Holiday season in Buena Park, CA

What does the ultimate holiday getaway in Southern California look like?

The answer can be found in Buena Park, CA. Nestled just five miles from Disneyland and only 15 miles from Huntington Beach, Buena Park offers festive fun for the whole family.

From dazzling theme park transformations to community celebrations and nearby holiday spectacles, here’s the perfect weekend winter checklist.

Festivities

Knott’s Merry Farm
California’s first theme park, Knott’s Berry Farm, transforms into a festive wonderland during Knott’s Merry Farm. Stroll through holiday decorations, enjoy heartwarming entertainment, shop for unique seasonal gifts, and experience the nightly tree lighting.

Pirates Take Christmas
At Pirates Dinner Adventure, the swashbuckling crew is back with a holiday twist in Pirates Take Christmas. Watch as the pirates plot to steal Christmas during this interactive dinner show featuring up to 150 participants. Guests can expect plenty of action, comedy, and festive spirit in this one-of-a-kind experience.

Breakfast with Santa at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant
Make holiday mornings extra special with Breakfast with Santa at the legendary Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant. Families can enjoy a festive breakfast spread and meet Santa Claus himself.

Buena Park City Hall Tree Lighting Ceremony
On Friday, December 5, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., gather at Buena Park City Hall for the tree lighting ceremony. This free event brings the community together with festive decorations, food and dessert vendors, photo opportunities, and a chance to meet Santa Claus.

Candy Caneland and Craft Faire
On Saturday, December 13, 2025, the annual Candy Caneland and Craft Faire takes over Buena Park with a full day of family fun. Slide down snowy hills, explore a festive play area, browse holiday crafts, and enjoy activities like a petting zoo, raffles, and photos with Santa.

Coming Early 2026: Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration
After the holidays, the fun continues with the return of Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration in early 2026. Fans of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the gang can look forward to themed shows, delicious PEANUTS-inspired treats, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment.

Nearby Holiday Fun

Holidays at Disneyland Resort – Just 5 miles from Buena Park
Disneyland Resort shines bright with seasonal parades, themed attractions, and sparkling décor. Guests can also meet their favorite Disney characters dressed in festive holiday costumes.

Winter Fest OC in Costa Mesa – 20 miles away
Head to Costa Mesa for Winter Fest OC, a massive holiday carnival filled with ice skating, carnival rides, live entertainment, and festive food. Perfect for families and friends looking for a winter wonderland experience.

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade – 25 miles away
Celebrate Southern California style with the 117th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, where yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes light up the harbor.

Stay in Comfort 

With over 17 affordable hotels, Buena Park is the perfect home base for a winter getaway. Knott’s Hotel is within walking distance of Knott’s Berry Farm and offers onsite dining and a relaxing steam room. Just across the street, the Courtyard Marriott puts guests near interactive dining experiences and Porto’s Bakery, with EV charging stations, onsite dining, and an outdoor firepit for cozy evenings.

The DoubleTree Hotel welcomes visitors with a warm cookie at check-in, plus Starbucks and restaurant options onsite, and a complimentary shuttle to nearby theme parks. Hilton Hotel features onsite dining and is connected to The Source OC, a three-level entertainment and dining destination. For families, the Fairfield Inn provides large suites and hot breakfast, while the Hampton Inn offers hot breakfast and EV charging stations, making it an ideal stop for travelers on the go.

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