During the Christmas season and into the New Year, Ark Encounter guests can experience the wonder of a spectacular new event called “ChristmasTime at the Ark.”
From December 8 – January 15, three times each evening (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), Ark visitors will watch a high-tech animated laser-projection show, “Encounter the Wonder,” that uses 15 video projectors, with the side of the massive Ark as a long screen. The Ark will become a 510-foot-long, five story-high screen for this high-tech, dramatic laser-video projection show, with a state-of-the-art sound system to accompany the animation.
Technicians are putting the final touches on employing cutting-edge “3D mapping” to animate the Ark, the entry ramp, “The Door” and even the interior of the Ark for this laser projection show. The Scripture-based presentation begins in Genesis, continues to Noah’s Flood, proceeds to Christ’s birth, and concludes with the message of the Cross.
Ken Ham, CEO of Answers in Genesis (AiG) and visionary behind the Ark and the new “Encounter the Wonder” laser-video show, said, “I’ve been following the progress of the production of this world-class show, and it’s going to be amazing. I expect people to come not only from around America, but even overseas.”
“Encounter the Wonder” will be shown three times every evening December 8 – January 15 at 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m. (except Christmas Eve and Christmas). The 10-minute animation show will depict animals walking up the Ark ramp, the floodwaters rising, a cutaway of the Ark’s three decks so guests can peer inside, and other striking images.
The grounds of the Ark Encounter are open to the public for shopping and dining at no charge (except for the cost of parking) and will continue through February 28.
Guests will be able to observe, up close, the outside of the 510-foot-long Ark, shop inside its large gift store offering extensive Fair-Trade items and browse other artisan stores. The gift shops have one of the largest inventory of FairTrade items in the US, displaying unique, hand-made gift items that help support underprivileged people around the world.
Visitors can also grab a meal at Emzara’s buffet restaurant just a few steps from the Ark, and stroll through the ever-expanding Ararat Ridge Zoo and petting zoo area to view the exotic animals.
As visitors enjoy the Ark Encounter grounds and zoo for free (parking $10 per car) from November through February, they can purchase tickets at the usual price to go inside the Ark and experience the three massive decks of exceptional exhibits. Children, teens, and adults can also buy tickets for a camel or donkey ride and soar on the thrilling zip lines. The Ark Encounter is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas.
“ChristmasTime at the Ark” is free except for the cost of parking, and tickets must be purchased to walk inside the Ark and take any rides. “ChristmasTime at the Ark” begins at 4:30 p.m. and closes at 9:10 p.m.; the Ark Encounter park opens at 9 a.m.
The Ark Encounter, owned and operated by AiG, is located in Williamstown, KY (south of Cincinnati) at exit 154 off I-75.
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