Holiday Cheer Abounds At Knott's Merry Farm

Buena Park, CA -- A holiday destination for families since the 1930s, Knott's Berry Farm magically transforms itself into Knott's Merry Farm(R) to make the century's last holiday season one to remember with festive shopping, dining, entertainment and very special events November 25 through January 3, 2000.

In addition to an enchanted Christmas Village and live, in-park holiday productions, Knott's this year teams up with NBC4-TV, KIIS-FM, KRTH-FM and Sears to welcome back the U.S. Marine Corps "Toys for Tots" Drive. Under the limited-time promotion, any guests bringing a new, unwrapped toy valued at $10 or more on Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12 and 17, 1999 gets into the Park and Christmas Crafts Village free (days only; does not include nighttime special-ticket events).

Merry Farm guests can combine their holiday treats with ride on Knott's two latest blockbuster attractions: GhostRider, the ultimate wooden sleigh ride; and 30-story Supreme Scream, the world's tallest descending thrill ride.

Spanning more than 60 acres, Knott's Christmas Crafts Village invites mall-weary guests to explore one-of-a-kind treasures created by more than 100 artisans in a Christmas wonderland of strolling carolers, brass bands and musical groups, community choirs and lavish holiday decorations. For the special admission fee of just $5 (payable one-time only for unlimited Village admission through Dec. 24), Village guests can wander the streets of Ghost Town and Indian Trails to watch the artisans at work and enjoy a number of special shows including Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" and O'Henry's "A Gift of the Magi" in the Bird Cage Theatre. Village admission is free for kids under 12.

Also featured in Knott's Christmas Village is Santa's Workshop, featuring a new Calico Square location for 1999; "Snoopy's Calico Christmas Celebration," complete with holiday sing-along; and the nightly lighting of Knott's towering Christmas Tree in the California MarketPlace, featuring a festive program starring Knott's holiday-attired PEANUTS gang.

Village guests won't want to miss Knott's holiday foods including fresh-baked pies, cakes, cookies, muffins and gingerbread men, as well as daily specials and the legendary cooking at Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant.

In Knott's 2,100-seat Good Time Theatre, the Park proudly presents "Snoopy's Twelve Days of Christmas on Ice," the beloved ice skating adaptation of everyone's favorite holiday sing-along. Hosted by the famous skating beagle and featuring Knott's ensemble skaters, dazzling sets, colorful costumes and plenty of surprises, this glorious 12-act spectacle is presented Thursday, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only Nov. 25 through Dec. 12, 1999 and then daily Dec. 16 through Jan. 3, 2000 (dark Dec. 2, 24, 25, 31 and Jan.1). The show is included with regular Park admission and available to Christmas Crafts Village guests for a nominal additional charge.

Knott's is also proud to welcome back the U.S. Marines Corps Reserve "Toys for Tots" Drive in an effort to make the holidays brighter for kids throughout Southern California. Under the promotion, any guest bringing a new, unwrapped toy valued at $10 or more gets in free Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12 and 17, 1999.