Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Christmas Event
Bring the family for an unforgettable evening of festive lights, live music/shows, holiday dining, gift shopping, and more at the life-size Noah’s Ark during this free Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Christmas event!
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ChristmasTime 2023
5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on November 24–December 30, Tuesday through Saturday (See the green days on the calendar.)
Join us in the evening at the Ark Encounter for our free ChristmasTime event for only the cost of parking!
On the dates of the ChristmasTime evening events, the amazing exhibits inside the life-size Ark are also available for paid-admission guests during the published daytime hours until 6:00 p.m. The Ark gift shop (accessible without Ark exhibit admission) will remain open until 8:30 p.m. on ChristmasTime event evenings.
| Experience | Pricing |
|---|---|
| Brilliant Lights Display | FREE |
| Live Christmas Concerts | FREE |
| A Family Christmas Program | FREE |
| Ararat Ridge Zoo | FREE |
| Amazing Animals Program (at Animal Actors Stage) | FREE |
| Discounted Christmas Parking | $10 per vehicle after 4:00 p.m. |
| Christmas Meal (Available until 7:00 pm) | See Seasonal Food |
| Camel Rides | $10 per guest |
| Virtual Reality Experience | $9.99–$14.99 per guest |
| Carousel Rides | FREE |
| Exhibits in the Ark (available until 6:00 pm) | See Ticketing Page |
Prices do not include City of Williamstown ticket fee or Kentucky sales tax.
Encounter the Wonder
5:50 p.m.
Watch our incredible short animated show on the massive LED screen inside the Answers Center Auditorium. This program captures the wonder of Christmas by beginning in Genesis and tracing Christ through the early pages of the Bible, to his birth, life, death, and resurrection.
This show begins A Family Christmas Program.
A Family Christmas Program
5:50–6:30 p.m.
Join us in the Answers Center Auditorium for A Family Christmas Program. The show begins with Encounter the Wonder, our incredible animated show. Next, enjoy live music performed by our resident vocal group TrueSong and a video presentation by the students of Answers Academy. This exciting Christmas program includes popular Christmas songs along with great storytelling and a compelling message and is an experience that whole family is sure to enjoy!
Schedule subject to change.
Amazing Animals
Don’t miss this live animal show located at the Animal Actors Stage in Ararat Ridge Zoo.
Schedule to be determined.
Christmas Music
Come worship with our resident music artists as they sing Christmas music including traditional carols.
Brilliant Lights Display
See Noah’s Ark and the gardens illuminated in a remarkable sea of rainbow-colored lights! This holiday season, bring the whole family out for an unforgettable evening.
Seasonal Food and Festive Treats
Enjoy a hearty, family-affordable holiday buffet meal inside Emzara’s Kitchen or grab a cup of hot cocoa or coffee and fresh kettle corn at one of our outdoor vendors and specialty snack stands.
Emzara’s Kitchen:
Closes at 7:00 p.m.
Zofar’s:
Closes at 8:30 p.m.
Virtual Reality Experience
Come inside our Virtual Reality Experience and travel back to the time of Noah in our Truth Traveler VR show!
Carousel: Journey of the Animals
Experience our one-of-a-kind carousel and take a ride on a T. rex, Quetzalcoatlus, elephant, or another custom-made representative of a biblical kind!
Unique Christmas Gifts
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!
Soar Through the Night Sky
Fly on the Screaming Eagle Zip Lines for an aerial view of the Ark and the decorative lights! Learn more and book today. Zip line tickets are also available upon arrival.
Ticket purchase required. Limited availability.
Meet Animals
Explore our newly expanded Ararat Ridge Zoo, kangaroo walkabout, and Children’s Zoo. Children 17 and under can even ride on a camel (weather permitting). Come meet some incredible creatures from around the world up close and learn about God’s design in the animal kingdom!
Ticket purchase required for camel ride.
ChristmasTown at the Creation Museum
Tour the dazzling garden of lights and a indoor nativity at the Creation Museum during our free annual ChristmasTown event!
Learn MoreBigger Than Imagination
Ark Encounter Location
place
1 Ark Encounter Drive
Williamstown, KY 41097 (see directions)
Just west of the intersection of KY-36 and I-75 (at exit 154).
An attraction of Answers in Genesis
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