Photo Credit: Krista

Christmas is around the corner. Do you have your shopping finished? If you’re still looking for some unique gifts, and happen to be in the neighborhood of Knott’s Berry Farm, then you’re in luck because there’s still time to bring home some hand-made treasures.

Nestled inside Knott’s Berry Farm each year is a Christmas Crafts Village. This unique shopping opportunity begins when Knott’s transforms into Knott’s Merry Farm for the holidays. This year Merry Farm is from mid-November 2015 through January 3, 2016. The Crafts Village features dozens of local artisans who sell hand-crafted items ranging from soaps, candles, painted tiles, jewelry, and hand-painted wood items to wood carved animals, blown glass, and custom signs made from vintage license plates.

Big Bear Carving Company created this adorable gnome! I had to stand next to him, with Reindeer Woodstock, just to appreciate the size of this carving. | Photo credits: Krista & Lloyd

We visited Knott’s Merry Farm a couple of weekends ago and enjoyed seeing the unique gifts offered by the artisans. The Christmas Crafts Village is located in the Ghost Town area of the park. Last year we bought a small bear sculpture carved by Jamie & Lisa Doeren of Big Bear Carving Company. The carvings are created using chainsaws! This year the giant gnome caught my attention, but we don’t have any place to display him so a photo was taken instead. Jamie and Lisa have many items ready to go and will also do custom work on-site at their wood carving station. If you would like to get a custom wood carving for yourself, check out their website for contact information.

Big Bear Carving Company at Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village | Photo Credit: Krista

Next to the old schoolhouse an artisan makes blown glass creations. Like the wood carver, some of the blown glass pieces are ready to purchase and custom orders are also available. During the day the glass blower artist is there and you can watch live demonstrations.

New this year was a booth with customizable signs made from pieces of vintage license plates. So many clever signs for the holidays, sports fans, hometown pride, or featuring your family’s name – to name a few. The owner of the License Plate Posse, Denise Mraz, can be reached at 702-722-8489 if you’d like to place an order. I asked about a website and the artist working at Knott’s said to simply call the owner or visit her Facebook page.

Clever upcycling turning old license plates into wall art by “License Plate Posse” | Photo credits: Krista

Visiting the Christmas Crafts Village is one of my favorite holiday shopping trips! Each year the vendors change slightly, but they always feature unique gifts of great quality and workmanship. If you’re not able to make it to Knott’s this year, you may want to start planning now to check out the Crafts Village next year. If you visit early in the season, you can go to the Crafts Village area only for free until the first part of December – there is a separate entrance to the left of the main gates. This year, Knott’s Berry Farm theme park admission is required for entry into the Christmas Crafts Village after December 10^th. All of Knott’s Berry Farm is closed on Christmas Day, and then the Crafts Village will be open for after Christmas shopping until January 3^rd.

Hand-painted wood crafts are another example of the local artisans at the Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village | Photo Credit: Krista

Before your visit, check the Knott’s website for hours, ticket promotions, and parking information. If you are a AAA member, be sure to show your card and save at Knott’s on tickets, food, and souvenirs. Here are some examples of the ticket promotions Knott’s offers during the autumn and winter months. From November 1^st – December 20^th is Military Tribute Days where Veterans and Active Military can get free admission to Knott’s and one complimentary guest ticket. Up to six additional guest tickets are available at discounted prices. From November 30 – January 31, 2016 is Fire & Law Tribute Days with free admission for First Responders and a guest, plus up to six additional guest tickets at discounted prices. Check the promotions link on the Knott’s website for further details.

Art on Tile — one of the artisans at the Christmas Crafts Village at Knott’s Merry Farm | Photo Credit: Krista

Of course a trip to Knott’s wouldn’t be complete without some fried chicken or boysenberry pie. We like to get our fried chicken at the “Chicken To Go” place located next door to Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Restaurant which was established over 80 years ago.

Knott’s Berry Farm Chicken Dinner & Boysenberry Pie! Reindeer Woodstock liked taking pictures at Knott’s Merry Farm. | Photo credits: Krista

In 2016, Knott’s Ghost Town will be celebrating its 75^th Anniversary and there are big plans in place for some renovations and new experiences including renovations to Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Restaurant located in the California Marketplace outside the Knott’s theme park.

Knott’s Berry Farm is considered America’s first theme park and the Christmas Crafts Village in Ghost Town is a perfect reason to experience the park that inspired the rest. You’re sure to have a “berry” good time!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”