Beckoning Adventure at Knott’s Berry Farm: New Year’s Eve 2024/25

Escaping the Ordinary as a Family

This New Year’s Eve, our family was beckoning adventure at Knott’s Berry Farm, finding joy in a festive celebration that feels accessible, affordable, and fun for all ages. Unlike other Southern California parks, Knott’s includes this in regular admission for annual pass holders, which is a rare opportunity to enjoy a long, exciting day with family without needing extra tickets. For us, that meant spending time together, exploring the park, and creating memories without worrying about blockouts.

We arrived before noon, knowing the day would be long. Pacing ourselves was essential with frequent breaks, warm layers, and a locker to store extra clothing for when the temperature drops in the evening. Southern California days can be warm, and if you are in the park all day, kids can get hot running around and then freezing once the sun sets. Snacks were key to keeping little ones happy. For families with younger kids or children on the spectrum, it can be helpful to find quieter areas to slow down when things get overstimulating.

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TLDR

• A family-friendly look at celebrating New Year’s Eve at Knott’s Berry Farm with kids
• Honest insights on fireworks, countdown options, entertainment, and crowd intensity
• Sensory-aware tips, quieter viewing spots, and pacing strategies for long park days
• Practical planning advice on lockers, food, shows, and what made the experience work for our family

Fireworks and Midnight Countdown

The midnight fireworks are spectacular and truly mark the transition into the new year. A fun hack is that Knott’s does multiple countdowns for other cities on the Calico Stage throughout the night. If your kids are ready for an early “Happy New Year,” you can celebrate with these smaller countdowns without waiting for the full midnight chaos.

We decided to experience the main countdown at the Calico Stage once, but it was extremely crowded and overstimulating. Standing room only makes it challenging to navigate with little ones. Next time, we’ll likely watch the countdown from the outer edges or enjoy it from a quieter show like Crazy Kirk and the Hillbillies at Wagon Camp. This show is in an outdoor theater with seating, but you need to show up early because there is usually a line to get in and once capacity is reached, guests are turned away. This is a great reminder to plan where you’ll ring in the new year based on your family’s comfort and tolerance for crowds.

Entertainment and Dancing

Knott’s New Year’s Eve is packed with live entertainment for all ages. We loved the 90’s Rock Show, dueling pianos, DJs spinning Latin and pop hits, and family-friendly comedy. Swing dance lessons pop up throughout the night, giving everyone a chance to move and groove. The festive atmosphere with party hats, noisemakers, and Knott’s Merry Farm décor makes the evening feel joyful and immersive.

The ballroom dancers were a particular favorite for us, offering a calm, sensory-friendly break from the busy park while still feeling like part of the celebration.

Characters and Photo Opportunities

PEANUTS characters in festive outfits are sprinkled throughout the park, especially near the Calico Mine Stage, providing adorable photo moments.

We also visited the Ghost Town Pitchur Gallery for a family portrait, which was a highlight. Dressing as bandits, the kids had an absolute blast, and the photos turned out beautifully. Everything is designed to go over your own clothes, so you don’t need to fully change outfits, which is a huge convenience for families.

My brother was visiting from Germany for the first time and loved this classic Knott’s experience. It was the perfect way to show him what makes this park unique and to create memories that are both fun and timeless.

The Pitchur Gallery experience works as follows:

1. Locate it in Ghost Town within Knott’s Berry Farm.
2. Reserve a time slot early in the day, as spots fill up quickly.
3. Dress in period costumes, like Victorian or Wild West, and take photos with props.
4. Pick up your photos later in the day.

Different packages are available depending on how many photos you want and if you want digital copies. Prices range roughly $100 to $400 or more, depending on package and options like panning for gold or other Ghost Town activities.

Iconic Rides and Park Experiences

For first-time visitors, classic rides are a must. We enjoyed the Stagecoach and the Knott’s train, both quintessential experiences that showcase the park’s charm. These slower-paced attractions are also a good opportunity to rest little legs while still enjoying the park’s magic.

Snoopy on Ice is another favorite we captured on YouTube. The show is family-friendly, festive, and a wonderful way to experience seasonal magic in a seated, calmer environment.

Food, Drink, and Planning Tips

We highly recommend renting a locker for the day. This allowed us to store extra layers, blankets, snacks, and any other supplies, which was invaluable during the long day and night.

Bring refillable cups or purchase one at the park for soda fountain drinks, including the iconic boysenberry punch. Our favorite mix is half Sprite, half boysenberry punch, which is super delicious and a fun twist on a classic.

Grizzly Creek Lodge in Camp Snoopy is a good stop for a quiet meal. The upstairs dining area offers a calm, sensory-friendly break from the crowds, which is perfect for younger kids or anyone needing a pause during the day.

Wagons are allowed in the park and can be extremely helpful. We saw parents using them so toddlers could nap during the day while the park was busy. Keep in mind that arriving early is important because the park can reach capacity. If you intend to stay all day, it can be an extremely long day for kids, so plan breaks and naps strategically.

Alcoholic beverages are available throughout the park, so stay aware of your surroundings. New Year’s Eve is family-friendly, but the crowds and excitement can be overwhelming, especially with younger children.

Tips for Enjoying the Day

• Pace yourself. Arrive early, take breaks, and use quieter areas strategically.
• Dress in warm layers and bring hats, gloves, and blankets. Locker storage helps adjust for temperature changes throughout the day.
• Take advantage of quieter shows and attractions for sensory-friendly breaks.
• Bring refillable drink containers to save on soda fountain beverages.
• Wagons can help transport kids, gear, or allow little ones to nap during the day.
• Plan where to watch the countdown or fireworks based on your tolerance for crowds.

Watch the Celebration

For a closer look at our New Year’s Eve adventure at Knott’s, check out our YouTube videos:

• Snoopy on Ice

If you’re planning more theme park experiences, I keep all of my long-form guides organized under Resources.

Prices, entertainment offerings, and event details may change year to year.