Knott's Berry Farm's Taste of Merry Farm Preview

Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park, CA

Alright, now that Halloween is officially behind us, we can get onto the next holiday. No, not Thanksgiving. Everyone knows that capitalism doesn’t care about Turkey Day at all. We’re talking about Christmas—the biggest holiday of the year… the one that creeps into stores in September and October already and spreads merry cheer in the middle of moody fear.

(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

The Christmas holiday a season has already begun in Southern California, with at least one holiday outing already happening. But we’re more interested in events not related to espionage elves on elevated shelves, so we’re more excited about the next “Taste of…” event at Knott’s Berry Farm, the Taste of Merry Farm, opening tomorrow!

On the heels of its highly popular Taste of Calico, Taste of Berry Farm, and Taste of Fall-O-Ween events, Knott’s presents its biggest food festival yet, themed to the winter holidays! The entire park will be decked out and open with plenty of gourmet food booths for guests to enjoy, and the menu is loaded with delicious and amazing-sounding dishes that promise to inject you straight with diabetes… or the Itis. You pick.

On the downside, the price has gone up again—$40 for a tasting pass that includes 8 items, another $5 increase per event stretching back to the original $25 tasting card for the Taste of Calico. But the park is going to be decked out in its holiday finest, and while the rides and entertainment remain closed, something tells me there will be some more holiday bonuses to help bring value to the event.

(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

From the press release:

WHAT: Off the heels of Knott's successful new “Taste” experiences, Knott's Berry Farm is excited to announce a new seasonal food and retail event, this time celebrating the merriest season of all, with Knott's Taste of Merry Farm. While the theme park remains closed, Christmas spirit still shines bright this year with holiday charm brimming out of every corner of the park, as Knott's wondrously transforms with enchanted décor, thousands of twinkling lights, miles of festive garland, and a variety of picturesque holiday settings, all serving as a backdrop to the tastiest holiday foods around. With over 60 unique food and drink items offered on the tasting card, guests can choose from popular flavors of the season like Fully Loaded Turkey Dinner Tater Tots and Comet’s Cinnamon Bun with a Maple Glaze and Candied Pecans, plus options for all dietary preferences. Guests can take care of their holiday shopping at Knott's one-of-a-kind stores filled with exclusive Knott's specialty items or discover rare, handmade, and personalized gifts from over 23 artisan local crafters, including Knott's famous glassblower and chainsaw carver.

Knott's Taste of Merry Farm will take place on select dates beginning November 20th through January 3rd. All Knott's Taste of Merry Farm activities will be conducted at a safe and socially distant space for families to enjoy.

The only way to experience the limited time Knott's Taste of Merry Farm is with a tasting card purchased in advance at knotts.com (a tasting card is required for event entry). Scheduled dates are November 20-29, December 4-6, December 11-13, December 18-24, December 26- 30, and January 1-3. Adult tasting cards (ages 12+) are priced at $40 (plus tax) and will include five food tastings, and Junior tasting cards (ages 3-11), including three food tastings, are $20 (plus tax). Tasting cards are date specific and must be purchased online at knotts.com or through the Knott's Berry Farm mobile app prior to the date of visit. Knott's Taste of Merry Farm hotel packages are also available at Knotts.com. In order to manage proper physical distancing of guests, Knott's Taste of Merry Farm tasting cards will be limited each day and may sell out.

(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

HOW: As Knott’s Berry Farm continues to follow state, local and CDC health guidelines, these are the continued safety measures and operational changes we have established to ensure the safety of our guests:

• Tasting cards are limited each day to ensure proper physical distancing

• Upon arrival, guests will be required to enter a temperature screening and security

• checkpoint at the main gate

• All associates and guests must wear a facial covering while visiting Taste of Merry Farm or the Knott's California Marketplace store locations and restaurants – masks are not required while sitting at a table or bench to eat

• Frequently touched surfaces are disinfected daily and sanitized frequently. This includes but is not limited to cash counters, scanners, EMV readers, pens at cashier counters, register screens, store fixtures, door handles, and shopping baskets

• Signage is present to aid guests in the proper direction of travel and as a reminder to practice social distancing

• Seating is spaced out throughout the Taste of Merry Farm event footprint

• Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout the event area

• All associates will be screened, including temperature and symptom checks using

• CDC guidelines before being allowed on the property to work

• Associates have been trained on the importance of handwashing, physical distancing, and overall hygiene

• Separate entrances and exits will appear at some store locations

• Store occupancy is limited to less than 50% of the normal building capacity

• Queue lines outside of store locations are marked with six-foot markers where needed.

For all details regarding Taste of Merry Farm and the park’s current health and safety screenings, please visit knotts.com.

