Embrace the Holiday Spirit at Knott’s Berry Farm
As winter settles into Southern California, Knott’s Berry Farm transforms into Knott’s Merry Farm, a festive playground of twinkling lights, seasonal treats and thrill rides. Arriving on November 22, 2025, your guide to maximizing every moment — from rope-drop to holiday parades — starts here.
Current Park Operations & Must-Know Updates
- Open Attractions: GhostRider, HangTime, Silver Bullet, Calico Mine Ride, Timber Mountain Log Ride, Knott’s Bear-y Tales, Sierra Sidewinder, Pony Express, Jaguar! and Xcelerator/MonteZOOMa are all running full-time during Merry Farm. No extended refurbishments are scheduled through January 4, 2026.
- Park Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with extended hours until 9:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays for evening shows and the nightly Christmas tree lighting.
- Weather Outlook: Expect dry skies and highs of 65-70°F, lows near 50°F. Light breezes (5-10 mph) won’t affect open-air rides or performances.
- Early Ride Time: Wednesdays and Saturdays, Passholders and select ticket holders may enter 30 minutes early to tackle popular coasters before the crowds. Reservation via the Knott’s app is required.
- Knott’s Soak City: Closed for the season; reopening in spring 2026.
Seasonal Dining: Boysenberry Delights & Holiday Flavors
Merry Farm’s menu overhaul is centered on the park’s signature fruit. Within the last week, chefs rolled out:
- Boysenberry-Glazed Turkey Leg ($14.99) at Ghost Town Grill – a savory, smoky drumstick with a tart finish.
- Boysenberry Eggnog Latte ($5.99) at the Wagon Wheel Coffee Cart – rich, spiced and ideal for mid-day warm-ups.
- Boysenberry Churro ($6.49) at Fiesta Village Churro Stand – crispy, sugar-dusted and perfect for shareable snacking.
- Holiday Ham Slider with boysenberry mustard ($8.49) at Coasters – trending for its sweet-savory balance.
Mobile Order is available via the Knott’s app. To dodge lunch lines, order between 11:00 AM–12:00 PM or 3:00 PM–4:00 PM. Free water refill stations are near the Calico Saloon and in Camp Snoopy.
Insider Strategy: Rope-Drop, Rides & Fast Lane
Beat the crowds by arriving at the Main Gate 30 minutes before park opening. Your rope-drop sequence:
- Head straight to Silver Bullet via the Boardwalk entrance for a sub-10-minute wait.
- Dash to Xcelerator/MonteZOOMa in Fiesta Village; use the Single Rider line if solo or flexible.
- Wrap up with HangTime before the midday surge.
Fast Lane Unlimited ($79) and Fast Lane Plus ($99) remain the quickest way to clear 20+ attractions. Purchase online or at the Fast Lane kiosk; on busy weekends, securing it first thing in the morning delivers maximum ROI.
The park offers Rider Switch on GhostRider, Timber Mountain Log Ride and other thrill rides. ADA accessibility and complimentary parking shuttles operate from the main lot.
Maximizing Savings: Tickets & Pass Perks
- Southern California Resident Tickets: $20 off single-day admission + free parking (ID required at purchase).
- AAA & Military Discounts: Save $10 on adult day tickets via the Knott’s official offers page.
- Season Pass ($119–$149): Includes free parking, 15% off food & merchandise, Early Ride Time, and up to five Bring-A-Friend holiday nights (valid through Jan 4, 2026).
14-Day Crowd Forecast & Best Visit Windows
| Date | Crowd Level (1–10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 22–23 (Thanksgiving Weekend) | 8–9 | Merry Farm kickoff + holiday shopping crowds |
| Nov 24–27 | 5–6 | Local weekday guests, moderate waits |
| Nov 28–30 | 7 | Weekend holiday photo ops |
| Dec 1–4 | 4–5 | Ideal mid-week visits; shorter lines |
| Dec 5–7 | 6 | School break starts, evening shows draw crowds |
| Dec 8–10 | 8 | Peak Merry Farm festivity |
| Dec 11–14 | 5 | Calmer weekdays before Christmas rush |
Top Tip: Visit on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings (Nov 24–26) for the lowest waits and full holiday décor.
Attraction-by-Attraction Queue Tactics
- Silver Bullet: Rope-drop or after 3:30 PM; Single Rider often cuts wait in half.
- Xcelerator/MonteZOOMa: First 30 minutes or last hour; standby lines shrink before closing.
- Calico Mine Ride & Timber Mountain Log Ride: Head here mid-afternoon (2:00–4:00 PM) when coaster queues peak.
- Bear-y Tales: Family favorite—catch it during parade times when crowds thin out.
Must-See Holiday Entertainment
- Ice Show at Calico Park: 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM — a 20-minute family spectacle on real ice.
- Christmas Cheer at the Calico Stage: 1:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 6:00 PM — carolers and festive dancers, best for families with kids under 10.
- Nightly Tree Lighting: 6:00 PM at the Main Midway — prime viewing at the intersection of Ghost Town and Fiesta Village.
- Fire & Law Tribute Nights: Nov 26–27, 5:30 PM — honoring first responders with live country and pop covers.
Photo & Character Moments
- Camp Snoopy courtyard at 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:30 PM and 4:30 PM for meet-and-greets with the PEANUTS gang.
- Under the garland-draped archway at Ghost Town for a less-crowded family portrait.
Knott’s Berry Farm weaves thrills and tradition into your holiday story. From boysenberry-sweet snacks to adrenaline-pumping coasters, plan with these insider insights to unwrap the best of Merry Farm on November 22 and beyond.