KNOTT’S MERRY FARM 2019 REVIEW

 

As the calendar flips the pages- Knott’s Berry Farm transforms into Knott’s Merry Farm. After parking the car, we passed through the tunnel to be graced with green, red and white twinkling palm trees, lining the road between regular day-to-day life and Merriness!

First let me say, if you have never been to Knott’s Merry Farm… GO! There is something for everyone- shows, crafts, singing, snow, food and of course Snoopy himself. Lots of fun for all, so come along and I will show you a glimpse of what 2019’s Merry Farm is all about.

Strolling into Calico, down Main Street- the shops doors and windows were adorned with twinkling lights ready to sparkle up the night. Seasonal Merchandise was displayed ready to go home with the guests. Spirit Jerseys and sweatshirts to keep you warm on these cold California nights, mugs and cups to sip hot cocoa from and plenty of plush Woodstocks to snuggle with for a good nights sleep. The Christmas Crafts Village throughout Ghost Town, features local crafters who have used their talents to create various delights and unique gifts. So much to see just in the very beginning of our visit to Merry Farm, but off to the tree lighting we must dash!

Each evening just after sunset, the Towns People of Calico and the Mayor gather at Calico Park to watch the lighting of the Christmas Tree. Verses of Deck the Halls and Jingle Bells were sung by the revelers, as we all anxiously awaited the magical moment. Tonight there were guests from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Orange County who opened the 1st night gift- which was a huge sparkling ornament. Carefully hung on the tree and now it was time… 1…2…3… Merry Christmas and POOF! The tree in Calico was lit! Let the Merriment Commence!

The Charles M. Schulz Theatre is home to one of the best shows on ice- Merry Christmas Snoopy! For many years this show has entertained guests and it is on my list each and every year to experience. This show presents Charlie Brown & the Peanuts Gang, classic to crooner to current Christmas tunes, snow & Snoopy and of course skaters dancing all together on ice. Smiles and singing can be seen as I look around the theater filled with guests. I wonder if it is their first visit or their 20th, but all I know is there is a whole bunch of Merry happening!

A rumble in my belly starts, so let’s go eat! Part of the fun and often the reason people visit the park is because of the food and especially the Seasonal selection. And we are no exception to that. The highlights- Christmas Chicago Dog– don’t let the green bun fool you because it’s really tasty. Vienna hot dog, with dill pickle, tomato slices, relish & mustard and sport peppers. No need to travel to Chicago, its right here in Buena Park. Cranberry-Apricot Wild Boar Sausage with caramelized onions and spicy mustard on a hoagie… simple, flavorful and Brett really loved it. White Christmas Pizza– chicken & cheese pizza with a white cheese sauce for pizza lovers in the group. The table favorite… Turkey Bites– turkey, cranberry and stuffing rolled and breaded with a side of gravy. Thanksgiving Dinner all in one bite or two or three. Holiday Poutine– sweet potato fries topped with cheese curds, cranberries and turkey. Another way to enjoy a Holiday Dinner all in one dish. And lest I forget- my favorite Fried Green Beans– yes I am saying my favorite! Could it be because the green beans were fried and topped with parmesan cheese? Maybe. In case you don’t know- I am not a green vegetable person- so these beans were pretty yummy in order for me to enjoy them.

Next up desserts! Apple Pie Pizza– hats off to this one. Meshing pizza dough and apple pie goodness and making it melt in your mouth. Way to go! Winter Mint Macaroons– a light and fluffy french macaroon filled with white peppermint buttercream. The mint and macaroon blended so well together, you must have more than just one. Christmas Bark in 3 flavors- Dark Chocolate with pistachios and cranberries, Milk Chocolate English Toffee and White Chocolate with sprinkles and sugar balls. We enjoyed a little of each, but it was a split decision on the favorites- Dark Chocolate for me and English Toffee for Brett. And… What would the Holidays be without special drinks. Eggnog Shake– even if you are not an eggnog fan- you must try this one. Not too sweet and very yummy. Hot Spiced Holiday Wine with Blood Orange slices and cinnamon sticks. The first batch was very tasty and good blend of spices and wine, but the second batch was a little bitter, but nothing a little bit sugar didn’t fix right up. Cheers! Merry Farm has so much yumminess that you will not be able to eat everything in one visit. Or go ahead and try… I dare you!

New for 2019 on the Calico Mine Stage is the show Home for the Holidays. We join The Harper Family back in 1915 and celebrate the story of their Holiday. From the town streets to inside their home, through singing and storytelling we all remember from the good old days. St. Nick also visits the Harper Children, sprinkles some magic and presents them with a child’s dream of a parade of live dancing toys. The townspeople continue the celebration with Harper’s after a good night’s sleep and wish us all a Very Merry Christmas. The grandeur of this production is quite impressive and the transformation of their home is to put it simply- spectacular and you must see it for yourself. Make sure to add this new show to your list and get there early and enjoy!

Christmas Carolers stroll the streets of Calico and fill the air with the sounds of bells and a capella Holiday Carols. Be sure step in close to feel the ringing of the handheld bells in this classic Holiday Tradition. Snow and Glow happens each night after sunset on Main Street and on School House Road in Ghost Town. The lights flicker each hour to a different Holiday Carol and snow floats down on the joyful spectators below. There’s a shortage of real snow here in Buena Park, so this is a perfect treat in Ghost Town!

The BirdCage Theatre is home to not one, but two Christmas Tales. Charles Dickens’ classic- A Christmas Carol is brought to life by the Birdcage Troop. And New for 2019 a holiday musical- Marley’s Wings that answers the question “has Ebenezer Scrooge really changed?” See it for yourself to get the straight answer.

Santa’s Christmas Cabin is the host to the man himself- Santa Claus. Children of all ages can visit with Santa and take pictures and tell what they would like under their tree this year. Pictures are available for purchase and are not a part of the FunPix picture package. Also inside are more treats and eats. As you walk in, the fragrant smell of homemade chocolate chip cookies tickles your nose and the smell of fresh roasted nuts makes it hard to choose which you want to eat first. There is also Peppermint Kettle Corn, Cookie shots- some which have liqueurs as an add-on option, as well as Seasonal Craft Beers & Spiced Wines.

We couldn’t experience all of the plethora of foods and Holiday entertainment, so we are definitely going to make another visit to Merry Farm before it ends this year. You may not be able to see and do everything in one visit, so an Annual Pass is an option that Knott’s Berry Farm has to offer as well.

So much to see and do. So much to eat. So much fun to have for the entire family. Knott’s Merry Farm is the place to be this Holiday Season. Merry Farm runs through January 5th, 2020, but don’t wait and miss out because you will be very un-merry if you do.

See you at Knott’s Merry Farm!

If you want more information about Knott’s Merry Farm or what to find out how to purchase an Annual Pass, click HERE!

Renee lives in a small suburb of Los Angeles with her husband. Each day she crosses the border into Orange County to go to her desk at a large HR outsourcing company. If you catch her in an elevator, she will usually check out your shoes and wonder where you got them. Renee enjoys most things Halloween, taking photos everywhere she goes, bouncing around theme parks and listening to her rock music at very high decibels. FOLLOW @rcsbelle on Twitter FOLLOW her blog: Rockinthepage.com