Family Time at Knott's Merry Farm

every year to start off the holidays we make a family visit to one of our faves, Knott's Merry Farm. as you probably know, we are big Knott's Berry Farm fans, and Merry Farm is one of our favorite times to visit. for some reason, this year felt more special. maybe because the boys are getting older, or because Merry Farm has been such a special place for our family to visit each year, but this years visit felt especially warm and festive.

The Farm was definitely feeling the magic of Christmas time this year. the decor, the shows, the snow. since the boys and i planned to stay the entire day, we decide to play a game with the Popsicle Blog readers. we announced on Facebook that we would be in the park all day, and the first person who found us would get a Snoopy surprise. we had no idea if someone would, but it was excited posting our locations throughout the day as clues to our whereabouts. we arrive just before lunch and spent the day enjoying the new Christmas decorations and entertainment in the streets of Ghost Town.

the Christmas Crafts Village is lines the street of Ghost Town. the boys loved going from booth to booth to check out the handmade gifts, talk to the crafters and see demonstrations such as glass blowing, chainsaw sculpting, and torch throwing. there are lots of items perfect for gifts and also ready to be personalized. within the shops there are also gift making for kids like creating their own jewelry and personalizing ornaments.

it was also fun to stop by the Old School House and see it decorated for the holidays. it was warm and toasty, and the teacher was there to entail and answer any questions you had.

the "Merry Christmas Snoopy" Ice Show was on the top of our list of must dos at Merry Farm. it is my personal fave, but the entire family loves it too. the music, the costumes, the story and the Peanuts Gang make it such a special show. there is even snow and doves in the show.

and surprise, one of the Popsicle Blog readers found us at the Snoopy On Ice Show. We were thrilled!!!!! it is always such a treat to meet readers in person and so much fun to give out a fun Snoopy surprise.

after the show, we worked up an appetite, so we headed over to our other Merry Farm must-do, Santa's Christmas Cabin. its full of yummy treats, cocoa, egg nog, wine, roasted nuts, Berry Market delights and new this year, crepes! this is also where you will find Santa, and the boys sat down and shared with Santa their Christmas wishes.

someone really wants a Jurassic Park Lego set.

next up was a ride on the historic steam engine. right now it's Christmas on Engine 41, and as we rode the train around the Farm, we were met by some Knott's characters to get us in the Christmas spirit.

finally, the sun was setting and Christmas lights set Knott's Merry Farm aglow. we watched Snoopy Merriest Tree lighting which was cute a fun. the tree all lit up is awesome.

then as we strolled through Ghost Town on our way out, we admired the Christmas lights, decorated trees and got a big surprise. SNOW!!!!! that's right. every evening during Merry Farm, when the sun sets on the Farm, the paths and building in Ghost Town's Main Street and on School House Road are filled with glow and snow! the sparkling lights dance to the beat of "Let It Snow" while snow gently falls to the ground. the boys were dancing in the streets and at that moment, Christmas joy filled the air. it was THE PERFECT ending to a perfect day....a day at Merry Farm that we will remember year after year.

Merry Farm is happening at Knott's Berry Farm now through January 3rd. you can check out all the fun available and also get your tickets by visiting the Knott's Merry Farm website. Happy Holidays!

{Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. We were invited guests of Knott's and all opinions are 100% my own.}