A Holiday First: Knott’s Merry Farm

My first time at Knott’s Berry Farm since I was a little kid turned out to be a really fun and relaxing day with my family. To me, holidays are a perfect time for “firsts” which may (or may not) turn into family traditions. I don’t recall much from my childhood visit to the park other than a studio photo of me on a bucking bronco which adorned the wall at my grandparent’s house for years.  I do remember a Western theme, Montezooma’s Revenge (a roller coaster that goes forwards in a loop and then backwards in a loop), and have a vague recollection of a log ride.

It is Knott’s Merry Farm season and the halls are decked with pine boughs and red and gold bows! The place has a ghost town and was a GHOST TOWN on the day we visited because of the drizzly weather. The Christmas Crafts Village features artisans selling handmade products like wine bottle wind chimes, wooden post reindeer decorations, and fragrant candles.

I am NOT complaining about the deserted Ghost Town. I loved it!  I’m not big on crowds, so this was such a treat for us.  The kids could run ahead without me freaking out about them getting lost.  This is my best shot of the 45′ Calico Square Christmas tree in the late afternoon from the Calico Railroad Train.

I’m not even complaining about the weather. There’s plenty to do at Knott’s when it’s wet outside:

• “It’s Christmas Snoopy” Ice Show in the Charles M. Schulz Theater – I was pretty amazed at the breathtaking ice skating stunts taking place on such a small ice stage!  Lots of “ooohs” and “aaaahs” from the audience.
• Bird Cage Theatre Production of O’Henry’s  “A Gift of the Magi” which kept even the littlest kids entertained.
• Take a train ride on the Calico Railroad or try out the Bumper Cars.
• Check out the historic Old Schoolhouse and all the exhibits inside or visit the Western Trails Museum for an extensive collection of historic artifacts and displays.
• Grab a bite at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant — but don’t wait until people start lining up for dinner.  It can be a wait. Try to eat there for breakfast or lunch instead.

I may be the only blogger who braved Elf Mountain (a.k.a. Timber Mountain Log Ride). “You don’t get wet!” they said.  “The driest spot is in the back,” they said. “Don’t make me go!” pleaded my 10 year old – worried since it was rated a BLACK DOUBLE DIAMOND for “aggressive thrill.”  But my seven year old won out because I’m a sucker for log rides!  Unfortunately for me, the boys sat in the back and the girls sat in the front.  There’s a part on the log ride when you go into the dark and my daughter and I got SOAKED!  It felt like someone threw a full bucket of cold water at us from the side and then over the front of our log. My jeans and sweater were still sopping wet the day AFTER our visit. Luckily, we brought jackets and sweatshirts, so we only had to spend a little time in wet clothes from the waist down. Not so fun when it’s cold out.

But since we got wet the first time, when my daughter asked to go again I said “YES!”  So my daughter and I took Ride #2 and I ended up with a wet head after that one.  One of the park employees said “Wow, you are the wettest I’ve ever seen someone get on that ride!!” Thanks. Really.

We finished our evening viewing Snoopy’s Magical Night of Lights which featured dancing lights and looked beautiful in the dark. We had the place to ourselves at that point!

Hint: Keep an eye out for Boysenberry jam stuffed churros and homemade maple syrup lollipops. They even have $3 gingerbread cookie decorating at the Ghost Town Bakery.

If you live nearby, Knott’s Season Passes are $66.99 with no black-out dates.  For comparison purposes, it would cost a family of four with kids between ages 3-12 approximately $143 (including parking) to go for a single day – and there are payment plans for the season pass option.

Disclosure: This review is based on a complimentary media preview for my family to experience Knott’s Merry Farm. Knotts did not state any requirements that I express a particular point of view. Read full disclosure policy.