Merry Christmas, Snoopy! It’s the holiday season at “America’s First Theme Park” Knott’s Berry Farm (just a short drive up the 5 freeway from Disneyland) and the park has once again revived its festive Knott’s Merry Farm overlay, but this time with even more cheery decorations, joyful live performances, and magical merry moments featuring the Peanuts gang and Santa Claus himself.
I was fortunate enough to attend opening night of Knott’s Merry Farm this past Friday evening, and Calico Square celebrated in the most jubilant way possible: with a marvelous, musical Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony starring Old Saint Nick and his beagle pal.
Watch Opening Night Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Knott’s Merry Farm 2018:
Over on the Calico Mine Stage, Charlie Brown and the gang put on “The Merriest Christmas Show Ever” with the help of some very talented dancers and another appearance by Snoopy, this time dressed as Santa for the occasion!
Watch “It’s the Merriest Christmas Show Ever, Charlie Brown” at Knott’s Merry Farm 2018:
“Come watch the Peanuts Gang in “It’s The Merriest Christmas Show Ever, Charlie Brown” at the Calico Mine Stage. The Peanuts gang is at it again, this holiday season they have put on the greatest Christmas pageant ever with Charlie Brown directing, of course. Charlie’s one wish is to spend the holidays with his family, especially with Snoopy, who is visiting his family around the world. Will Snoopy make it home in time for Christmas? Join Charlie and the gang for a charming Christmas show as they perform traditional upbeat holiday classics and spread Christmas cheer. Find out if Snoopy returns home in time for a magical and festive holiday season to celebrate Christmas with Charlie, Sally and the rest of the Peanuts.”
I also spent some time that night exploring Knott’s Merry Farm’s welcoming holiday decorations and checking out the park’s Christmas Crafts Village and Santa’s Christmas Cabin, where guests can gather for some warm seasonal beverages and tasty treats.
Watch Knott’s Merry Farm 2018 decorations, Christmas Crafts Village, and Santa’s Christmas Cabin:
“Relax and unwind in Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village, as Ghost Town transforms into a shopping wonderland filled with dozens of local artisans selling their unique gifts. Can’t-miss highlights of the Village include artist demonstrations of chainsaw wood carving and elegant glass blowing.”
“It’s our favorite time of year when the Wilderness Dance Hall in Ghost Town joyously transforms into Santa’s Christmas Cabin for the holiday season. Create fond new memories with the entire family by visiting the jolly fellow himself, Santa Claus. Santa is sure to delight the young and young at heart. Send your season greetings to family and loved ones with special picture of the occasion, pictures can be purchased onsite. Indulge in one-of-kind seasonal treats like Santa’s freshly-baked cookies, mouthwatering pastries, exquisite chocolate dipped cheesecake on a stick, seasonal craft beers, gourmet hot chocolate with marshmallows and hot spiced holiday wine, plus much more.”
In Knott’s Ghost Town (the original area around which the rest of the park was built), the “Snow and Glow” show wowed attendees with its authentic winter feel, sentimental holiday music, and synchronized light spectacle.
Watch “Snow and Glow in Ghost Town” at Knott’s Merry Farm 2018:
“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.”
Finally, before I left for the evening, I had to check out the new HangTime roller coaster light show, which sets Knott’s newest thrill ride in tune with one of the more famous and popular Christmas tunes.
Watch HangTime roller coaster Christmas light show at Knott’s Merry Farm 2018:
Also available at Knott’s Merry Farm this year (in addition to the park’s usual fantastic array of attractions) are “A Christmas Carol” and “The Gift of the Magi” short plays at the Birdcage Theatre, “A Peanuts Guide to Christmas” show for kids, Calico Carolers in Ghost Town, Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen where families can decorate their own pastries, and the fabulous “Merry Christmas, Snoopy” ice show in the Charles M. Schulz Theatre.
Knott’s Merry Farm runs from now through Sunday, January 6 at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. For more information and advance ticket sales resources, be sure to visit Knott’s official website.
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