(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

WHEN: Scheduled dates are November 20-29 , December 4-6, December 11-13, December 18-24, December 26-30, and January 1-3 /General Event Hours: 12pm to 9pm, Select dates event hours: 12pm to 8pm: November 29, December 6, December 13, December 24 and January 3

WHERE: Knott’s Berry Farm - 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620

(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

Looking for what’s on the menu? Take a look at the offerings. There are more food stands than ever!

A. Wagon Wheel Pizza

• Cupid’s Corn Chowder Soup in a Bread Bowl with Chives

• Meatball, Cheese or Cauliflower Pizza Slice

• Pumpkin Pie Slice with Whipped Cream

• Chocolate Cranberry Tart

• Boysenberry Smoothie

• Cauliflower Pizza with Vegan Cheese and Peppers

Cupid’s Corn Chowder Soup in a Bread Bowl with Chives
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

B. Spurs Booth

• Turkey Dinner Big Bites – Turkey, Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce, and Gravy

• Pomegranate Molasses Brussel Sprouts garnished with Shaved Almonds

Turkey Dinner Big Bites – Turkey, Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce, and Gravy
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

C. Pemmican Pickle

• Merry Mint and Pineapple Aqua Fresca

• Boysenberry Citrus Mule - Sabe Citrus, Boysenberry Punch, and Ginger Beer

D. Calico Tater Bites

• Turkey Dinner Tater Tots – Tater Tots topped with Turkey, Stuffing, Gravy, and Cranberry Sauce

• Green Bean Fries with a Creamy Mushroom Dipping Sauce

Turkey Dinner Tater Tots – Tater Tots topped with Turkey, Stuffing, Gravy, and Cranberry Sauce
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

E. Sutter’s Grill

• Gyro with Butternut Squash Slaw, Tzatziki, and Pickled Red Onions in a Naan Bread

• Turkey Inner Tater Tots –Tater Tots topped with Turkey, Stuffing, Gravy, and Cranberry Sauce

• Green Bean Fries with a Creamy Mushroom Dipping Sauce

• Vegan Chicken Tenders tossed in Buffalo Sauce served in a Pita with a Carrot and Celery Vegan Ranch Slaw

Gyro with Butternut Squash Slaw, Tzatziki, and Pickled Red Onions in a Naan Bread
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

F. Sutter’s Funnel Cake

• Strawberry Funnel Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream, Sprinkles, and Raspberry Drizzle

• Comet’s Cinnamon Bun with a Maple Glaze and Candied Pecans

• Red Raspberry Cheesecake Slice with Whipped Cream and Raspberry Drizzle

Strawberry Funnel Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream, Sprinkles, and Raspberry Drizzle
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

G. Silver Bullet Booth

• Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese with Parmesan and a Panko Crumb Topping

• Veggie Chili with Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

• Red, White, Boysenberry, or Hot Mulled Wine

• Boysenberry Sangria

• Assorted Beers

• Pineapple Cider

Veggie Chili with Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

H. Ghost Town Grub

• Strawberry Funnel Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream, Sprinkles, and Raspberry Drizzle

• Comet’s Cinnamon Bun with a Maple Glaze and Candied Pecans

• Red Raspberry Cheesecake Slice with Whipped Cream and Raspberry Drizzle

Comet’s Cinnamon Bun with a Maple Glaze and Candied Pecans
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

I. Fireman’s BBQ

• Apple and Chicken Sausage with Boysenberry Mustard

• Corn on the Cob with a Garlic Herb Butter and Cotija Cheese

• Rudolph’s Winter Pear Lemonade – Lemonade with Pear, Whipped Cream, and a Ginger Rim

Rudolph’s Winter Pear Lemonade – Lemonade with Pear, Whipped Cream, and a Ginger Rim
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

J. Wilderness Broiler

• Deli Style Turkey, Brie, and Arugula Sandwich with a Boysenberry-Cranberry Relish, served with French Fries

• Green Bean Fries with a Creamy Mushroom Dipping Sauce

• Blitzen’s Christmas Tree Bundt Cake–Red Velvet Cake with Chocolate Chips and topped with a Decorated Waffle Cone

• Rudolph’s Winter Pear Lemonade – Lemonade with Pear, Whipped Cream, and a Ginger Rim

Blitzen’s Christmas Tree Bundt Cake–Red Velvet Cake with Chocolate Chips and topped with a Decorated Waffle Cone
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

Deli Style Turkey, Brie, and Arugula Sandwich with a Boysenberry-Cranberry Relish, served with French Fries
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

K. Wilderness Dance Hall Patio

• Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese with Parmesan and a Panko Crumb Topping

• Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Noodle Soup with a Biscuit and Jam

