Knott's Merry Farm- Ghost Town at Christmas

     Over the years, we have had a unique Christmas tradition in our family, and this year (our first post-kid Christmas- since Jon got married) we continue the tradition.  The Hubby and I spent the day at world famous Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California.  At Christmas, the park is transformed and renamed Knott's Merry Farm.  It's one of the oldest theme parks in America.  History HERE!  We had a blast as usual.  Over the next few days, I am going to share a few highlights.  Today, let's talk about the Ghost Town area of the park (our favorite area).  Upon entering this section of the park, you can't ignore the GIANT old fashioned wooden roller coaster "Ghost Rider". 

 It's huge and so intricate. 

After you've ridden it, you'll need an aspirin.  It really whips you around, but in spite of this, and in spite of knowing it will happen, YOU'LL ride anyway.  It's too exciting to ignore.

Our next stop was the celebrated Bird cage Theatre.  

The Bird Cage Theatre features an acting troupe that have been performing together for 25 years and we were fortunate enough to see them perform the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol.

  

If you look close you might see Jacob Marley warning his friend Ebenezer Scrooge to change his ways before it's too late (above).  

They are AMAZING actors.  

 We found lots of festive spots to take pictures, like this one next to Santa's Toy Shop. 

 Here, in the background is Charlene. We've been coming here for more than a decade at Christmas, and Charlene has been here every year demonstrating homemaking skills past and present on this porch.  I have watched her card wool, crochet, and once- she even knitted a blanket for her dog from the dog's own fur.  On this visit, Charlene was demonstrating making bobbin lace.  Look below.

 She is an amazing artist.  She said it takes her about an hour to create an inch in length of this pattern. Wow.  That's dedication.

 Later, we settled down for a Victorian Christmas stage show at the Calico Saloon with a tall mug of cold sarsaparilla. Yum.  Then, we were almost robbed at gunpoint by train robber Bad Billie Blackthorn.  I say "almost" because I charmed him out of his gun and turned him in to the local Sheriff.

 He wasn't such a bad guy after all.

 Then, we ran into a couple of friendly Victorian ladies and gents caroling with bells.

 

 Jerry got lost for a bit at Boothill...

 

 He even got locked up in JAIL as an accessory to Bad Billie's crime. Eventually, we got that all sorted out in time to enjoy yet another stage show.  This is the Wild West Stage Show and it features an Army Officer and outlaws.  

  

Nobody got hurt too bad.

Here's another nice shot of Jerry! he loves carvings.  Our trip through Ghost Town was awesome.  We saw so many great things.  There are so many artists hidden within Ghost Town, but you've got to go through all the shops to find them.  We found a glassblower making intricate, delicate glass ornaments, a blacksmith plying his trade- making cattle brands, an old wood carver making an eagle, and gold miners panning for gold.   

  Stay tuned for my next Knott's Merry Farm post.