Northern Kentucky will be hosting visitors from around the world as the annual Christmas programs return to the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum.
Starting the day after Thanksgiving, the highly popular Christian themed attractions of Answers in Genesis will display hundreds of thousands of dazzling lights plus several additions for Christmas 2019. Most of the holiday activities at each location are free.
ChristmasTime at the Ark Encounter
This free family-friendly event in Williamstown will take place 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. from November 29 – December 30, 2019 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Parking is only $10, but is free for residents in eight counties surrounding the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter through 2020.
Highlights include:
• A sea of bright multi-colored lights on the large grounds.
• Glice® skating rink (the largest in the US, sponsored again this year by Hobby Lobby, Pure Flix, and Museum of the Bible). Note: there is a skate rental fee.
• NEW this Christmas: Special animated video sharing the hope of Christmas shown on the massive 70-foot-long LED screen inside the new Answers Center.
• NEW: Guests will join in a Christmas carol sing-a-long in the Answers Center, led by Steve Hess & Southern Salvation (the Ark’s resident musical group).
• NEW: The ChristmasTime experience can be upgraded for $32.99 (adult) after 5 p.m. Includes access inside the Ark and its stunning exhibits and a Christmas dinner at Emzara’s.
• NEW (one night only): On Saturday, December 7, “Promise—A Christmas Drama” (a musical drama) will be held in the Answers Center, featuring a choir, orchestra, and cast of actors from God’s Bible School & College in Cincinnati as well as Aldersgate Christian Academy; it will trace the promise of the Messiah from Eden through the manger and to the cross. This free event begins with a prelude at 4:30 p.m. Find all the event details on the AiG website.
ChristmasTown at the Creation Museum
Continuing a 12-year tradition, ChristmasTown at the Creation Museum invites families to enjoy free activities, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. from November 29 – December 30, 2019 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Parking is only $5*. The museum is located in Petersburg at exit 11 off I-275.
Highlights include:
• Stunning Garden of Lights—many guests say it’s one of the best light displays in the entire Midwest.
• NEW: two giant steel dinosaur sculptures (created by AiG’s own Buddy Davis) will be lit up in a striking way.
• The traditional live nativity will present the true meaning of Christmas, depicting Mary and Joseph with the baby Jesus.
• Popular petting zoo.
• Playground open for kids.
• Special free concerts every Friday and Saturday evening inside Legacy Hall.
• Guests can upgrade the ChristmasTown experience and head inside the Creation Museum to tour the stunning exhibits for just $14.99 after 5 p.m.; price includes a collectible souvenir mug with unlimited hot chocolate refills.
• NEW: Those who upgrade will be among the first guests to take in the brand-new, cutting-edge exhibits in the museum.
• NEW (one night only): Students K-9 from Twelve Stones Christian Academy will be putting on a special free Christmas production, “Long Foretold,” on December 6 at 7 p.m. It’s a unique look at the wise men and their journey to worship Jesus; “Long Foretold” will answer questions about the wise men, such as: Were they at the manger scene? Why did they follow the star? Why were their gifts significant?
• NEW (selected dates): At a free workshop called “Christmas Truths for Families,” guests will discover more about Christmas. Beginning in Genesis, visitors will explore the true history of the world and the fulfillment of the promise God made to Eve in this special family workshop. December 3 – 6.
Ken Ham, CEO of Answers in Genesis, stated: “We encourage everyone to make ChristmasTime and ChristmasTown a family tradition. It’s our gift to the community during this special time of year. Not only will visitors have a wonderful time together, but their hearts and thoughts will be directed towards Jesus and the special gift he gives to us as a result of his birth, death, and resurrection. At Christmas, it’s important we keep Jesus’ gift of coming to earth to offer eternal life as our focus during the holiday festivities. Invite your friends to visit our world-class attractions.”
Ark Encounter (Williamstown, KY, exit 154 off I-75)
November 29–December 30, 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m. (Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day)
ChristmasTime. Free to walk the beautifully decorated grounds and zoo, enjoy concerts, watch a special Christmas animated video, and walk up to the Ark. Admission to the Ark’s interior plus a buffet dinner is only $32.99 after 5 p.m.; Glice® rink with special skates can be rented; $10 parking*
Creation Museum (Petersburg, KY, exit 11 off I-275)
November 29–December 30, 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m. (Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day)
ChristmasTown. Live nativity, outdoor lights, and various festivities are free for only the cost of $5 parking*; $14.99 to walk through the museum and attend most events inside Legacy Hall after 5 p.m. (The December 6 Christmas production is free inside Legacy Hall.)
At both attractions, the zip lines will be open on selected dates at a reduced Christmas price.
More about the events can be found at www.ArkEncounter.com and www.CreationMuseum.org.
Answers in Genesis
