Fall is one of my favorite seasons in San Diego.
The surfing is excellent during that time of year (which gets the seal of approval from our site's founder Todd, who loves hanging ten), and thanks to San Diego's year-round mild temperatures, Knott's Berry Farm is open in the winter months as well.
As we approach the holiday season, Knott's steps up their seasonal events game with festive activities that could just turn into new traditions for your family. While I'm not expecting any snow this winter in San Diego, holiday fun is still on the calendar!
Knotts Scary Farm Scared Family with Spiders
Knott's Scary Farm
You've really got your pick of incredible Halloween attractions in San Diego, including at the area's theme parks.
While our team loves special experiences like Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego, Knott's Scary Farm is tough to beat. It's one of the largest and scariest Halloween events in any theme park, and it also happens to be the longest running Halloween event with over 50 years of scares.
The thrilling fun runs on select nights from September 18th to November 1st in 2025. Tickets are a separate admission event, so be sure to plan accordingly and ensure you have the correct tickets. Know too that the event is not recommended for kids under 13 years old.
What Attractions Are Available at Knott's Scary Farm 2025?
The Cedar Fair company deserves a lot of the credit for the rebranding in the 90s, as they shifted from explicit horror to a more balanced blend of horror and humor. Through the thick fog and cacophony of screams, immersive haunted houses, hair-raising scare zones, and terrifying mazes combine fear and excitement for a dose of sinister fun.
The nightmares continue across attractions and shows that thrill. Plus, you just might encounter some mythical creatures and ghosts traversing several bygone eras.
This year's festivities include 5 scare zones, 10 haunted mazes, themed shows, and delightfully creepy food and drink available throughout the park. Plus, the park's thrill rides remain open, so you can keep your adrenaline pumping on a rollercoaster in the dark between shows.
Scary Farm: Nightmares Revealed
For true horror enthusiasts, Knott's is also hosting a special Scary Farm: Nightmares Revealed event on August 19th, 2025 from 7:00pm until 10:00pm.
It features a peek behind the scenes with presentations from the Halloween event's designers, a look at past and present costumes, early access to exclusive merchandise, and rides in Ghost Town.
Tickets for the 2025 event are already sold out, but we anticipate this event returning next year.
Knotts Spooky Farm
Knott's Spooky Farm
Your little ones will get to have their own bit of spooky Halloween fun at Knott's Berry Farm as well!
This daytime event runs from Thursdays through Sundays during the lead-up to the Halloween season, from September 25th through October 31st, as well as Columbus Day. Kids will be able to trick-or-treat through Calico plus enjoy pumpkin painting, cookie decorating, surprises, and old west fun.
Your little ghosties can come dressed in costume and join the Calico Carnival Costume Cavalcade. It's the perfect excuse for them to get the most out of that costume, and a great activity to pair with a visit to a San Diego area pumpkin patch.
Unlike Scary Farm, this event is included with your regular park admission ticket and perfectly suited for kids under 13 years old.
Knott's Merry Farm
Before we wrap up Knott's Berry Farm's year of seasonal events, we have to make sure you know all about one of our favorite events of the year, the Knott's Merry Farm holiday event.
The Home for the Holidays musical revue will have your family singing along to classic carols. And you won't want to miss Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the rest of the gang as they join world-class ice skaters in Knott's spectacular ice show, Snoopy's Night Before Christmas.
As the holiday season gets into full swing, Calico boasts its own holiday decor and shows. From the Calico Christmas Carolers to the Snow and Glow experience, guests will get to experience the wonder of Christmas through Calico's old west charm.
The nightly Christmas tree lighting is also perfect for that member of your family that has the tree up in your living room the day after Halloween. While the Christmas Crafts Village is a lifesaver for those who save all of their shopping for the last minute.
And one last tip, be sure to stop by Santa's Cabin to say hi to the big man himself.
How Long Is Knott's Berry Farm Decorated for Christmas?
This year, Knott's Merry Farm will run from November 21st, 2025 to January 4th, 2026. During this time, Knott's will become one of Southern California's winter wonderlands covered in garland, lights, and snow.