Last updated: November 11, 2024
Experience the excitement of the holidays in Cordova! Our guide has everything you need for a festive season. From Cordova regulars to holiday tourists, our guide unlocks the city's festive treasures for everyone.
Popular events throughout the season include the Holiday Lighting Weekend at Graceland, where the iconic estate transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland. With stunning light displays and festive activities, visitors can immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. The Ballet Memphis Presents: The Nutcracker brings a classic tale to life with enchanting performances and beautiful choreography that captivates audiences of all ages. And the Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring elegantly decorated trees that create a magical atmosphere. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Cordova Holiday Light Displays
Zoo Lights at Memphis Zoo
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
- Description
- At Zoo Lights, Memphis Zoo transforms into a vibrant holiday spectacle with brand new light displays, festive activities, and beloved holiday traditions. Visit Santa, enjoy s'mores, and dash across the ice at the ice rink.
- Where
- Memphis | More Info : Zoo Lights at Memphis Zoo
Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park
- What to Expect
- Spectacular holiday light displays with various festive activities.
- Description
- Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park features over 2 miles of holiday lights and displays, including drive-through paths, walking trails, and festive activities like meeting Santa Claus and enjoying holiday treats.
- Where
- Memphis | More Info : Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park
Cordova Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas on the Square - Town of Arlington
- What to Expect
- Themed tents and activities for all ages.
- Description
- Christmas on the Square in Arlington features a Christmas Market with local crafted goods, food trucks, and themed activities like Gingerbread House and Santa's Workshop.
- Where
- Arlington | More Info : Christmas on the Square - Town of Arlington
Holiday Market of Memphis
- What to Expect
- Unique shopping experience with special events and silent auctions.
- Description
- The Holiday Market of Memphis is a three-day event featuring over 200 merchants selling unique gifts and seasonal items. Enjoy general admission shopping, silent auctions, and special events like Margaritas & Mistletoe and Muffins & Mimosas.
- Where
- Memphis | More Info : Holiday Market of Memphis
Cordova Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Where Are You Christmas?
- What to Expect
- Heartwarming holiday concert with uplifting music and inspiring performances.
- Description
- Join a heartwarming Christmas concert featuring uplifting music and inspiring performances by Always Hope and CK Dance, presented by Global Ministries Relief and Unstoppable Media, with special thanks to the YMCA Memphis Mid-South.
- Where
- Memphis | More Info : Where Are You Christmas?
A JaiZo Christmas II
- What to Expect
- Talented student and performer performances.
- Description
- Join JaiZo Duo for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and holiday cheer at Hamilton High School. Talented students and performers will entertain you with incredible performances, making this a special holiday event filled with joy and laughter.
- Where
- Memphis | More Info : A JaiZo Christmas II
Another Christmas Temptation
- What to Expect
- A heartwarming holiday stage play with a cast of all-stars.
- Description
- Join us for Another Christmas Temptation, a stage play featuring hilarious performances by Patrice Lovely, Tony Grant, and Trisha Mann-Grant. Enjoy exciting activities, delicious treats, and live entertainment at Breath of Life Christian Center.
- Where
- Memphis | More Info : Another Christmas Temptation
2ND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS GALA EXTRAVAGANZA
- What to Expect
- Live performances by The PC Band, Soul, Uncle Daddy (Erealist), and DJ Doc.
- Description
- Join Janice Johnson for the 2ND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS GALA EXTRAVAGANZA, featuring The PC Band, Soul, Uncle Daddy (Erealist), and DJ Doc. This 4-hour event promises great entertainment and a dress-to-impress atmosphere.
- Where
- Memphis | More Info : 2ND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS GALA EXTRAVAGANZA
Victorian Christmas Carols
- What to Expect
- Traditional Victorian Christmas carols performed in a historic setting.
- Description
- Join us for a nostalgic evening of Victorian Christmas carols, featuring traditional songs and melodies that evoke the spirit of the season.
- Where
- Memphis | More Info : Victorian Christmas Carols
Holiday Lighting Weekend at Graceland
- What to Expect
- Live holiday concerts and exclusive tours of Graceland.
- Description
- Join Graceland for a holiday celebration featuring the annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony, live concerts, and special events. Enjoy holiday decorations, tours of the mansion, and exclusive experiences like the Archives Show and Tell event.
- Where
- Memphis | More Info : Holiday Lighting Weekend at Graceland
Ballet Memphis Presents: The Nutcracker
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- Ballet Memphis presents a stunning new production of The Nutcracker, a beloved American holiday favorite. Clara's story unfolds in a truly fantastical journey between reality and a confectionary dreamland, with sets, costumes, and music that create holiday magic.
