple Pie Pizza at Beachy Keen’s Pizza, Christmas bark at the Ghost Town Bakery – just to name a couple. Also, be careful when entering the Ghost Town candy shop. You will have to be very strong-willed not to walk out with tons of stuff. Also, if you check out the bakery and shops outside the park in their marketplace, you’ll find a fun selection of holiday items and treats as well.
Overall, Knott’s Merry Farm should be a must-visit part of your Southern California holiday experience. You also have plenty of time to do so as it runs through January 5th, 2020! It’s fun for the whole family and a steal at no extra charge for tickets! Check out more information at the official Knott’s Merry Farm website.
