Knott's Berry Farm Decks the Park with So Much More than Boughs of Holly

What makes a trip to Knott’s Merry Farm so wonderful, especially this time of year?

If you answered, the seasonal shows, including “Snoopy’s Night Before Christmas” ice show, you would be correct. If you answered the 40 rides on 160 acres, you would also be right. Another answer might be the festive decorations that glisten throughout the entire park. While others might happily mention the Christmas Crafts Village, Santa’s Cabin, or the mouth-watering edibles available throughout the theme park.

Whatever your pleasure, Knott’s Berry Farm is a holiday destination that offers relentless joy.

However, it is not only the attractions that make this place so magical.

The patrons, as well as the employees, all add to the enchantment, creating a winter wonderland that welcomes one and all.

For Anaiya, who is just one of the hundreds of workers who strive to make visitors’ experiences top-notch, working here actually brings her a lot of joy, too.

“Seeing all the families together having such a good time is very special,” said the local college student, who divides her time between her work and her studies. “They are having so much fun that you feel a special bond with them.”

It takes a whole lot of people working together to bring the holiday spirit to life, and Knott’s Merry Farm knows exactly how to do it.

FANS OF ALL AGES CAN ENJOY TOP-NOTCH ENTERTAINMENT

Live entertainment is exceptional and abundant at Knott’s.

Fans of all ages are in for a big treat. All they have to do is sit back and relax. One of the favorite shows of all is Snoopy’s Night Before Christmas, an ice show that is sure to melt your heart. World-class skaters execute challenging routines filled with lutz jumps, death spirals, camel spins, backflips, and exquisite lifts, while the sound of traditional Christmas carols and some modern jazzy tunes fill the theater. The 2,100-seat Walter Knott Theater is the perfect venue where everyone can be charmed by that ever-popular beagle Snoopy as he comes gliding across the ice to thunderous applause.

Interested in live theatrical performances? The historic Bird Cage Theatre presents A Calico Christmas Carol and Gift of the Magi, 1885 at various times throughout the day and evening. These productions are sure to fill your heart with the holiday spirit!

If you need an infusion of energy, visit the Fiesta Plaza Stage and enjoy the Latin Rock Band JUNIO. The band, which is from Los Angeles and was formed around 2013, describes their sound as an eclectic blend of “reggae, rock, jazz, R&B, and Latin beats”. If you are like many other patrons, you may soon find yourself hopping out of your chair and breaking out your best dance moves.

These are just a few of the many shows that take place throughout the park. With so many choices, it does take a bit of planning to put together a doable personal schedule for the day, but it’s all time well spent.

And as New Year’s Eve fast approaches, Knott’s will have a special line-up of entertainment, including comedian John George at the Bird Cage Theatre, DJ Lexy-G at Fiesta Village, and The Jamie and Ronnie Show, who will perform songs from their 3,500-song repertoire. There will also be fireworks to start off 2026 with a big bang.

LOTS OF RIDES, FROM MILD TO WILD

With about 40 rides on 160 acres, Knott’s Berry Farm provides visitors with a wide selection of attractions with various thrill levels.

Camp Snoopy, a youngster’s paradise, is a six-acre playland that allow parents and children to ride side-by-side on several attractions, including the Beagle Express Railroad, Snoopy’s Off-Road Rally and Charlie Brown’s Kite Flyer, to name a few.

At Camp Snoopy there is also the opportunity to meet some of your favorite members of the PEANUTS Gang, give them a hug, and snap a photo or two.

For those visitors seeking heart-racing thrills, there are lots of attractions that can provide a welcome adrenaline rush. A speedy high is yours to enjoy on rides such as Supreme Scream, GhostRider, Jaguar!, Pony Express, and many more. Laughter and shrieks fill the air, as courageous riders surrender to the uproarious excitement. Take a moment to catch your breath, and then repeat the adventure…if you dare.

WHAT WOULD CHRISTMAS BE WITHOUT SANTA?

There’s still time to visit Santa and get your photo taken with him in the beautifully decorated Santa’s Christmas Cabin at The Wilderness Dance Hall. The wonderment is everywhere, with twinkling lights and evergreen boughs creating the perfect location for celebratory memories that will last a lifetime.

Once your little one is finished striking a pose, let them wander amidst the scenic chalet to enjoy the visual delights. There’s hot cocoa and freshly baked cookies to sweeten their visit, and spiced holiday wine for mom and dad.

Transformed for the holiday season, with its Christmas-themed shows and dazzling festive décor, Knott’s Merry Farm attracts thousands of visitors each day. There’s something magical about this place, which offers everyone--young, old and every age in-between--a carefree good time.

It’s no wonder that Knott’s Merry Farm brings good cheer to so many, year after year after year.

The splendor that fills the air can only fill your heart with joy and peace reminding all of us that that peace can indeed, start with you and me.

(The Knott’s Merry Farm celebration continues through January 4, 2026. Knott’s Berry Farm is located at 8039 Beach Blvd. Buena Park, CA 90620. For additional information call: (714) 220-5200 or visit their website for admission prices, showtimes, and more.)