Help Knott's with Toys for Tots Drive Dec. 1-16

Knott’s Berry Farm will look like Santa’s Toy Shop this year as it stocks hundreds of toys for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Drive.  This year guests can simplify their holiday gift buying by purchasing a $25 gift at the Knott’s California Shop located in Knott’s MarketPlace and then bringing it to Knott’s Main Gate for free admission. Those wishing to bring their own new, unwrapped gift valued at $25 or more, will be given avoucher to purchase a regular Knott’s Merry Farm admission for only $25.

            For those who wish to donate to Toys for Tots online, simply go to www.knotts.com and your donation will purchase a gift for the Toys for Tots Drive and provide you with a ticket to Knott’s as a thank you.

The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Drive at Knott’s runs Dec. 1-16, 2012 only.  The collected toys will be distributed by U.S. Marine Corps Reserve personnel to disadvantaged children throughout Southern California.  The annual program is part of a nationwide U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.  Knott’s Berry Farm is one of the largest collection sites for Toys for Tots in Southern California collecting more than 679,000 toys over the years.

A visit to Knott’s Merry Farm is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season with your family.  The Park, which has been transformed into a spectacular winter wonderland, includes activities for the whole family including a colorful Christmas parade and a spectacular holiday ice show.

The “A Peanuts’ Holiday Parade” is a Christmas celebration with seven elaborately themed floats featuring the Peanuts gang as the get ready for the holiday season. Children and adults alike will be swept away into a magical world of dancing snowmen, oversized toys and glittering Christmas trees.

Returning to Knott’s 2,100-seat Charles M. Schulz Theatre is “It’s Christmas, Snoopy!”  This ice spectacular is hosted by the famous skating Beagle and features Knott’s ensemble skaters, dazzling sets, colorful costumes and plenty of surprises!  There is no better way to get into the holiday season than to enjoy the world’s most famous beagle as he skates to your favorite holiday music in a production that is truly breathtaking.

                Back for 2012’s Merry Farm is Elf Mountain Christmas.  The famous Timber Mountain Log Ride has once again been transformed into the North Pole where we can all get a glimpse of Santa and his elves getting ready for their busiest night of the year.  Rich with lights, music and the merriest of times, this attraction will remain open until Jan. 6, 2013.

            Knott’s Merry Farm also offers guests the opportunity to get a little Christmas shopping done.  Knott’s 1880’s Ghost Town becomes Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village, and invites guests to explore one-of-a-kind treasures created by dozens of artisans in a Victorian holiday wonderland.  And don’t miss live performances of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and O. Henry’s “A Gift of the Magi” in the Bird Cage Theatre.

              The Toys for Tots campaign collected over 27,000 toys at Knott’s Berry Farm last year and hopes to exceed that number this December.  Each year, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve coordinates the distribution of the collected toys to disadvantaged children through local social service agencies.  This year’s campaign at Knott’s is supported by UPS, who will transport collected toys to the local U.S. Marine Corps drop-off center. For information on Knott’s Merry Farm activities and show schedules, call (714) 220-5200 or click on www.knotts.com or download the Knott’s Berry Farm mobile app for your smartphone.