CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 26, 2012 — Thousands of visitors are expected this year at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C., for its fifth annual “Christmas at the Library” celebration Dec. 1-22.
“Christmas is one of my favorite times of year at the Billy Graham Library,” said Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. “We want people to come and experience all of the festivities with their families. But most of all, we want to point every visitor to God’s greatest gift, His son Jesus Christ, who is always the focus at the Library.”
A number of family-friendly activities visitors have enjoyed in previous years will be available, including horse-drawn carriage rides; Christmas story time for children; live music from carolers; a beautiful display of lights; a large, ornamented Christmas tree; and a live Nativity, depicting the very first Christmas night.
A new addition to this year’s event is Christmas dinner, served at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association headquarters. Thursday through Saturday each week, a maximum of 300 people will be accommodated nightly on a first-come, first-served basis. Large groups (15 or more) can reserve space by calling (704) 401-3200. Groups of more than 100 can also reserve private dinners Monday-Wednesday.
The Library’s operating hours during December will be 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 from noon to 2 p.m. each day. 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.
After 3 p.m., there is a $10 parking fee per vehicle. Admission to the Library is free; additional costs apply for carriage rides, Christmas dinner or keepsake photographs. Visit www.billygrahamlibrary.org for more information.
Other Events and Announcements
The Billy Graham Library will be closed to the public Jan. 7-20 while maintenance is performed and system upgrades are being made. The Library will reopen Jan. 21.
About The Billy Graham Library
The Billy Graham Library opened in 2007 and has since had more than 650,000 visitors from around the world. Admission to the Library is free. For more information on the Library and upcoming events, or to schedule a group tour, please visit www.billygrahamlibrary.org.