The classic theme park transforms into Knott’s Merry Farm with holiday food, music and entertainment

Knott’s Berry Farm has switched its sign from “Berry” to “Merry,” kicking off their holiday festivities this weekend. Snoopy puts on his Santa cap, soapy snow falls around Ghost Town and outrageously caloric food items fill the restaurants.


Knott’s Berry Farm at ChristmasCredit: Photo by Chris Nichols

Snoopy at Knott’s Berry Farm at ChristmasCredit: Photo by Chris Nichols

It all started with the boysenberry. Walter and Cordelia Knott came to Buena Park more than 90 years ago to sell their unique new berries at a roadside stand along Highway 39, and amazingly, you can still pull over, buy a jar of jam and go about your day just like your great grandparents did.


Knott’s Berry Farm at ChristmasCredit: Photo by Chris Nichols

When the lines at the Knott’s Chicken Dinner restaurant got out of hand, Walter added some olde tyme attractions to distract the hungry diners and those grew into the park we know today. Amazingly, much of his vision is intact at places like the rock shop (decorated for the holidays!) and the blacksmith toiling away at iron jewelry.


Knott’s Berry Farm at ChristmasCredit: Photo by Chris Nichols


Knott’s Berry Farm at ChristmasCredit: Photo by Chris Nichols

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Sad Eye Joe continues to regale visitors from his jail cell, but many of the peep-in windows and set pieces are covered by temporary stalls with outside vendors hawking cute handicrafts as part of the Merry Farm festivities. The fabulous Cowboy Christmas combo was just the right musical touch with the live band belting out those 1940s and ’50s swingin’ country tunes under the 50-foot-tall tree.


Knott’s Berry Farm at ChristmasCredit: Photo by Chris Nichols

The new supersized food offerings are anything but quaint. New holiday offerings include a Mele Kalikimaka Hawaiian pizza, Santa’s Turkey Dinner muffin, and giant-sized sugar bombs like a butter cake funnel cake, which answers the question, ‘what if you could stack all the fair foods together?’  The crispy Brussels Sprouts and eggnog bread pudding were a hit at this reporter’s table, where the offerings were described as ‘cruise ship food.’


Knott’s Berry Farm at ChristmasCredit: Photo by Chris Nichols

“The bread pudding is delicious. It’s not too sweet and just enough eggnog to satisfy your desire to taste eggnog,” said one guest. “Once or twice and I’m good for the whole year.”


Knott’s Berry Farm at ChristmasCredit: Photo by Chris Nichols

Knott’s Merry Farm, Through January 4, 2026
8039 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park, CA


Knott’s Berry Farm at ChristmasCredit: Photo by Chris Nichols