Knott’s Berry Farm Christmas Craft Fair Free Admission Days 2026

Knott’s Christmas Craft Fair: Handmade Gifts in Ghost Town

Every November, Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park transforms into Knott’s Merry Farm, and the historic streets of Calico Ghost Town become a Christmas Crafts Village filled with local artisans. From mid-to-late November through early January, visitors can browse handmade ornaments, carvings, glasswork, and unique gifts while surrounded by holiday lights, carolers, and seasonal entertainment. For 2026–2027, the event runs November 20, 2026, through January 3, 2027 (closed Christmas Day).

The Crafts Village sits inside the Old West Ghost Town area. On select dates, the village is open to the public with no theme park admission required, letting shoppers focus on the stalls without buying a full park ticket. The rest of Merry Farm—rides, major shows, and the full park—requires regular admission.

What to Expect in the Christmas Crafts Village

More than two dozen local artisans set up in Ghost Town, offering items that range from chainsaw wood carvings and hand-blown glass ornaments to ceramic pieces, wooden tree decorations, and other one-of-a-kind creations. You can often watch makers at work. The setting is Calico’s familiar wooden storefronts and dirt paths, dressed for the holidays with lights, wreaths, and seasonal décor. Nearby Ghost Town retail shops add more shopping options.

The California Marketplace just outside the park gates offers additional holiday merchandise and year-round dining, and it is always accessible without park admission. Metered parking in the Marketplace lot typically offers limited free time with purchase validation (check current rules for the exact hours and minimum spend).

Holiday Entertainment and Atmosphere

Knott’s Merry Farm spreads festive elements throughout the park. A large Christmas tree (recent years have featured a prominent Victorian-style tree with thousands of lights) serves as a centerpiece, often with a nightly lighting moment. Strolling Calico Carolers perform Victorian-era songs in Ghost Town.

Popular shows include:

• Snoopy’s Night Before Christmas ice show (Peanuts characters and skaters) in the Walter Knott Theater
• Home for the Holidays musical revue on the Calico Mine Stage
• Stage performances of A Calico Christmas Carol and The Gift of the Magi, 1885 at the historic Birdcage Theater
• Nightly Snow and Glow experience with lights and faux snow in Ghost Town

Santa’s Christmas Cabin (usually in the Wilderness Dance Hall) lets kids share wish lists and offers photo opportunities (photos often cost extra). Seasonal treats appear at various locations—think holiday twists on classics alongside boysenberry-inspired items.

Crafts Village Visitor Tips

• Dates & Hours: November 20, 2026–January 3, 2027 (closed Christmas Day). Park hours vary by day; weekday hours are often shorter than weekends. Crafts Village hours generally free-access days are Monday – Thursday.
• Admission: Full park entry (rides, major shows, etc.) requires a ticket or season pass. Crafts Village shopping is available without a park ticket on select dates. Kids under 3 are typically free with a paying adult. Buy online in advance for the best rates; gate prices are higher.
• Parking & Access: Use the California Marketplace lots for convenient access to the village entrance area. Confirm current parking rates and free-hour policies. Standard general parking starts in the $35–$40 range per day . Online purchase is recommended for the listed rates.
• Other Notes: The park is largely cashless. Check the Knott’s app for daily showtimes, Snow and Glow times, and any ride closures. Crowds build on weekends and closer to Christmas; midweek visits are usually quieter.

Is Knott’s Christmas Craft Fair Worth a Visit

Knott’s Berry Farm Christmas Celebration blends unique handmade shopping with a classic holiday atmosphere inside one of Southern California’s longest-running theme parks. Whether you stop by on a free-access day for the artisans alone or combine it with a full Merry Farm visit for the shows, tree lighting, and Snow and Glow, the Ghost Town setting provides a distinctive alternative to standard mall shopping.

Knott’s Merry Farm is a holiday event that offers a wide range of fun activities and attractions. Visitors can enjoy a spectacular Christmas tree, a festive parade featuring the Peanuts gang, an ice show called Snoopy’s Cool Christmas, and a unique Christmas Crafts Village. Additionally, Santa’s Toy Barn is a must-visit for kids. The Timber Mountain Log Ride is transformed into Elf Mountain, while the Bird Cage Theater presents a heartwarming performance of A Christmas Carol.

Guide to Southern California Christmas Events & Attractions (2026)