Nov 20, 2003 /FW/ --Leave your cares behind and join Knott's Berry Farm as it magically transforms itself into Knott's Merry Farm® for the season's brightest shopping, dining and entertainment Nov. 27, 2003 through Jan. 4, 2004.

Knott's Merry Farm has been Southern California's home for the holidays since the1930s and this year is no different.

Elf Mountain Christmas returns this year. (See photo at left.)

The world famous Timber Mountain Log Ride has been transformed this holiday season into a world of Elves getting ready for Santa's busiest day.

Rich with lights, music and the merriest of times, this attraction will remain open until Jan. 4, 2004.

Experience the wonder of "Berry Merry Lights," as hundreds of thousands of twinkling white and multicolored lights, adorning Knott's historic Ghost Town and Camp Snoopy, will merrily light up the nighttime sky from dusk to Park closing.

Knott's 1880s Ghost Town becomes Knott's Christmas Crafts Village, inviting mall-weary guests to explore one-of-a-kind treasures created by more than 100 artisans in a Victorian holiday wonderland of strolling carolers, musical groups, community choirs and lavish holiday decorations.

Adding to the unique Village atmosphere are Santa's Animated Workshop and live performances of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" and O'Henry's "A Gift of the Magi" in the Bird Cage Theatre.

A highlight of Knott's Christmas Crafts Village is Santa's Animated Workshop, located in the Crafts Barn at the end of Main Street.

Here, amid the bustle of an animated toy factory, kids can share their wish lists with St. Nick, and Mom and Dad can take home a picture of the occasion (photo requires additional fee).

Village guests can also indulge in the ultimate comfort foods with Knott's world-famous holiday treats, 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 Charles M. Schulz Theatre, the Park proudly presents the return of "It's Christmas, Snoopy," an ice spectacular.

Hosted by the famous skating Beagle and featuring Knott's ensemble skaters, dazzling sets, colorful costumes and plenty of surprises, this show is presented November 27 - 30, December 5-7, 12-14, 19-24 and 26-30, 2003.

The show is included with regular Park admission and available to Christmas Crafts Village guests for a nominal additional charge.

Another holiday treat for 2003 is "Snoopy's Calico Christmas Celebration" each evening in Calico Square. Join SNOOPY, LUCY and CHARLIE BROWN as they light beautifully decorated Christmas trees before hosting a song-and-dance show complete with carolers, musical groups and a Christmas carol sing-along.

Merry Farm guests can combine their holiday treats with Knott's blockbuster rides: the legendary GhostRider®, the ultimate wooden sleigh ride, 30-story Supreme Scream®, the world's tallest descending thrill ride, and XCELERATOR^SM, Knott's newest coaster launching riders 0-80 m.p.h. in 2.3 seconds.

The towering Knott's MarketPlace Christmas Tree, complete with signature boysenberry ornaments, continues to brighten the free-admission shopping and dining complex nightly Nov. 27 - Dec. 24, 2003, with a daily tree lighting ceremony at 6:15 p.m.

Knott's Merry Farm admission covers all Christmas Crafts Village and in-park shows and activities, including the ice show, "It's Christmas, Snoopy," and all regular rides, shows and attractions including GhostRider®, Supreme Scream® and Xcelerator. Adult residents of Southern California zip codes 90000 through 93599 pay just $33 and kids 3-11 are just $23. For even merrier savings, guests can pick up discount coupon booklets at participating Carl's Jr. restaurants. Adult tickets are $24.95 and kids 3-11 are only $8.95 with the coupon in the Merry Berry Book of Savings.

Admission to the Crafts Village is just $6 for adults, $5 for seniors (age 60+) and kids under 12 are free, but excludes Theme Park admission. Village guests can enjoy the ice show, "It's Christmas, Snoopy," or take a spin on GhostRider for nominal fees.

Knott's opens daily at 10 a.m. The park closes Dec. 25 to allow its employees to spend Christmas with their families. For information about the day you plan to visit, call (714) 220-5200 or click on www.knotts.com.