General admission to the Billy Graham Library is free, although there is a cost for certain Christmas at the Library events. View specific pricing of activities here.
Christmas is a special time at the Billy Graham Library with plenty of family-friendly attractions to celebrate the birth of Christ.
Dates & Hours
Open November 29 – December 22, 2018
Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Christmas Activities begin at 5 p.m. Both admission and parking are free.
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. Come earlier in the month to beat the crowds. Hours listed below for special activities are in addition to our normal operating hours.
Live Nativity
See a real life representation of the birth of Jesus, including shepherds, a camel, donkey, lambs, and other animals. 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.
Live Nativity Hours:
Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Come pet the animals at the same location from noon to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free, no tickets needed
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
Experience the ambiance of Christmas at the Library from a horse-drawn carriage. Purchase tickets in the Library parking lot, then get on board for a 15- to 18-minute ride around the BGEA Headquarters and Library grounds. Each carriage comfortably seats four adults.
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, 2 p.m. – 10 p.m. (Last ride 9:45 p.m.)
Cost: Adults – $8, Children under 12 – $4
Tickets cannot be purchased in advance and entire party must be present.
Story Time
Bring the little ones to the Billy Graham Library patio for a special time of reading from Christmas books available in the 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:
Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Cost: Free, no tickets needed
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, with parking available or shuttle bus transportation provided from the Library.
Please note: The dinner is a table sharing environment where you may be seated with other dining parties. There are 10 seats per table, so parties of more than 10 people will be split between multiple tables.
Dates:
November 29-December 22
Thursdays-Saturdays
Time: 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. each night
Cost:
$22.95 per Adult
$9.95 for Children (4-10)
Free for Children 3 and under
Christmas Dinners are full for the season. Please email LibraryDinners@bgea.org for any questions.
Weekly Activities
Daily: Petting zoo with the nativity animals, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Mondays: Snap your photo with a camel, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tuesdays: Paint on the Patio (adults), 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
December 4 and 19: Register Here
December 11: Register Here
Wednesdays: Christmas craft time for children on the Library patio, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Register Here.
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.
Cost: Free, no tickets needed
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. Group reservations are not required.
Holiday Goodies
Enjoy Mother Graham’s poundcake, cinnamon rolls, hot apple cider, and much more.
FAQ
Here are answers to commonly asked questions about Christmas at the Library:
Seasonal Employment
Seasonal employment opportunities are available for Christmas at the Library.