The true meaning of Christmas ― the birth of Christ ― remains the focus of the 12th annual Christmas at the Library
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 2, 2019 – Christmas at the Library has become an annual tradition for many, with more than 423,000 celebrating this wonderful season at the Billy Graham Library since its opening in 2007. Thousands of visitors are anticipated this year for the 12th annual Christmas at the Library, which runs Dec. 2-23.
”For more than 80 years, Billy Graham preached on the cross,” said Scott Holmquist, executive director of the Billy Graham Library. “The cross wouldn’t exist without the manger. At Christmas at the Library, we’ll celebrate the gift of Jesus Christ to the world through the salvation He offers all people by His death on the cross and resurrection.”
Christmas at the Library at the Billy Graham Library welcomes people from across the Southeast and the U.S. 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 $8 per adult and $4 per child under 12.
Additional Christmas activities including crafts on the patio, photos with Nativity animals, and more, are available on select days. Specific details and times are listed at: www.billygrahamlibrary.org/christmas-calendar.
The Library’s operating hours during Christmas at the Library are Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Most Christmas activities begin at 5 p.m., Guests can interact with animals from the live Nativity from noon to 2 p.m. each day including: camels, goats, sheep, a donkey, a Scottish Highland cow, a baby American Bison and a kangaroo. The Library is closed on Sundays.
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 view a special display entitled “From Generation to Generation: Billy Graham’s Ministry to Youth,” and see how God used the evangelist to reach young people with the Good News of Jesus Christ, from inner-city ministry in Chicago to postwar Europe to the Miami Rock Festival. You will also learn about Graham’s own experience as a student.
Admission and parking at the Library is free. Visit www.billygrahamlibrary.org for more information.
Other Events and Announcements:
- Dec. 5, 1-2 p.m.: Book Signing with Andrew Brunson – Despite the difficulties of ministering in a country generally hostile to Christians, American pastor Andrew Brunson heeded God’s call on his life to serve as a missionary in Turkey. While there, he was accused of being a spy and being a part of an attempted coup. Brunson’s recent book, God’s Hostage is the incredible true story of his imprisonment, his brokenness, his faithfulness … and his freedom.
Meet Andrew Brunson at the Billy Graham Library as he signs copies of his book, God’s Hostage: A True Story of Persecution, Imprisonment, and Perseverance. Books will be available for purchase in Ruth’s Attic bookstore, or you may bring your own. This is a free event and no pre-registration is required. For more information, please call (704) 401-3200 or email LibraryEvents@bgea.org.
- The Billy Graham Library will be closed to the public Dec. 30-Jan. 5 while regular maintenance is performed and system upgrades are being made. The Library will reopen Jan. 6.
About The Billy Graham Library
The Billy Graham Library opened in 2007 and has since had more than 1.5 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.
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Media Contact:
Lisa Moseley
(704) 401-2116
lmoseley@bgea.org