Knotts Merry Farm Captures the Essence of Christmas

By Sabina Ibarra on December 9, 2013

Knotts Merry Farm is now taking place. (Sabina Ibarra/Living Out Loud LA)

This weekend saw the opening of Knotts Merry Farm in Buena Park bringing the authentic feel of a small town Christmas to Los Angeles. Talk about dynamic, in addition to raising the spirits of Halloween in October, it can match that with it’s winter tidings! The offerings over at the park include shows with our favorite beagle Snoopy, immersive holiday activities, and cute overlays at certain attractions.

Attendees are invited for a festive day at the park to not only do the usual rides and shows but take part in some good ol’ Christmas cheer. There is somewhat a country holiday feel to the decorations over in Ghost Town that makes it really lively. Carolers strolling down the lane makes you feel like you’re in another time as they sing lovely renditions of holiday classics. The local artisan craft stores also offer handmade Christmas products.

The Wilderness dancehall, however, is transformed into Santa’s Christmas Cabin and the heart of what the Holidays are at Knotts. There is something for the whole family there and someone. It’s a Town-Hall Christmas and guests can meet Santa in a nice fireplace setting to tell him what they want this year. Surrounding Jolly Saint Nick are stations for the young and old. For the kids there are milk and cookie stations, sundae stations, and a decorative resting area with hay and Christmas trees. For adults there are tasty winter craft beer tastings and adult hot cocoa and hey if they so wish, they too can hit up the dessert stations.

As far as shows go, the park offers a number of favorites. Snoopy is back with “It’s Christmas Snoopy!” in which the Peanut gang, along with fantastic figure skaters hit the ice along to Christmas classics. It’s awe inspiring to see some of the moves the pairs in the performances put on. It’s not to be missed! There are also unique live performances of A Christmas Carol, The Gift of the Magi and for the kids over in Camp Snoopy an adorable show Lucy’s Christmas Wish. The show over at Camp Snoopy is fun because you get to interact with the peanut gang and Snoopy dance to your heart’s content.

(Sabina Ibarra/Living Out Loud LA)

Rides didn’t get too many overlays as there are mostly coasters which if you consider the weather, the coasters could count as the blustery cold of Winter! The train offers a cute show on the tracks while you ride around the park called Christmas on Engine 41, where you can witness holiday miracles and moments like the surprise engagement of the town sweethearts.

In true Knotts fashion, the other major highlight is the FOOD. Restaurants in the park offer Holiday favorites for dinner and dessert. From Gingerbread men, Christmas Cannoli and Mexican Conchas–there is so much delicious represented. You’ll go home taking one of Mrs. Knotts Boysenberry pies for the holidays and feeling like Santa around the belt–a little extra jolly.

Knotts Merry Farm is open now! This last saturday saw the official launch and tree lighting with special guests, Disney Channel teen sensations Olivia Holt, Bailee Madison, China Anne McClain and Kelli Berglund. The crew were on hand to perform a special celebrity reading ofT’was the Night before Christmas. The illumination of lights and ‘snow’ fall helped cap off the night at the park and promise to nightly shine through the end of the season. Knotts Merry Farm is definitely a go to for the Holidays in So-Cal, with something for everyone to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

If you want to join in the fun, check out Knott’s site: knotts.com or call (714) 220-5200. Join the festive conversation using the holiday hashtag #MerryFarm on the Knott’s Facebook or Twitter page.