Are you looking for a meaningful family experience this holiday season? Celebrate the birth of Jesus during Christmas at the Library, Dec. 1–23.

“This is an opportunity for people to come and experience the real meaning of Christmas,” said Melissa Ledbetter, executive director of the Billy Graham Library. “Our hope is that folks who don’t know Jesus will come to know [Him].”

The 18th annual event is open to the public Monday through Thursday, 5–9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 5–10 p.m. The Library is closed on Sundays.

Admission, parking, and many activities are free of charge. Food and tickets for horse-drawn carriage rides are available for purchase, but be sure to make your reservations ahead of time, as spots fill up quickly.

What can you experience during Christmas at the Library?

• A live nativity: See this beautiful depiction of the first Christmas and listen to the story of Jesus’ birth.
• Petting zoo: Children (and adults) can pet the animals featured in the nativity Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Christmas carolers: Throughout the evening, carolers will sing classics like “Joy to the World” and “O Holy Night.”
• Children’s story time: Held in the Library’s Billy Kim Hall, story time is free and open to kids of all ages, but it’s especially recommended for ages 12 and under. Story time occurs every 30 minutes starting at 5 p.m.
• The Journey of Faith tour: Learn about the life and ministry of Billy Graham and be inspired by the story of an ordinary life surrendered to God. Tickets are required for this free tour. Reserve yours now.
• Horse-drawn carriage rides: Bundle up for this 15-minute carriage ride through the property, adorned with more than 25,000 lights, followed by a photo opportunity. Carriage rides run Monday through Thursday from 5–9 p.m. (last ride at 8:45 p.m.), and Friday and Saturday from 5–10 p.m. (last ride at 9:45 p.m.). Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for kids under 12. Reserve your ride.
• Christmas dinner: Bring your friends and family to this festive dinner with seatings on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at 5 p.m. or 7 p.m. Tickets are $34.99 for adults and $17.99 for kids 13 and under. Children under 2 do not need a reservation. This event sells out fast, so save your spot now.

If your desired date/time for any of these events is sold out, please check back. No waitlist is available at this time.  

There’s Much More to Enjoy

Between activities, warm up at the Graham Brothers Dairy Bar café with a specialty coffee, hot chocolate, or apple cider. The dairy bar will also sell an assortment of holiday goodies. 

If you’re looking for Christmas gifts, the Library has a bookstore and one-stop shop for Christ-centered gifts—from Bibles and devotionals to apparel and home décor.  

Whether Christmas at the Library has become a family tradition or you’ve never been, Ledbetter encourages guests to invite others who need to be uplifted this holiday season.

“We pray that they bring family or friends who haven’t come before, [especially those] who maybe wouldn’t go to church with them,” she said. Library staff also pray that hearts will be open to the Gospel.

Plan your visit this Christmas.