A reinterpretation of the Dickens classic “A Christmas Carol” with a Wild West twist turns the bah-humbug cautionary tale into yee-haw dramedy where Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future get plenty of laughs.
The new “A Calico Christmas Carol” debuted on Friday, Nov. 17 in the Bird Cage Theatre at Knott’s Berry Farm.
Knott’s Merry Farm kicked off on Friday and runs through Jan. 7 at the Buena Park theme park with a host of holiday shows, entertainment, food, merchandise and decor.
The new adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” brings Scrooge to Calico Ghost Town where he learns the true meaning of Christmas during a magical night of discovery.
As always, the Bird Cage sets were simple — which makes the shows all about the performances. The story was set in Calico Ghost Town with plenty of references to Boysenberry Pie, the Ghost Town Grill and the Calico Saloon.
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Scrooge teetered expertly between a terrifying tyrant tormenting Bob Cratchit and a mean-spirited jokester who knew just where to play the crowd for laughs. The Christmas ghosts walked an equally fine line between adding just enough “yee-haw partner” patter to establish the Wild West theme and leaning into the emotional pain of Tiny Tim’s death.
I love the Bird Cage Theatre in part because the old time melodramas are such a rarity to find in a theme park. The 30-minute stage shows are the perfect way to introduce kids to the theater and a fun break from all the funnel cake, roller coasters and Christmas shopping.
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A host of holiday shows and entertainment returned for this year’s Knott’s Merry Farm.
The new “A Calico Christmas Carol” alternates show times in the Bird Cage Theatre with the returning “Gift of the Magi, 1885.”
Long-time favorite “Snoopy’s Night Before Christmas” brings the ice skating spectacular back to the Walter Knott Theater for a retelling of the holiday poem “A Visit From St. Nicholas” re-imagined Peanuts style.
The “Home for the Holidays” stage show that debuted in 2019 returns to the Calico Mine Stage. The theatrical musical feels like watching an “Andy Williams Christmas Special,” “It’s a Wonderful Life” and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade all rolled up into one holiday spectacular.
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A parkwide holiday lighting just after sunset always leaves visitors awestruck and astonished.
The popular “Snow & Glow” light show with “snoap” falling on Calico Ghost Town that takes place several times a night serves as a nightcap kiss goodnight.
Seasonal entertainment includes Krazy Kirk & the Hillbillies with a holiday twist in the Wagon Camp, Knott’s Calico Carolers on the Ghost Town streets and Sleigh Bells a cappella group at Calico Park Stage.
Throughout the event, shoppers can browse the Christmas Crafts Village and snap holiday photos at Santa’s Christmas Cabin.
Holiday eats and treats were available at more than two dozen locations throughout the park. Highlights included the Turkey Ball on a bed of mashed potatoes and gravy, Cinnamon Roll Cookiewich and Yellow Snow funnel cake.
I tried the Tamale Fries at Papa’s Mexicana in Fiesta Village and found the dish tasted better the deeper I dug into the bowl. The mash-up of the corn and potatoes made a great base for the red and green tamale filling piled on top. I recommend breaking up the tamale and mixing the whole thing together for the best experience.
Would I get the Tamale Fries again? Maybe. There are a lot of new and returning menu items to try at the holiday festival.
Would I recommend the Tamale Fries to others? Definitely. Especially if you like to try unorthodox food concoctions.
All I know is I ate all of the Tamale Fries until I was scraping the bottom of the bowl clean. For me, that’s the best testament of all.
