Evolving Attractions Calendar

Because January, February, and part of March are the slowest times of the year, we instituted the closing of attractions on Sunday through Tuesday during these months (December 31 through March 7 for 2023). This enables us to do maintenance and implement upgrades during the closed days.

For 2023, our popular ChristmasTown and ChristmasTime evening programs will be held Monday through Saturday, November 27–December 30.

The attractions are closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

A major change for 2023 concerns which Sundays the attractions will be open. Before I give you those details, let me answer a question we occasionally receive: Why are the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum open on Sundays?

It’s important to realize that our two attractions exist to proclaim the gospel and the message of the truth of God’s Word and biblical authority.

Well, first, as a nondenominational ministry, we try to take a balanced and respectful approach to many denominational questions. But it’s important to realize that our two attractions exist to proclaim the gospel and the message of the truth of God’s Word and biblical authority. So both attractions are ministries that are doing the work of the Lord. Keep in mind what Jesus said in Matthew 12:12 about the Sabbath: “So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”

Consider that even in the Old Testament, doing ministry was considered acceptable work during normal rest periods, even on the Sabbath. For example, priests could perform their temple duties even on that day of rest. Today, ministry work on Sunday is accepted by many Christians—and certainly it’s not forbidden in Scripture. Pastors, elders, Sunday school teachers, or even the person getting the church building ready for worship are all working on Sunday morning.

The Ark and museum are ministries. When someone works on any day of the week at either attraction, they’re doing ministry. We aren’t open in the morning on Sundays—and we generally have reduced programs that day as well. And, of course, we still encourage our employees to have a time to rest during the week. We value our staff and their spiritual growth.

However, a change for 2023 is that the attractions will be open on Sundays only during the summer. So for March 8–May 27 this year, attractions will be open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and closed on Sundays. For May 28–August 14, 2023, attractions will be open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on Sundays, 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Be sure to check the calendars and “Things to Do” sections on the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum websites before planning your visit. We hope to see you soon!

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,
Ken

This item was written with the assistance of AiG’s research team.