CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 28, 2016—Thousands of visitors are expected again this year at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C., for its ninth annual Christmas at the Library celebration Dec. 1-23.
“Our one constant in this ever-changing world is the hope found through a relationship with Jesus Christ,” said Tom Phillips, vice president of the Billy Graham Library. “Christmas is the time of the year when people from all walks of life, and all areas of the world, focus on the most meaningful gift of the season–the birth of Christ. Christmas at the Billy Graham Library is itself a celebration of this momentous occasion; one that allows us to continue to share the true meaning of Christmas with visitors who come to the Library.”
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.
A special tree-lighting ceremony, carol sing, and prayer of dedication will take place inside the Billy Graham Library lobby on Thursday, 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 building adjacent to the Library grounds, is available Thursday through Saturday each week. Space is limited and advance reservations are required. Dinner is $22.95 per adult and $9.95 per child aged 4-12. No charge for children three years and under. Reservations can be made by visiting: http://BillyGrahamLibrary.org/christmas-at-the-library/.
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, miniature donkeys, a Zebu cow and a Scottish Highlander cow, from noon to 2 p.m. each day. At certain points throughout each day, Gaby—a three-year-old capuchin monkey—will also join the Nativity animals.
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. During the month of December, guests to The Journey of Faith can discover how Billy Graham and his family have celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ through a special display entitled “Christmas with the Grahams.” The display features never-before-seen memorabilia, rare photos, and Christmas memories from the Graham children.
Admission and parking at the Library is free. Visit www.BillyGrahamLibrary.org for more information.
Other Events and Announcements:
- The ninth annual Teddy Bear Tea designed for children ages five and up will take place on Dec. 3, 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 2017, email libraryevents@bgea.org.
- January 2017 marks the beginning of the Billy Graham Library’s 10th anniversary year. Many special events are currently being planned to celebrate the milestone. Visit www.BillyGrahamLibrary.org for announcements and dates.
- A special exhibit honoring the life of the late Cliff Barrows, longtime music and program director of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association who passed away on Nov. 15, 2016, will be displayed at the Library from Jan. 1-31, 2017.
- The Billy Graham Library will be closed to the public Jan. 9-14 while regular maintenance is performed and system upgrades are being made. The Library will reopen Jan. 16.
About The Billy Graham Library
The Billy Graham Library opened in 2007 and has since had more than 1 million 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
(704) 401-2116
lmoseley@bgea.org