Come experience the wonder of ChristmasTime at the Ark Encounter! See the Ark in rainbow lights, watch a spectacular 500-foot-wide projection show, enjoy a Christmas buffet, shop for fair trade and one-of-a-kind gifts, meet adorable zoo animals, listen to live music, and much more!
Open Access to Ark Grounds
Nov. 1 – Dec. 23, 2017, and Dec. 26 – Feb. 28, 2018
Explore everything outside the Ark for free* from November 1, 2017, to February 28, 2018. See the Ark in rainbow lights and access the entire Ark Encounter grounds including Ararat Ridge Zoo, Emzara’s Kitchen, the gift shop, fair trade market, and more! The Ark is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
* Parking is $10 per vehicle
ChristmasTime Festivities
Dec. 8 – Dec. 23, 2017, and Dec. 26 – Jan. 15, 2018
Don’t miss the impressive Ark-sized projection show this Christmas season, plus a host of other fun holiday activities! Learn more below.
Program hours: 4:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Dazzling Lights Display
Take in the massive Ark reflecting a rainbow of colored lights, and watch a spectacular 500-foot-wide projection show on the side of the Ark! Available after dusk, December 8 – 23, 2017, and December 26 – January 15, 2018.
The Ark’s rainbow lights are a testament to the true meaning of the rainbow. After the Flood, God set the rainbow as the sign of His covenant to never again destroy the whole earth with water.
A New Family Tradition
Bring the family for an unforgetable evening! Sit around a warm fire sipping hot cocoa and enjoying live music, then head inside for a hearty Christmas buffet. Visit the adorable zoo animals, and pick up some one-of-a-kind Christmas presents from the fair trade market and gift shop.
Winter Fun at the Zoo
Visit with animals from around the world at the Ararat Ridge Zoo. Kids of all ages love the petting zoo area—and the chance to ride a camel or donkey. Our goats will even be decked out in Christmas sweaters to join in the fun!
Christmas Buffet and Festive Treats
Head inside for a hearty Christmas buffet at Emzara’s Kitchen, or grab a bite to eat at one of our many outdoor vendors and specialty snack stands. With savory entrees and sweet treats, you certainly won’t go hungry when you visit for ChristmasTime at the Ark!
Emzara’s Kitchen
Zofar’s Flatbreads
Shem’s Snack Shack
Fair Trade Market and Gift Shop
Looking for that perfect, last-minute gift? Stop by our extensive fair trade market or the Ark Encounter gift shop for fair trade, handmade, and one-of-a-kind items from all over the world! Explore a huge variety of apparel, stuffed animals, books, DVDs, and handmade gifts.
Explore Inside the Ark
Warm up inside and explore the Ark Encounter! Scores of exhibits about the Flood, Noah, and the animals are designed to answer your questions about the biblical account of Noah’s Ark. Get your tickets online and at the park entrance.
Get Ark Tickets
Fireside Live Music
Stay toasty and enjoy a crisp evening outside with warm fires, delicious hot cocoa, and live music.
Christmas Town at the Creation Museum
Catch a glimpse of the amazing events that surrounded the wonder of our Savior’s birth when you visit the Creation Museum during our free annual Christmas Town event. Enjoy the dazzling lights, see the live nativity, and have fun as you learn about this special time of the year.
Christmas Town will run December 15–23 and December 26–30, 2017, each evening from 5–8 p.m.
Learn More