Knott’s Merry Farm 2026 Guide for Families with Kids

There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned country Christmas (or at least Southern California’s version of one). We love holiday-themed travel and events because everything becomes more beautiful, glittery, and twinkly. With all the different décor styles and modern colors used to celebrate the holidays these days, there’s something to be said about the comfort of tradition.

Knott’s Berry Farm Christmas is classic merriment, complete with carolers, glittering trees, and even snow. Taking visitors back in time, Knott’s Merry Farm brings Christmas to the Wild West with a decked-out Ghost Town and Santa’s Cabin. So cozy and beautiful, it’s a holiday event we never miss!

As Knott’s Annual Pass Holders, we come back year after year to soak up every drop of that nostalgic holiday charm. (If you’re planning a visit outside the holidays, check out our full Knott’s Berry Farm Guide for everything you need to know about family fun all year long!)

This article will give you all the tips and insider advice to make the most out of your merriment at Knott’s Merry Farm 2025, from festive shows and treats to the best spots for that perfect family photo under the twinkling lights.

Christmas Craft Village

Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village is the perfect place to slow down and savor it all. Ghost Town transforms into a festive shopping wonderland with local artisans, handmade gifts, and live demonstrations from chainsaw wood carving to delicate glass blowing.

Picture this: you are strolling through Ghost Town at night, boysenberry coffee in hand, breathing in that sweet scent as Christmas lights twinkle in the trees. Carolers fill the air with cheerful tunes while snow drifts softly to the ground. It’s pure holiday magic.

The kids wander off to explore the old red schoolhouse and peek around the haunted graveyard, while the grown-ups soak in the small-town charm and shop for holiday treasures. It’s a cozy country Christmas straight out of a holiday movie.

Live Shows

One of my favorite parts of Knott’s Merry Farm is the nonstop holiday cheer in motion. There’s literally something festive happening around every corner!

Our top pick every year is Snoopy on Ice, a high-energy show that somehow manages to melt hearts and skate circles around them. The incredible ice-skaters, charming Peanuts gang, and classic holiday music make it a can’t-miss family tradition.

Wander through Ghost Town, and you’ll find Victorian carolers filling the air with timeless Christmas tunes. It feels like you’ve stepped straight into a Dickens novel… if Dickens had boysenberry coffee, that is.

Over at the Bird Cage Theatre, you can catch two classic holiday plays: A Christmas Carol and The Gift of the Magi. These live performances bring a dose of nostalgia and heartfelt storytelling that always leave me teary-eyed (in a good way).

Head to the Calico Mine Stage for Home for the Holidays, a big, musical production bursting with song, dance, and enough Christmas sparkle to rival the tree itself. And speaking of trees, don’t miss the Tree Lighting Ceremony. It’s pure joy watching the lights flicker to life as everyone sings along.

Kids will love the Camp Snoopy Christmas show, packed with giggles, dancing, and their favorite Peanuts pals spreading cheer. And when the night winds down, Ghost Town transforms once more for Snow and Glow, where snow actually falls, lights twinkle to the music, and you’re suddenly living in your very own Hallmark moment.

Knott’s doesn’t just deck the halls it brings them to life. Every show, every note, every snowflake adds up to one unforgettable Merry Farm experience.

Santa's Christmas Cabin

During the holidays, the old Wilderness Dance Hall is transformed into Santa’s Christmas Cabin. It is fun for parents and kids because the little ones get to meet Santa, take a picture against a beautiful backdrop, and nibble on holiday treats, while the big kids sip craft beer, holiday cocktails, and winter wine. It is a really cozy setting with tons of fascinating Christmas décor to delight the senses.

Merry Farm Rides

At Knott’s Merry Farm, even the rides get into the holiday spirit! The whole park transforms into a glittering wonderland where every corner feels merry and bright. Classic attractions like the Calico Railroad chug through twinkling lights and garlands, Camp Snoopy sparkles with whimsical decor, and the Calico Mine Ride glows with a golden holiday makeover that makes it feel like you’ve stumbled into Santa’s mining operation.

By day, it’s cheerful and festive, and by night, it’s pure magic. The glow of lights reflecting off the coasters, carolers singing as you wait in line, and the scent of cinnamon sugar in the air all combine into that perfect Christmas theme park vibe.

From the thrill rides to the kiddie rides, every inch of Knott’s feels wrapped and ready for the holidays. It’s not just an amusement park anymore, it’s a full-on winter celebration, SoCal-style.

Mrs, Claus' Kitchen

If there’s one place that truly captures the spirit (and scent!) of Christmas at Knott’s Merry Farm, it’s Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen. Tucked away like a sugary secret, this cozy corner is where the smell of fresh-baked cookies wraps around you like a warm hug.

On select days, kids can roll up their sleeves and join Mrs. Claus herself to decorate their very own Christmas cookies. It’s pure holiday magic with frosting everywhere, giggles all around, and a very patient Mrs. Claus guiding little hands as they create edible masterpieces.

Merry Farm Seasonal Dining Options

Come hungry, because Knott’s Merry Farm doesn’t just serve up holiday cheer, it plates it! Throughout the park, you’ll find seasonal bites and one-of-a-kind treats that put a fun twist on tradition. From the cozy Roasted Chicken Tortilla Soup to the downright genius Loaded Cornbread Waffle Tower (yep, that’s chicken, mashed potatoes, and maple syrup stacked in glorious harmony), there’s no shortage of reasons to loosen your belt.

Quick-service spots are decked out with festive snacks, sweet treats, and plenty of boysenberry magic, while sit-down favorites bring the full holiday spread. Over at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant, you can dive into holiday meals and buffets that taste like Christmas on a plate, comforting, nostalgic, and just a little bit indulgent.

Whether you’re sipping cocoa under the twinkling lights or tucking into a turkey dinner with all the fixings, Knott’s proves that the way to anyone’s holiday heart is definitely through the stomach.

Knott’s Merry Farm truly captures the spirit of the season, with twinkling lights, festive shows, delicious holiday treats, and family traditions that warm you right up (even in sunny Southern California!). If you’re looking for festive things to do with kids, this event delivers all the Christmas magic wrapped up with that classic Knott’s charm.

But the fun doesn’t stop once the holidays end! Knott’s keeps the excitement going all year long with other can’t-miss seasonal events like Knott’s Spooky Farm in the fall and Ghost Town Alive in the summer — both packed with family-friendly fun, interactive entertainment, and that unique Knott’s personality we love.

If you’re planning a trip to the area, make sure to explore more family-friendly things to do in Buena Park, from theme parks and dining to hidden gems your whole crew will love. For even more trip ideas and planning tips, check out our Orange County with Kids Guide and California Family Travel Guides, because adventure is always in season when you’re traveling HotMama-style.