Planning a trip to knott's merry farm ? Then this is for you! This is the ultimate guide to everything you need to know during the holiday season at knott’s berry farm while you're creating the very best holiday memories and fun!

If you are looking for fun holiday activities that are great for the whole family then knott's merry farm is a cherished holiday tradition for lots of southern california locals….and for good reason. It's filled with lively music , amazing shows, snow at calico park , and peanuts gang festivities. Oh, and did I mention THE FOOD? Let me tell you, knott's merry farm has some of the best holiday themed food I've had in YEARS.

This year, knott's merry farm runs from November 18th to January 8th. You can enjoy a cherished holiday tradition or two if you visit yearly, or check out some of the NEW offerings this year. If this is your first time visiting during the holiday season….I'd suggest making time for a little of everything: you'll want to experience Camp Snoopy, Calico Park, some of the live entertainment options and special holiday activities and…..you'll definitely want to try some of the food options. I'd suggest making a full day of it. There is DEFINITELY enough to do a morning to evening visit.

Knott's Merry Farm : Camp Snoopy

I absolutely love Camp Snoopy year round. It's adorable, it's great for the entire family and who doesn't love charlie brown and the whole peanuts crew? Just like the entire park ….. camp snoopy gets decked out with christmas decorations for the holidays with and it is absolutely adorable. I'd definitely suggest visiting this area during the earlier part of the day, the waits for rides will be short and it's a great time to see snoopy and his pals in their holiday attire.

Knott's Merry Farm : Christmas Activities

In my opinion, winter wonderland-inspired décor and the best merry christmas activities…..are where knott's merry farm truly shines. If you are looking for christmas time activities that are relaxed and fun….these are absolutely perfect.

Santa's Christmas Cabin: santa’s christmas cabin is located in the streets of ghost town and near calico park (by the old school house). This adorable area has a place to say hello to santa claus himself, and some booths where you can buy delicious treats (Lydia got one of Santa's Cookies and a glass of milk, and Robbie tried the gingerbread cookies). If you are looking for an indoor area to have a snack, this is a great option (and you'll love seeing the miles of beautiful garland and holiday lights while you eat).

Mrs Klaus' Kitchen: This is one of our favorite seasonal events activities at knott's merry farm. Right next to Santa's Christmas Cabin is a little house that is open only during christmas time. Mrs Klaus' Kitchen is an adorable area where you can decorate baked goods. This year, we decorated a pair of cupcakes. You'll purchase the cupcake kit (for $5.99) and then will be invited to the table to decorate with two types of frosting and as many sprinkles as you'd like to add.

Gold Mine Trail: The Gold Mine Trail is a great area to visit when you're ready for a short walk. It's filled with seasonal food and drinks, and really cute photo opps.

Christmas Crafts Village: If you are looking for unique holiday gifts or souvenirs then the christmas crafts village is a GREAT option. These booths are scattered throughout the streets of calico and are each run by local artisans and businesses. We loved seeing the glass blowers demo booth. We even picked up a couple of small items as christmas gifts for family.

Tree Lighting: Each night, you can see the tree lighting (along with some of your favorite characters) right at dark (be sure to check the Knott's Berry Farm app for exact timing each day).

Knott's Merry Farm Evening Activities

Snow in Calico Park: This is a do not miss knott's merry farm activity. It's one of the most joyful experiences we've had this year. A few times each night, classic christmas tunes play throughout Ghost Town and…..snow falls. This is called the snow and glow experience in the Knott's Berry Farm app. The experience lasts for about 5 minutes and is so much fun. I'd suggest checking the app earlier in the day to plan for the best time for your family to stop by.

Knott's Berry Farm Holiday : Live Entertainment

There are SO many entertainment options throughout the holiday season. I love love love that knott's merry farm truly offers something for everyone.

Snoopy's Night Before Christmas: Ice Show: This was our first time visiting the walter knott theater for the holiday ice show. Oh my gosh, it was AMAZING. Absolutely recommend putting this on your must do list, we loved it! Our family did the final show of the day. It was the perfect ending to a day at knott's merry farm. Our show was at 7:30 and we were back in our by about 8:30 pm).

Best Wishes: This heartwarming tale of the peanuts pals is the CUTEST holiday show. It's at the small outdoor theatre in camp snoopy a few times a day). I would HIGHLY suggest getting there early for seats. We got there about 30 minutes before the final show of the day and got great seating options!

Home for the Holidays: Want to see amazing dancing, and to hear some of the best songs of the season? Then Home for the Holidays on the calico mine stage is a GREAT option. This outdoor show is a ton of fun ! People get there VERY early to grab the best spots…..so I'd suggest at least an hour before to get in the front few rows.

A Christmas Carol / The Gift of the Magi, 1885: Each year, the bird cage theatre houses two shows. Each show plays multiple times. You can see A Christmas Carol (a retelling of the holiday classic) as well as this year's new addition, The Gift of the Magi. This show is a retelling of a holiday classic, knott's merry farm style.

Live Music

There are also live music experiences throughout the park. We loved seeing The Sleigh Bells and Calico Carolers. There is also a Bluegrass Duo that plays throughout the day. In addition, there is a holiday show at the Calico Saloon.

Knott's Merry Farm Recommendations

If you are heading to knott's merry farm this year, I can't wait to hear which activities are your favorite. Season passholders have daily access to all of these activities (you can see more info on Knott's passes HERE). And if you are looking for daily tickets, I highly recommend Undercover Tourist for discounts. They always have great Knott's ticket deals!

Now, after you visit, come back here and tell me what you loved the most……..and happy holidays!