“Christmastime is here…. Happiness and cheer… Fun for all that children call, their favorite time of year!”  These are the opening lyrics to Lee Mendelson and Vince Guaraldi’s “Christmas Time is Here” from the soundtrack of “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. Very fitting as I can’t think of another theme park holiday makeover that quite lives up to those lyrics quite like Knott’s Merry Farm. Walking throughout the park’s holiday-transformed areas, the Christmas spirit is alive and well. Even “Fog Alley”, a staple of the park’s Knott’s Scary Farm event, becomes adorned with decorations and festive delight. Walking into the Christmas Crafts Village, I was overwhelmed with the sheer variety and talent of all the artisanal offerings. You will definitely pick up some gifts while walking through the vendor booths. Just a note, you can enjoy FREE entry to the Christmas Crafts Village and select Knott’s retail locations in the Ghost Town area from Monday, November 28, 2022 through Thursday, December 1, 2022. Any other dates, though, and you’ll need a ticket to the park!

Festive food and drinks are in no short supply at Knott’s Merry Farm. The fan favorite Funbun has returned with its sugary goodness. You can also find Pot Pie Stromboli, Mini Turkey Corn Dogs, Peanut Butter Winter Cocoa with PB Whiskey, and Apple Cider with a Cinnamon Stick to name just a few. If you were planning to attend Knott’s Merry Farm for the food alone, I would not argue with you in the slightest. Knott’s has outdone itself again with its food and drink offerings – it’s not just “Instafood”, it tastes good too!

Over at the Birdcage Theater you’ll find the venerable classics “Gift of the Magi” and “A Christmas Carol”. These abridged versions of the classic plays are terrific and well-acted in a slightly melodramatic fashion. It was so great to see children that might not get the chance to read these stories see them acted out on stage. I hope it spurs them on to read more of the source material. At the Wagon Camp, you’ll find Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies! You may remember them from many years ago at “the park down the street”, but now they’re at Knott’s and playing their fiddles hot. The Calico Main Stage is home to the well-produced Home for the Holidays musical. The show celebrates timeless holiday traditions and features some classic Christmastime numbers that have great choreography and signing.

This year, Knott’s Merry Farm is home to an all-new ice skating show called “Snoopy’s Night Before Christmas” at the Walter Knott Theater. The ice show has been completely revamped with all-new technology for its 40th year (I don’t know if that is some kind of a record for the longest-running theme park ice show, but if not it should be) and is a must-see during your visit.

In the evening, be sure to check out the tree lighting ceremony over at the Calico Park Stage. It’s a real sight to see that will be the topper to anyone’s evening out with the their loved ones. Earlier in the day at the Calico Park Stage, you might find The Sleigh Bells acapella group singing their hearts out with some Christmas classics. Also returning this year is the Snow and Glow musical light show throughout Ghost Town which features simulated snowfall – yet another magical moment to experience.

Of course, aside from all the Merry Farm specific activities, you can also enjoy all the Berry Farm’s attractions. It’s basically two theme parks in one, which makes for a great value. I personally love going on the park’s venerable Calico Mine Train, but I digress…

Overall, Knott’s Merry Farm is a must-visit holiday experience for the whole family. Knott’s Merry Farm runs now until January 8th, 2023. Check out the Knott’s Berry Farm website for more information.