Christmas at the Library
Visitors can experience a live nativity featuring shepherds, a camel, donkey, and lambs, alongside performances by live Christmas carolers. Guests can board horse-drawn carriage rides around the grounds, attend family story time readings, or walk through The Journey of Faith tour exhibits. Seasonal treats such as pound cake, cinnamon rolls, and hot apple cider are available, along with holiday shopping at Ruth's Attic bookstore.
What to Expect
Live nativity, horse-drawn carriage rides, and caroling on the library grounds.
Event Details
Duration
A horse-drawn carriage ride lasts 15 to 18 minutes.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
Food & Drink
Thursday through Saturday evenings, guests can reserve a Christmas dinner with turkey, ham, sides and festive desserts; pound cake, cinnamon rolls and hot apple cider are also available.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Traditional and family-focused
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Admission and parking are free. Horse-drawn carriage rides cost $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12; tickets can be reserved in advance, and limited tickets may be available on-site. – Get tickets
- Hours: Main event: Monday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m.–9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5:30 p.m.–10 p.m. Petting zoo: Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Story time: every 30 minutes beginning at 5:30 p.m. Carriage rides: Monday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m.–9 p.m. (last ride at 8:45 p.m.); Friday and Saturday, 5:30 p.m.–10 p.m. (last ride at 9:45 p.m.).
- Parking: Parking for Christmas at the Library is free.
- Accessibility: Events are handicapped accessible with the exception of horse-drawn carriage rides, and a limited number of wheelchairs are available at the Information Desk.
- Pets: Animals are available for petting during the stated daytime hours; visitors are asked not to pet or feed them during the evening nativity scene.
Tips & Advice
- Reserve when bookings open in mid-October, because the Christmas-only events require a reservation and this is the Library's busiest time of year.
- Visit on a weekday early in December, when crowds are usually smaller, and expect a significant wait for every activity on Friday and Saturday.
- Book carriage ride tickets in advance, since only limited tickets may be available on site, and bring a blanket for extra warmth on the ride.
- Leave backpacks and large bags in the car, because backpacks aren't permitted and personal bags must be no larger than 12 by 12 by 6 inches.
- Start The Journey of Faith tour well before the end of the night, because the last tour begins an hour and a half before closing.
Special Events & Promotions
- Horse-drawn carriage rides around the Library and BGEA Headquarters grounds, sold separately. Tickets are best bought in advance; limited tickets may be available on site.
- Christmas Dinner with turkey, carved ham and festive desserts, served Thursday–Saturday evenings at BGEA headquarters by separate reservation, with two seatings.
- Petting zoo with the nativity animals Thursday through Saturday at midday.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation?
Yes. Admission is free, but the Christmas-only evening events require a reservation. Reservations open in mid-October 2026.
Can I bring a bag?
Only small personal bags up to 12" x 12" x 6" are allowed, and all bags are inspected. Backpacks aren't permitted on the grounds, so leave them in your vehicle. Exceptions are made for medical items after inspection, and weapons are prohibited.
Can the kids pet the nativity animals?
Yes, but only during the midday petting zoo hours Thursday through Saturday. Please don't pet or feed the animals during the evening nativity. The animal activities depend on the weather.
Can we bring our own food?
No, outside food isn't allowed in the Library. You can buy snacks and meals at the Graham Brothers Dairy Bar.
How can I volunteer?
Apply through the Volunteer for Christmas at the Library page on the Library's website.
More Christmas Events Near Charlotte
More Christmas Events near Charlotte
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.