We love Knotts at Christmas and go right around that weekend every year (First Responders get in free during that time frame). Ghost Town is decorated for Christmas and there are special snacks, old time carolers and Santa's Barn (free Santa visits if you use your own camera). The historical rides (log ride, mine train, stagecoach, etc) are my favorite and my kids love the thrill rides). It will be busy but not Disneyland busy (ie packed). It is on a different level from Disneyland but my kids love it equally, and it was my favorite when I was a kid. If you enjoy the coasters I'd recommend it.
Apologies, I missed this reply- my husband is actually a first responder so I will def see if I can find some info on this
We are looking at friday the 6th now, rather than the Saturday, so crowds may be a bit lower...does anyone know how long the lines tend me? we are spoiled by using FP etc, but aren't going to pony up the big bucks for their express pass
Public Safety days used to be in November & December but they might have moved the dates to January? I cannot find any info about late 2019/2020 yet but these dates in January of 2019 are on the Knott's website:
https://www.knotts.com/play/events/fire-and-law-enforcement-tribute-days
Here's the info from 2018:
https://www.lapd.com/event/knotts-berry-farm-fire-and-law-tribute-days
I work for a fire department so we've gone twice for Public Safety days when it was still in November (went on Thanksgiving once). It's really awesome for Knott's to do this for first responders!