Top 5 Things to do at Knott’s Merry Farm

Posted on November 19, 2023
by Jenny
with 0 Comments

As the holiday season approaches, many families are on the lookout for festive and enchanting activities to make cherished memories. One magical destination is Knott’s Merry Farm at Knott’s Berry Farm, where they transform the theme park into a winter wonderland, running now until January 7th, 2023. I personally had never been to Knott’s Merry Farm before and was pleasantly surprised at how much we all enjoyed it. I honestly can’t wait to go back to experience all the Christmas magic again. We were invited and hosted by Knott’s, but all opinions are photos are mine. Now here are the Top 5 Things to do at Knott’s Merry Farm …

1) Snoopy’s Night Before Christmas:

Start your visit with the enchanting “Snoopy’s Night Before Christmas” ice skating show. Join Snoopy and his friends as they glide gracefully across the ice, bringing the Christmas spirit to life. The combination of skillful skating, acrobatic/ariel skills, and festive music is sure to entertain audiences of all ages. Honestly, these performers were so talented I thought I was watching Stars on Ice. This is the must see show of your visit! Make sure to get there a little early to get a good seat, the theater does fill up fast (especially on weekends). This show lasts about 30 minutes and is performed at the Walter Knott Theater (toward the back of the park). There are typically 3-4 show times per day starting at 1:30pm.

2) Home for the Holidays Show:

Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season with the “Home for the Holidays” show. This heartwarming performance features a talented cast singing and dancing to classic holiday songs. The entire set is a huge house that actually opens like a doll house where Santa and his toys come out to dance, my personal favorite was the tap dancing soldier. This is an outdoor show at the Calico Mine Stage (toward the middle of the park) with showtimes typically at 6:30 and 8:00. There are lots of picnic tables or grass to sit on to enjoy the show, which lasts about 25 minutes.

3) Snow Fall in Ghost Town:

Experience the magic of a white Christmas, even in sunny Southern California, as snow falls in Ghost Town. This picturesque setting becomes even more enchanting as the streets are blanketed in a gentle flurry of snow, creating a festive and magical atmosphere. This happens every hour starting at 5:30 until 9:30. Our kids had so much fun chasing the snow and getting it all over their hair. Don’t forget to capture the moment with a photo or video to remember this unique holiday experience.

4) Decorations and Tree Lighting:

Stroll through the park and marvel at the dazzling decorations that adorn every corner. From twinkling lights to festive wreaths, Knott’s Merry Farm is transformed into a holiday spectacle. Don’t miss the grand Tree Lighting ceremony, which happens every night at 5:15, and is only a few minutes long. Witness the tree come to life with a cascade of lights, spreading holiday cheer to all who gather.

5) Santa’s Christmas Cabin:

Make your way to Santa’s Christmas Cabin, a must-visit destination for families. Here, you can meet Santa himself and share your holiday wishes. Indulge in delightful treats such as cookies, milk, and hot cocoa, popcorn, hot apple cider, and more. If you purchase the holiday travel mug you can go back for refills of hot cocoa or coffee for FREE on your first day, then only $2 for visits after that (and if you buy the mug online, you can actually save $3). The cozy cabin is adorned with festive decor, making it the perfect backdrop for holiday photos.

Honorable Mention: The New Calico Christmas Carol Show:

For those who love a classic Christmas tale with a Wild West twist, don’t miss the new Calico Christmas Carol Show. Join the characters of Calico as they present their own unique rendition of the timeless story because blending holiday spirit is the park’s signature charm. This is performed at the Bird Cage theater and lasts about 15 minutes. Shows start at 12:45pm and end at 7:00pm. Also, at this theater is the Gift of the Magi show, which was the only show we didn’t make it to, so I can’t give an opinion on it. But I will definitely make sure to catch it on our next trip during the holiday season.

That concludes our Top 5 Things to do at Knott’s Merry Farm list. Knott’s Merry Farm is a magical experience for families because of the array of festive activities and shows. From ice skating with Snoopy to experiencing snowfall in Ghost Town, each moment is filled with joy and wonder. You can go for a day, or get a season pass, which is definitely more affordable than other theme parks in Southern California. Daily tickets start at $59.99, or annual passes start at just $105!! Here is a link to ticket information. If interested you can check out my review of Knotts Soak City HERE.