• Red, White, Boysenberry, or Hot Mulled Wine

• Assorted Beers

• Red, White, Boysenberry, or Hot Mulled Wine

• Seasonal Sangria

• Seasonal Cider

Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese with Parmesan and a Panko Crumb Topping
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

L. Gourmet Churro Factory

• Peppermint Swirl Cheesecake Stuffed Churro

• Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake Bars with White Chocolate Peppermint Bark

• Eggnog Brulee with a Butter Cookie

• Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream and a Candy Cane

Peppermint Swirl Cheesecake Stuffed Churro
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

M. Chowhouse Ice Cream

• Raspberry and White Chocolate Cookiewich with Strawberry Soft Serve Ice Cream

• Elf’s Float – Lime and Sugar Plum ICEE with Vanilla Soft Serve

• Rudolph’s Winter Pear Lemonade – Lemonade with Pear, Whipped Cream, and a Ginger Rim

Elf’s Float – Lime and Sugar Plum ICEE with Vanilla Soft Serve
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

N. Calico Saloon

• Assorted Beers

• Red, White, Boysenberry, or Hot Mulled Wine

• Boysenberry Sangria

• Pineapple Cider

• Boysenberry Smoothie

• Boysenberry Citrus Mule – Sabe Citrus, Boysenberry Punch, and Ginger Beer

O. Judge Roy Bean

• Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Noodle Soup with a Biscuit and Jam

• Assorted Beers

• Red, White, or Boysenberry Wine

• Boysenberry Sangria

• Pineapple Cider

• Boysenberry Smoothie

Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Noodle Soup with a Biscuit and Jam
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

P. Log Ride Funnel Cake

• Strawberry Funnel Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream, Sprinkles, and Raspberry Drizzle

• Comet’s Cinnamon Bun with a Maple Glaze and Candied Pecans

• Red Raspberry Cheesecake Slice with Whipped Cream and Raspberry Drizzle

• Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream and a Candy Cane

Red Raspberry Cheesecake Slice with Whipped Cream and Raspberry Drizzle
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream and a Candy Cane
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

Q. Log Ride Mix-It-Up

• Elf’s Float–Lime and Sugar Plum ICEE with Vanilla Soft Serve

R. Strictly On-A-Stick

• Mistletoe Maple Syrup Breakfast Sausage Dog

• Merry Mint and Pineapple Aqua Fresca

Merry Mint and Pineapple Aqua Fresca
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

S. Gourmet Coffee Hut

• Acai Bowl with Granola, Raspberries, Cran-raisins, and Nutella

• Boysenberry Smoothie

• Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream and a Candy Cane

• Chocolate Cranberry Tart

• Chai White Russian

• Hot Apple Cider

Chai White Russian
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

T. Hollywood Hits

• Prancer’s Pesto Chicken Pizza Slice

• Pepperoni Pizza Slice

• Cauliflower Pizza with Vegan Cheese and Peppers

• Cupid’s Corn Chowder Soup in a Bread Bowl with Chives

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Pizza Slice with Vanilla Ice Cream

• Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream and a Candy Cane

• Elf’s Float – Lime and Sugar Plum ICEE with Vanilla Soft Serve

• Assorted Beers

• Red, White, Boysenberry, or Hot Mulled Wine

• Pineapple Cider

• Frozen Cherry Lime Margarita

• Frosty Jack and Coke

• Boysenberry Citrus Mule – Sabe Citrus, Boysenberry Punch, and Ginger Beer

• Champagne and Boysenberry Ice Cream Float

Pineapple Cider
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

Champagne and Boysenberry Ice Cream Float
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

U. Charleston Circle Booth

• Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese with Parmesan and a Panko Crumb Topping

• Veggie Chili with Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

V. Boardwalk Pier Booth

• Apple and Chicken Sausage with Boysenberry Mustard

• Corn on the Cob with Buttered Herbs and Cotija Cheese

W. Coasters Diner

• Vixen’s Turkey Burger with Cheese, Cranberry Mayo, and Stuffing on a Pretzel Bun, served with French Fries

• Knott’s Holiday Bowl with Chicken Tenders, Mashers, Corn, Stuffing, Gravy, and Cranberry Sauce

• Cold Salmon Winter Salad – Spinach, Apples, Pecans, Cranberries, and a Raspberry Vinaigrette

• Chicken Tenders with a Ranch Dipping Sauce

• Veggie Burger on a Pretzel Bun with a Spinach Aioli, served with French Fries

• Rudolph’s Winter Pear Lemonade – Lemonade with Pear, Whipped Cream, and a Ginger Rim

• Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream and a Candy Cane

• Assorted Beer

• Assorted Wine

• Frozen Cherry Lime Margarita

• Frosty Jack and Coke

Vixen’s Turkey Burger with Cheese, Cranberry Mayo, and Stuffing on a Pretzel Bun, served with French Fries
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

Cold Salmon Winter Salad – Spinach, Apples, Pecans, Cranberries, and a Raspberry Vinaigrette
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

X. Boardwalk BBQ

• Hot Turkey Sandwich with Turkey, Stuffing, Cranberry Mayo, and Gravy, served with Mashed Potatoes

• Spiral Ham with Scallop Potatoes

• Scrooge’s Spicy Cranberry - Pomegranate Glazed Wings

• Eggnog Brulee with Butter Cookie

• Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

• Assorted Beer

• Red, White, or Boysenberry Wine

• Boysenberry Sangria

• Pineapple Cider

• Champagne and Boysenberry Ice Cream Float

Scrooge’s Spicy Cranberry - Pomegranate Glazed Wings
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

Eggnog Brulee with Butter Cookie
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

Y. Dippin’ Dots

• North Pole Oatmeal Toffee Cookiewich with Pralines & Cream Hand Scooped Ice Cream

• Eggnog Ice Cream and Barqs Root Beer Float

• Concha Stuffed with Ice Cream

North Pole Oatmeal Toffee Cookiewich with Pralines & Cream Hand Scooped Ice Cream
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

Concha Stuffed with Ice Cream
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

Z. La Papa Loca

• Festive Popcorn Chicken, Cheese, and French Fry Bowl

• Beef Empanadas served with Salsa

• Horchata

Beef Empanadas served with Salsa
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

AA. Fiesta Dogs

• Pozole with Cabbage, Cilantro, Onions, and Lime

• Mexican Street Corn Salad with Tortilla Chips – Served Cold

• Chicken Enchiladas with Spanish Rice

• Vegan Dog

• Horchata

• Assorted Beers

• Assorted Wine

Horchata
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

BB. Fiesta Booth

• Pumpkin Pie Slice with Whipped Cream

• Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake Bars with White Chocolate Peppermint Bark

• Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

• Horchata

• Assorted Beers

• Michelada

Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Icing
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

CC. Cantina

• Carne Asada Street Tacos with Guacamole

• Pork Tamale with Salsa Roja and Spanish Rice

• Frozen Cherry Lime Margarita

• Boysenberry Slushy Sangria

• Horchata

• Estrella Jalisco Pilsner

• Michelada

Pork Tamale with Salsa Roja and Spanish Rice
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

DD. Cave Inn

• “Ode to Santa” - Milk or Eggnog with Candy Cane Cookies

• Blitzen’s Christmas Tree Bundt Cake–Red Velvet Cake with Chocolate Chips and topped with a Decorated Waffle Cone

• Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream and a Candy Cane

• Chocolate Cranberry Tart

• Elf’s Float–Lime and Sugar Plum ICEE with Vanilla Soft Serve

• Merry Mint and Pineapple Aqua Fresca

“Ode to Santa” - Milk or Eggnog with Candy Cane Cookies
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

Chocolate Cranberry Tart
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

EE. Grizzly Creek Lodge

• Knott’s Holiday Bowl with Chicken Tenders, Mashers, Corn, Stuffing, Gravy, and Cranberry Sauce

• Turkey Dinner Big Bites – Turkey, Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce, and Gravy

• Plain or Ham Mac and Cheese

• Vegan Mac and Cheese

• Chicken Tenders with a Ranch Dipping Sauce

• Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream and a Candy Cane

• Hot Apple Cider

• Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake Bars with White Chocolate Peppermint Bark

• Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

• Pumpkin Pie Slice with Whipped Cream

Knott’s Holiday Bowl with Chicken Tenders, Mashers, Corn, Stuffing, Gravy, and Cranberry Sauce
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

Pumpkin Pie Slice with Whipped Cream
(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)

That is a LOT of food and definitely enough on the menu to justify repeat visits. However, this event is also coinciding with an unprecedented surge in COVID cases nationwide, as many people seem to have grown weary of the Coronavirus lockdowns or simply let their guard down due to the attrition. We urge people to still stay vigilant. Don’t attend this event if you don’t feel comfortable (and that’s perfectly fine), but if you do, please follow all rules, wear your mask at all times (properly—covering the nose and mouth) except when sitting down at a table and eating, keep as far away from others as possible, and be considerate of your fellow park guests!

We can still navigate these tricky waters together, but it requires responsibility and care. This year has definitely impacted us all adversely, but the more we work together to exercise responsible habits, the more we can enjoy some amount of social interaction while still keeping healthy and safe!

(Photo courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm.)