Save the Date for our 2020 ChristmasTime at the Ark Encounter

Mark your calendar and start making plans to visit our fourth annual ChristmasTime at the Ark Encounter! This year’s event will run Wednesday through Sunday evenings from November 27 through December 20, and then every evening from December 21–30 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), beginning at 5 p.m. each night.

Here’s what you will experience when you join us to celebrate this special time of the year.

Catch the Rainbow-Colored Ark and Grounds

The view during ChristmasTime is remarkably photogenic as you take in our life-size Noah’s Ark, the topiaries, Ararat Ridge Zoo, and the Rainbow Gardens illuminated in a stunning sea of rainbow-colored lights.

Warm Up with Encounter the Wonder

We will be showing a spectacular Christmas video, “Encounter the Wonder,” sharing the hope of Christmas on the massive LED screen in the Answers Center. This powerful animated show—initially produced for showing on the 510-foot-long life-size Noah’s Ark—is utterly unique.

Sing Along with Steve Hess & Southern Salvation

Join the Ark’s resident musical group for Joy!, a Christmas concert with Steve Hess & Southern Salvation inside the Answers Center. Sing along to some of your favorite Christmas carols with this Grammy-nominated trio.

Learn More About Ararat Ridge Zoo Animals

Would you like to learn more about our animals in the Ararat Ridge Zoo? If so, join us in the Answers Center each evening to hear interesting facts about our invertebrates, ornate horned frog, mealy parrot, hedgehog, sugar gliders, and more!

Start Your Shopping

Looking for that perfect, one-of-a-kind gift? Stop by our extensive fair trade market and the Ark Encounter gift shop for a selection of handmade gifts from all over the world as well as apparel, stuffed animals, books, DVDs, toys, and much more. We have something for everyone on your list!

Travel Back in Time

Get seated in the Truth Traveler time machine and journey back to the time of Noah in our immersive virtual reality experience, A Flood of Reality. Pod, the lovable robot, will be your guide as you witness the building of Noah’s ark, experience the flood, venture inside the ark with the animals, and more—including some exciting surprises along the way!

Tickets can only be purchased onsite at the Ark Encounter’s Truth Traveler building. Due to high demand, we recommend you purchase your tickets and secure a time for your VR experience soon after your arrival.

Soar Through the Sky

Fly on the Screaming Eagle Zip Lines for an aerial view of the Ark and the decorative lights! You can even book your adventure today. Zip line tickets are also available upon arrival.

Enjoy Seasonal Treats and Tasty Food

Head in for a hearty, family-affordable meal at our award-winning Emzara’s Buffet, or grab a bite at one of our outdoor vendors and specialty snack stands.

Upgrade Your Experience

Are you looking to escape winter’s chill? Upgrade your ChristmasTime experience by touring the Ark’s exhibits and enjoying a delicious meal at the popular Emzara’s Buffet with exclusive holiday pricing after 5 p.m. Visit our event page to learn more about this special offer.

Double Your Fun!

Continue celebrating this special time of the year with a trip to our sister attraction for ChristmasTown at the Creation Museum! Catch a glimpse of the amazing events that surrounded our Savior’s birth with our live nativity, and take a spin on the Glice® skating rink. After that, stay toasty with a cup of hot chocolate as you walk through our botanical gardens immersed in breathtaking light displays.

Save the date, and start making your plans today to bring the whole family out for an unforgettable holiday evening! Be sure to share your favorite ChristmasTime at the Ark Encounter photos with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter using #arkencounter.

Please note: Photos from previous years.