Christmas at the Ark Encounter Returns Next Month!

It’s time to mark your calendar with the dates for this year’s Christmas at the Ark Encounter! Bring the family for an unforgettable evening of festive lights, live music/shows, holiday dining, gift shopping, and more, for just the price of parking..

Our Christmas event is taking place Thursday–Saturday, November 27, 2026–January 2, 2027! There are a few exceptions: We’re closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve; however, the event open dates are expanded the weeks of Christmas and New Year to also include Tuesday–Wednesday (December 22, 23, 29, and 30), so you still have plenty of opportunity to visit during those weeks. See the calendar below:

What Will You Experience?

So what can you expect when you join us for Christmas at the Ark Encounter? Well, for only the cost of parking, come to the Ark Encounter to enjoy:

• Light in the Darkness, a spectacular laser show on the side of the life-size Ark
• Live animal shows
• A sea of lights throughout the grounds
• Ararat Ridge Zoo
• Our custom indoor carousel
• Our playground
• And, of course, access to unique holiday shopping, festive foods, and more.

Two Ways to Experience Christmas at the Ark Encounter

Whether you’re looking for an evening filled with festive lights and holiday music or a full-day adventure exploring our world-class exhibits in our life-size Noah’s Ark and enjoying a festive evening, we’ve got the perfect option for you. Choose the experience that fits your visit!

The amazing exhibits inside the life-size Ark remain available for paid-admission guests during the published daytime hours until 5:00 p.m.

During our Christmas at the Ark Encounter event, the Ark gift shop (accessible without Ark exhibit admission) will remain open until 8:30 p.m.

Head to Christmas at the Creation Museum Too!

Be sure to add a visit to the Creation Museum to your Christmas activities this year as well. Visit the museum to experience:

• A live nativity
• Spectacularly beautiful garden of lights
• TrueSong concerts
• Lit-up dinosaurs throughout the grounds
• The Plants of the Bible Conservatory
• Indoor drama videos
• Encounter the Wonder in our 4D theater
• Creation Zoo
• Our playground
• And access to holiday shopping, festive foods, and more!

Start planning your Christmas visit to the Ark Encounter today! We look forward to seeing your family here!