It is sad to see the fog roll away, the monsters from Knott’s Scary Farm slink into the corners and disappear, and for things to become, overall, a little less scary. The one thing that makes this change bearable is that it gives way to a joyous celebration of merriment, lights, food, and the big guy himself, Santa Claus.
Knott’s Merry Farm is back and here to fill you so much with Christmas joy you may forget that you are suffering from Post Halloween Stress Disorder and actually say, “Merry Christmas, everyone!”
This year Knott’s has really pulled out all the stops for Christmas. There are a stunning collection of 9 stage shows (two playing inside the Birdcage Theatre), The Christmas Crafts Village, Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, and Santa’s Christmas Cabin. That’s not to mention the gut-busting amount of food offerings specially made for the holidays. It is simply impossible to see it all in one day. (Hence it’s a great idea to grab your season pass now)
Here we highlight the big Do-Not-Miss portions of Merry Farm and let you know what not to miss on your second visit.
Shows
Below is a full listing of the seasonal Christmas shows along with highlights and full video of some of the offerings. Be sure to check out our Youtube Channel, hit like on videos you enjoy, and don’t forget to subscribe!
Birdcage Theatre
Official Synopsis: In the intimate setting of Ghost Town’s historic Bird Cage Theatre, Knott’s melodrama company brings to life Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and O. Henry’s A Gift of the Magi performances available on select dates during Knott’s Merry Farm.
A Peanuts Guide to Christmas
Official Synopsis: We did not have the chance to catch this little show in Camp Snoopy but The holiday season celebration continues at the Camp Snoopy Theatre, with the show “A Peanuts Guide to Christmas”. The Peanuts give their take and unique wisdom in a primer designed to help everyone survive the holidays. The show features delightful mash-ups of holiday songs with a cheerful and heartwarming dose of the Peanuts gang. After the show, head right next door to the Peanuts Meet and Greet Area to take a picture with your favorite character.
The Calico Carolers
This merry band of carolers wanders the streets of the vibrant Ghost Town, entertaining guests with lovely renditions of traditional Christmas songs. If you come upon these folks during your visit, stop, take a break, and listen. They are wonderful.
Calico Saloon Christmas Show
Official Synopsis: Cameo Kate and Dakota Dan invite you to their musical turn of the century holiday celebration. Head into the Calico Saloon, grab a boysenberry beer or sarsaparilla and watch a classical Old West revue show. Get ready for plenty of laughs and audience interaction in this toe-tapping, knee-slapping journey. Featured in the Highlights Video
Calico Tree Lighting Ceremony 2017
Later in the evening the Carolers return to join in the nightly tradition of the lighting of the Christmas tree in Calico Square led by the mayor of Calico. This is a short, five minute show, that adds to the atmosphere in the most heartwarming of ways. One lucky family is chosen each night to help light the tree. Full video below.
It’s The Merriest Christmas Ever, Charlie Brown
The new evening stage show at the Calico Stage, It’s The Merriest Christmas Ever, Charlie Brown, is a big, splashy extravaganza filled with the familiar Peanuts gang regulars. Here, Charlie Brown is, of course, trying to stage the big Christmas show while awaiting the return of his beloved dog, Snoopy. The show is certainly entertaining enough and staged to perfection, but MAN Lucy is so mean. Will she ever lighten up on poor Charlie Brown? Full video below.
Merry Christmas Snoopy! Ice Show
The annual ice show, Merry Christmas Snoopy! returns. This mammoth, 35 minute production (yes that is huge for a theme park show) is, without question, the do-not-miss show on the roster. It’s big, cheesy at times, but filled with the feels of Christmas. It relentlessly tears away at any hardened Scrooge-hearts in the audience until you have no choice but to give in to the holiday spirit. Full video below.
Snow and Glow
Official description: Every night during Merry Farm, when the sun sets on the Farm, the buildings and paths in Ghost Town’s Main Street and School House Road are filled with glow and snow! Thousands of sparkling lights dance to the beat of Christmas music while snow gently falls in this spectacular one-of-a-kind moment. Featured in the Highlights Video
Merry Farm Highlights
Below is a video highlighting a fraction of what there is to see and do at Knott’s Merry Farm.
Santa’s Christmas Cabin
Of course, it just ins’t Christmas without a visit from Santa. In this case, however, you can visit him instead. Santa has set up a full Christmas Cabin in Calico and it is everything you would expect it to be. You can visit Santa and fill your belly with a collection of scary good treats including Tamales (the chicken verde ones were amazing), hot chocolate, roasted nuts, cookies, and more. SO MUCH GOOD FOOD! Featured in the Highlights Video
Speaking of food, there are other seasonal offerings throughout the park too. Again, it seems Knott’s wants to make sure you leave sated.
Christmas Beef Stew in a Bread Bowl
Sweet Crepes
Turkey sandwich with stuffing and cranberry sauce
Pizza with harvest vegetables and sausage
The Verdict
Get to Knott’s Merry Farm now. This is homespun Christmas goodness delivered with a warm smile and the charm of the old west. What makes Merry Farm different from other offerings is the intimacy and the warm feeling you get. The moments you have with the talent are genuine, the staff kind, and they really just make you feel at home.
One thing that was missing this year was the magical Christmas on Engine 41. This was a favorite of ours in which actors performed intertwining stories about heading home for Christmas aboard the Calico Train as it made its way along the route. This charming little show is sorely missed.
Regardless of the single element that we found missing in our line-up of Chrsitmas favorites, Knott’s Merry Farm delivers.Strolling through a sparkling Calico at night with a cup of hot cocoa in your hands, watching the snow fall, one can’t help but give in to the holiday spirit. Nicely done Knott’s