- Where
- Memphis | More Info : Ballet Memphis Presents: The Nutcracker
Handel’s Messiah - Memphis Symphony Orchestra
- What to Expect
- Classical music performance of Handel's Messiah.
- Description
- The Memphis Symphony Orchestra presents Handel's Messiah, a timeless oratorio conducted by Robert Moody. Featuring soprano Margaret Carpenter Haigh, alto Taylor Raven, tenor Samuel Cook, and baritone Christian Pursell, this performance is a celebration of music and devotion.
- Where
- Memphis | More Info : Handel’s Messiah - Memphis Symphony Orchestra
Germantown Symphony Orchestra: Germantown Holiday Concert
- What to Expect
- Soprano soloist Tanisha Ward and high school choruses performing holiday classics.
- Description
- The Germantown Symphony Orchestra presents its annual holiday concert featuring native Memphian soprano soloist Tanisha Ward. Choruses from Houston and Germantown High Schools will join the orchestra for this festive event, bringing joy to the season with traditional and modern holiday music.
- Where
- Germantown | More Info : Germantown Symphony Orchestra: Germantown Holiday Concert
Christmas with CoroRio at the Cannon Center
- What to Expect
- Collaborative arts event with live painting and festive performances.
- Description
- Join us for a family-friendly concert centered around Elf, featuring all choirs of MidSouth Music Institute, LRP Studios, and the Hernando High School Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Artist J. Rodney Leath will create a painted masterpiece on stage throughout the concert.
- Where
- Memphis | More Info : Christmas with CoroRio at the Cannon Center
Magic Of Memphis - Memphis Symphony Orchestra
- What to Expect
- Continuous light and music show featuring local performing groups.
- Description
- The Magic of Memphis is a holiday tradition featuring the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, joined by a continuous collage of Memphis performing groups, creating a non-stop light and music show.
- Where
- Memphis | More Info : Magic Of Memphis - Memphis Symphony Orchestra
Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder Christmas
- What to Expect
- Acoustic bluegrass renditions of Christmas classics.
- Description
- Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder present a heartwarming Christmas show featuring a blend of old and new songs in their refreshing acoustic style. The event includes joyful bluegrass tunes, beloved classics, and sing-alongs, making it a special celebration for the holiday season.
- Where
- Memphis | More Info : Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder Christmas
THE JINGLE JAM TURNS 10!!!!!!!
- What to Expect
- Decade-long community celebration with music, games, and festivities.
- Description
- Celebrate a decade of holiday cheer with THE JINGLE JAM TURNS 10!!!!!, featuring a grand celebration of community, positivity, and goodwill.
- Where
- Memphis | More Info : THE JINGLE JAM TURNS 10!!!!!!!
Hernando Dickens of a Christmas
- What to Expect
- Victorian-era themed activities and entertainment.
- Description
- Recreate the atmosphere of the Victorian Era during the holiday season with horse-drawn carriage rides, ice skating, trolley tours of homes, a Christmas farmers market, and holiday train displays.
- Where
- Hernando | More Info : Hernando Dickens of a Christmas
Cordova Other Holiday Activities
Memphis SantaCon 2024
- What to Expect
- Thousands of Santas crawling the streets with exclusive drink specials.
- Description
- Join thousands of Santas for a 7-hour bar crawl through Memphis's best bars and pubs, featuring holiday-themed drinks and decorations.
- Where
- Memphis | More Info : Memphis SantaCon 2024
Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with decorated trees and animated characters.
- Description
- The Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees features beautifully decorated trees, animated characters, model trains, and a gingerbread village, creating a holiday atmosphere for all ages.
- Where
- Memphis | More Info : Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees
Memphis Holiday Spirits Christmas Cocktail Festival
- What to Expect
- Unique holiday cocktail tasting experience with Santa.
- Description
- Sip signature cocktails, enjoy holiday tunes, and visit Santa at the Memphis Holiday Spirits Cocktail Festival, featuring 12 sample-sized cocktails and festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Memphis | More Info : Memphis Holiday Spirits Christmas Cocktail Festival
Dickens of a Christmas Historical High Tea and Etiquette presentation
- What to Expect
- Victorian-era etiquette presentation with historical high tea.
- Description
- Join us for a delightful afternoon of Victorian-era etiquette and delicious treats. Learn about fascinating etiquette while enjoying a selection of teas and treats at 1 Memphis Street, where you'll be transported back in time to the days of Charles Dickens.
- Where
- Memphis | More Info : Dickens of a Christmas Historical High Tea and Etiquette presentation