It’s that time of year again when the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina, is filled with Christmas cheer in celebration of Christ’s birth.
Christmas at the Library kicked off Monday, November 29, and ends December 23, with activities Monday through Thursday from 5-9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5-10 p.m. The Library is closed on Sundays.
Each year, the Billy Graham Library transforms to offer a host of Christmas-themed activities for the entire family.
Library staff encourage visitors to register for a time slot for their visit. The Library began accepting reservations during last year’s COVID-19 safety measures and that practice continues this year, offering a more enjoyable guest experience. If a guest shows up for Christmas at the Library without a reservation, they will not be turned away but will have to register onsite and may have a longer wait.
>>Get answers to frequently asked questions about Christmas at the Library.
Free Activities
The live nativity, located between the Library entrance and Graham Family Homeplace, is a free attraction that includes a camel, donkey, lambs and other animals.
Story time on the Billy Graham Library patio (which is covered and heated) is perfect for little ones. Volunteers read Christmas books every 30 minutes, beginning at 5 p.m.
Christmas carolers sing songs of the season each night of Christmas at the Library. This activity includes a variety of performances by different groups.
The Journey of Faith tour is the Library’s signature attraction telling the inspiring journey of Billy Graham through art exhibits and videos. The last tour starts 1.5 hours prior to closing.
Additional Activities
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 at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association headquarters, with parking available or shuttle bus transportation provided from the Library. Advance reservations are required for the Christmas dinner.
Cost: Adults – $25, Children under 12 – $12
Christmas dinner dates:
Dec. 3-18, Fridays and Saturdays
5 p.m. and 7 p.m. each night
Email LibraryDinners@bgea.org with questions. If you are interested in reserving an individual seat, call the Library at 704-401-3200.
Horse-drawn carriage rides run regularly during Christmas at the Library, allowing visitors to view the grounds and Christmas décor from a different perspective. Purchase tickets in advance (preferred) or onsite when you arrive. Each carriage comfortably seats four adults.
Carriage rides are Monday through Thursday 5-9 p.m., Friday 5-10 p.m. and Saturday 2-10 p.m., with the last ride each night 15 minutes before closing.
Cost: Adults – $8, Children under 12 – $4; tickets available for purchase onsite.
Make plans to visit before the Christmas season ends, and see what’s in store for next year.
