Christmas at the Ark Encounter will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on November 28, 2025–January 3, 2026, Thursday through Saturday on select days.
Countdown until Christmas season!
The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Christmas Experience!
Bring the family for an unforgettable evening of festive lights, live music/shows, holiday dining, gift shopping, and more, for the price of parking.
Schedule is subject to change.
Prices do not include City of Williamstown ticket
fee or Kentucky sales tax.
Two Ways to Experience Christmas at the Ark
Whether you’re looking for an evening filled with festive lights and holiday music, or a full-day adventure exploring the life-size Ark and world-class exhibits and a festive evening, we’ve got the perfect option for you. Choose the experience that fits your visit!
Christmas at the Ark Encounter
During the Christmas at the Ark Encounter event, the Ark gift shop (accessible without Ark exhibit admission) will remain open until 8:30 p.m. on event evenings.
| Time | 5:00 PM-8:30 PM |
| Admission (Ark Exhibits not included) |
FREE |
| Parking |
$15 (Standard)
$20 (Oversized)
|
Full Experience
The amazing exhibits inside the life-size Ark remain available for paid-admission guests during the published daytime hours until 5:00 p.m.
| Time |
10:00 AM-5:00 PM
(Daytime: Exhibits Open)
5:00 PM-8:30 PM
(Evening: Christmas Event) |
| Admission |
Ticket Required |
| Parking |
$15 (Standard)
$20 (Oversized)
|
Featured Christmas Activities
Light in the Darkness
This five-minute laser light show takes us through the true Christmas story, reminding us that Jesus is the light of the world.
Projected on the side of the Ark nightly during Christmas at the Ark Encounter.
Seasonal Food and Festive Treats
Enjoy a hearty, family-affordable holiday buffet meal inside Emzara’s Buffet or grab candied roasted nuts and a cup of hot cocoa at one of our outdoor vendors and specialty snack stands.
Emzara’s Buffet meals available until 7:30 p.m.
Animal Shows
6:15 p.m., 7:15 p.m.
Enjoy meeting animals up close during Creature Features at the Animal Actors Stage.
Schedule subject to change.
Learn moreMore Amazing Experiences
Special Events
Answers Academy Live Performance: December 5
The Zealot’s Fight is a powerful original drama by the students of Answers Academy that celebrates the babe in the manger whose mission was not to claim a throne of power but to conquer and free us from the bondage of sin, giving us new life in Christ!
Learn moreGod's Bible School & College Musical Drama: December 13
Witness, written by Michael and Rachelle DeStefano, is an invitation to see Christ for who he is and trust him for what he will do. We find Mary the mother of Jesus at a wedding in crisis and see her as she introduces her Son to those around her—not just as her Son but as Messiah.
Learn more
Christmas at the Creation Museum
Tour the dazzling Garden of Lights and a live nativity on select nights during our free Christmas at the Creation Museum 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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