If you're wearing the badge, you know how it goes. Life is basically a series of long shifts, missed dinners, and a whole lot of stress. Knott’s Berry Farm actually gets that. For years, they’ve run this program called Fire & Law Tribute Days, and honestly, it’s one of the best deals in Southern California for first responders.
For 2025, the park is sticking to its tradition of offering massive discounts to those who keep the peace and put out the fires. But there’s a catch—you can't just show up on a Saturday in July and expect the "hero rate." This is a very specific, seasonal window.
If you're trying to plan a trip for Knott's Berry Farm Law Enforcement Days 2025, here is the ground truth on how to actually get through the gates without paying the usual $100+ "tourist price."
The Dates You Need to Circle
Timing is everything. These discounts aren't year-round. Knott's typically targets the "shoulder season," which means the weeks when the kids are in school and the park isn't slammed with holiday crowds.
For the start of 2025, the tribute days are running Mondays through Thursdays from January 6 to January 23, 2025.
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Wait, what about the end of the year? Well, the park usually re-ups the offer once the summer madness dies down. For the late 2025 season, the dates are currently slated for December 1 to December 18, 2025, again focusing on those Monday-to-Thursday slots.
Don't expect to get these deals on a weekend. The park is basically saying, "Hey, thanks for your service, come hang out when it's quiet." It’s a win-win. You get no lines, and they fill the park during the slow mid-week slump.
Who Actually Qualifies?
This is where it gets a little sticky. Every year, someone shows up with a badge that doesn't "count" in the eyes of the gate attendants, and it's a whole thing. Knott’s is pretty specific about who they consider eligible for the $25 tickets.
Basically, it’s for active, full-time fire and law enforcement personnel. This includes:
- Police Officers and Sheriff’s Deputies
- Highway Patrol and State Troopers
- Federal Agents (FBI, DEA, etc.)
- Full-time Firefighters
- EMTs and Paramedics
If you’re retired, it’s a bit of a toss-up. Usually, the "Fire & Law" tribute is strictly for active duty. However, veterans and retired military often have their own separate "Military Tribute Days" which usually run in November. If you’re a retired cop who isn’t also a veteran, you might be out of luck for the $25 rate, though it’s always worth checking the latest ID.me verification to see if your status clears.
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One big point of contention lately has been correctional staff. In the past, prison staff and correctional officers were often included, but recent reports from staff at places like CDCR suggest that the eligibility has tightened. If your ID doesn’t explicitly say "Law Enforcement" or "Fire," you might want to call the park at (714) 220-5200 before you drive all the way to Buena Park.
How to Get Your $25 Tickets
You can't just walk up to the window and say "I'm a cop" and expect the discount. Well, you can buy them at the booth, but you'll need the hard ID. The smarter move is doing it online.
- ID.me is Your Best Friend: Knott's uses ID.me for verification. If you've already got an account for your Oakley or Lululemon discounts, you're halfway there.
- The Guest Limit: You can grab a ticket for yourself and up to five additional guests for $25 each. That’s a massive saving if you’re bringing the whole family.
- The Hotel Hack: If you’re coming from out of town, the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel usually runs a "FIRELAW" promo code. Sometimes, booking a night at the hotel during these dates actually includes park tickets, which can be cheaper than buying them separately if you factor in the cost of the room.
Why This Matters Right Now
Let's talk about the vibe. Going to Knott's during Law Enforcement Days isn't just about the cheap tickets. Because the dates are mid-week in January or early December, the park is usually in "Merry Farm" mode or just finishing it up.
You get the Christmas decorations, the specialty holiday food (the turkey sandwiches at the Ghost Town Bakery are elite), and you don't have to deal with the 90-minute wait for GhostRider. It’s a much more relaxed experience than the chaotic summer months.
Also, keep in mind that Knott's is now part of the merged Six Flags family. While the "Tribute Days" tradition has stayed intact for 2025, the back-end systems are changing. You might see more "Six Flags" branding on the ticketing portals, but the Buena Park hospitality remains the same.
Avoid the "Rain Out"
January in Southern California is... unpredictable. Lately, we've been getting these atmospheric rivers that shut down the park entirely. Since these tickets are only valid on specific weekdays, a rainy Tuesday could ruin your one window of opportunity.
Knott's is pretty good about announcing weather closures on their social media (specifically X/Twitter and Instagram) by 9:00 AM. If it looks like a deluge, check their feed before you load the kids in the car. They don't usually offer refunds for "Tribute" tickets if the park is open but it's just drizzling, so bring a poncho and embrace the soggy Snoopy vibes.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning to go, don't wait until the morning of your trip.
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First, log into ID.me and make sure your credentials are up to date. It's a pain to try and verify your employment while standing in the parking lot with spotty cell service.
Second, check the block-out dates. While the tribute is active, certain holidays or special event days might be excluded. For January 2025, keep an eye on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan 20)—hours are longer (10 AM - 9 PM), but the crowds are much heavier.
Finally, if you’re a supervisor or in charge of a precinct's morale, print out the flyer from the Knott’s "Events" page and pin it to the breakroom board. A lot of guys don't even realize this exists until the window has already closed.
Just remember: bring your physical ID even if you bought tickets online. Sometimes the scanners at the gate glitch, and having that hard card is the only way to prove you’re eligible. Enjoy the boysenberry pie—you've earned it.