Christmas is a special time at the Billy Graham Library
Dates & Hours
December 1-23, 2023
Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
For entry into Billy Graham Library, all bags, packages, and boxes will be subject to inspection by security personnel. We reserve the right to refuse admission for any bag, parcel, or other item. Weapons are prohibited.
Activities
Listed below are the main activities available to help you make the most of your Christmas at the Library visit. In addition to the Christmas-only activities, the Billy Graham Library’s ongoing attractions are available for extended hours during Christmas. Hours listed below for special activities are in addition to our normal operating hours. Admission and parking to Christmas at the Library are free.
Live Nativity
See a real life representation of the birth of Jesus, including shepherds, a camel, donkey, lambs, and other animals. A selection of animals will be available Thursday-Saturday from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. for petting. This free attraction is located between the Library entrance and the Graham Family Homeplace.
Please don’t pet or feed the animals during the evening nativity scene. This activity is dependent upon weather conditions.
Live Nativity Hours:
Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Petting Zoo
Petting Zoo Hours:
Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
Experience the ambiance of Christmas at the Library from a horse-drawn carriage. Purchase tickets in advance (preferred) or on-site when you arrive, then get on board for a 15- to 18-minute ride around the BGEA Headquarters and Library grounds. Each carriage comfortably seats four adults.
Feel free to bring a blanket to provide extra warmth for your carriage ride. Blankets will also be available for purchase in the Ruth’s Attic Bookstore.
Carriage Ride Hours:
Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. (Last ride at 8:45 p.m.)
Friday, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. (Last ride 9:45 p.m.)
Saturday, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. (Last ride 9:45 p.m.)
Cost: Adults – $12, Children under 12 – $6; Tickets can be reserved in advance; limited tickets may be available on-site.
Story Time
Bring the little ones to the Billy Graham Library patio for a special time of reading from Christmas books available in Ruth’s Attic Bookstore. Kids of all ages are welcome, but this free event is especially recommended for those under age 12. The patio is covered and heated so everyone stays warm.
Story Time Hours:
Story time will begin every 30 minutes beginning at 5 p.m.
Christmas Dinner
Celebrate the Savior’s birth with family and friends over a wonderful Christmas dinner. This traditional holiday meal features turkey and carved ham with maple Dijon glaze, cranberry cornbread stuffing, other savory dishes, and an assortment of festive desserts. Dinner will be served just behind the Library in the BGEA headquarters on Thursday-Saturday evenings, with parking available or shuttle bus transportation provided from the Library. Two seatings 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Reserve a spot for Christmas dinner by clicking the “Make Your Reservation” button at the top of this page.
Christmas Carolers
From “Joy to the World” to “O Holy Night,” songs of the season can be heard live each night of Christmas at the Library. This activity includes a variety of performances by different groups.
The Journey of Faith
The Journey of Faith tour retraces the inspiring journey of Billy Graham, using state-of-the-art exhibits and historical retrospectives. The last tour starts 1.5 hours prior to closing.
Holiday Goodies
Enjoy Mother Graham’s pound cake, cinnamon rolls, hot apple cider, and much more.
Ruth’s Attic
If you’re looking for a special gift—from books and Bibles to home décor, apparel, and jewelry—check out Charlotte’s own Christian bookstore.
