Eighth annual Christmas at the Library put the focus on the true meaning of Christmas – the birth of Jesus Christ
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 20, 2015 – Thousands of visitors are expected again this year at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C., for its eighth annual Christmas at the Library celebration Dec. 1-23.
“Christmas at the Billy Graham Library is one of the most beautiful times of year,” said Tom Phillips, vice president of the Billy Graham Library. “It’s a time when people from across the nation – and even internationally – visit the Library and discover the most meaningful gift of the season – the birth of Jesus Christ in a manger some 2,000 years ago.”
Each December, the Billy Graham Library welcomes families, groups and individuals to experience the retelling of the birth of Jesus Christ, complete with a live Nativity depicting the very first Christmas night. Guests can also enjoy holiday favorites including horse-drawn carriage rides; Christmas story time for children; live music from carolers; a beautiful light display; a large, ornamented Christmas tree; holiday shopping and more. Carriage rides are $7 per adult and $3 per child under 12.
Newly added in 2015, a hand-carved olivewood Nativity scene gifted to the Graham family will be on display throughout December. Additionally, the Library has added to their outdoor light display, including updated LED lights on the 12-foot silo wreath.
A special tree-lighting ceremony and prayer of dedication will take place inside the Billy Graham Library lobby on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 5 p.m., to officially begin the Christmas at the Library season. Media are invited to attend and cover this event.
Christmas dinner, served at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association headquarters, is available Thursday through Saturday each week. Space is limited. Dinner is $18.95 per adult and $8.95 per child 12 and under. No charge for children three years and under. Reservations can be made by calling (704) 401-3269.
The Library’s operating hours during December are Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Christmas activities begin at 5 p.m. The Library is closed on Sundays. Guests can pet animals from the live Nativity, including camels, goats, sheep, a donkey and a dwarf horse, from noon to 2 p.m. each day. Throughout the day, visitors are also invited to tour The Journey of Faith, the main presentation of the Library, which covers the life and ministry of evangelist Billy Graham.
Admission and parking at the Library is free. Visit www.billygrahalibrary.org for more information.
Other Events and Announcements
Kendra Graham, wife of evangelist Will Graham, will speak at the Billy Graham Library’s Ladies Night Out event on Friday, Nov. 20 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Kendra is a gifted speaker and teacher who has a passion for her family and helping others deepen their relationships with God. Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, a sneak peek at the Library’s Christmas decorations and an opportunity to shop the Christmas merchandise in Ruth’s Attic bookstore. There will also be a special performance from Jared Emerson, as he adds an element of “visual worship” with his live painting. This event is sold out. For information about attending in 2016, or to be placed on the waiting list, email libraryevents@bgea.org.
The eighth annual Teddy Bear Tea designed for children ages five and up will take place on Dec. 5 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the headquarters of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Guests will enjoy holiday treats, festive entertainment and a plush stuffed animal to take home. This event is sold out. For information about attending in 2016, email libraryevents@bgea.org.
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse will dedicate two ambulances to be used in Israel with Magen David Adom – Israel’s national emergency service – in a ceremony at the Billy Graham Library on Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 10:30 a.m. The ambulances will be used to provide emergency medical transport services in the Golan Heights region and Upper Nazareth area.
The Billy Graham Library will be closed to the public Jan. 4-9 while regular maintenance is performed and system upgrades are being made. The Library will reopen Jan. 11.
About The Billy Graham Library
The Billy Graham Library opened in 2007 and has since had more than 990,000 visitors from around the world. Admission to the Library and the Journey of Faith is free. For more information on the Library and upcoming events, or to schedule a group tour, please visit www.BillyGrahamLibrary.org. You can also stay connected with the Billy Graham Library on these social media sites: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; and on the Library blog.
Media Contact:
Lisa Moseley
media@billygraham.org