Memphis, TN transforms into a festive haven during the holiday season, offering a plethora of events that capture the city's unique charm. From the mesmerizing Starry Nights at Shelby Farms, enveloping visitors in millions of twinkling lights, to the enchantment of the Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees, where decorated Christmas trees support a noble cause, there is something for everyone.
Zoo Lights at the Memphis Zoo provides a wild twist with life-sized illuminated animal sculptures, adding to the city's vibrant holiday landscape. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Memphis' holiday events promise an unforgettable seasonal experience.
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The Top Christmas Events in Memphis
- Starry Nights at Shelby Farms
- Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees
- Zoo Lights
- Graceland's Christmas Lighting Ceremony
- Christmas at Graceland
- Holiday Wonders at the Garden
- The Nutcracker Ballet
- Christmas at the Peabody
- A Victorian Yuletide
- Memphis Christmas Parade
Memphis Holiday Light Displays
Starry Nights at Shelby Farms
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display in one of America's largest urban parks
Description:
Shelby Farms Park transforms into a twinkling wonderland for Starry Nights. This drive-through experience spans miles of the 4,500-acre urban park, one of the largest in America. Visitors can tune their car radios to a special station for synchronized holiday music as they cruise past elaborate light sculptures. The event pays homage to Memphis' musical heritage with displays featuring blues and rock 'n' roll themes. You'll encounter a dazzling array of over 3.5 million lights, creating a mesmerizing spectacle against the night sky.
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Zoo Lights
What to Expect:
Animal-themed light displays throughout the Memphis Zoo
Description:
Zoo Lights electrifies the Memphis Zoo with a wild twist on holiday illuminations. Life-sized animal sculptures crafted from thousands of twinkling lights prowl the pathways, creating a nocturnal safari experience. The event celebrates the zoo's 117-year history of wildlife conservation and education. Visitors can glide across the synthetic ice rink, surrounded by the gentle glow of exotic creature displays. The air fills with the aroma of roasting chestnuts, adding a sensory layer to the evening's adventure.
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Graceland's Christmas Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Elvis-themed holiday lighting at the King's former mansion
Description:
Graceland's Christmas Lighting Ceremony kicks off the holiday season with a rock 'n' roll flair. The event illuminates Elvis Presley's former home, continuing a tradition that began during the King's residency. Blue lights, Elvis' favorite color, feature prominently in the display, paying homage to the music legend. Visitors witness the grand switch-on, bathing the mansion and grounds in a sea of colorful lights. The ceremony includes live performances of Elvis' holiday classics, bringing his festive spirit to life.
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Graceland's Christmas Lighting Ceremony
Holiday Wonders at the Garden
What to Expect:
Botanical-themed light displays in Memphis Botanic Garden
Description:
Holiday Wonders at the Garden transforms Memphis Botanic Garden into a luminous landscape. The event showcases nature-inspired light installations, highlighting the garden's diverse plant collections. Towering trees wrapped in lights create a canopy of stars, while illuminated flower sculptures bloom in the winter night. Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour through the glowing gardens, discovering hidden light vignettes along the way. The event pays tribute to the garden's 70-year history of fostering horticultural appreciation in Memphis.
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Memphis Holiday Markets and Shopping
Broad Avenue Arts District Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Local artisan market in a revitalized arts district
Description:
The Broad Avenue Arts District Holiday Market buzzes with creativity in this revitalized Memphis neighborhood. Local artisans and makers showcase their unique creations, offering one-of-a-kind gifts that capture the spirit of Memphis. The market takes place in repurposed industrial spaces, reflecting the district's successful urban renewal efforts. Visitors can watch live demonstrations by skilled craftspeople, gaining insight into their artistic processes. The event celebrates the district's transformation from a neglected area to a thriving arts community over the past decade.
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Broad Avenue Arts District Holiday Market
Memphis Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Elaborately decorated trees benefiting Le Bonheur Children's Hospital
Description:
The Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees illuminates the holiday season with a forest of uniquely adorned Christmas trees. Each tree, meticulously decorated by local organizations and businesses, tells a story through its ornaments and trimmings. The event supports Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, a cornerstone of pediatric care in Memphis since 1952. Visitors can stroll through the glittering display, marveling at the creativity on show. Children delight in the Gingerbread Village, where miniature confectionery houses transport them to a sugary dreamland.
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Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees
The Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Local performance of the classic ballet with Memphis flair
Description:
The Nutcracker Ballet pirouettes onto the Memphis stage, blending classical tradition with local flavor. This rendition of Tchaikovsky's beloved work incorporates subtle nods to Memphis culture, from set designs to choreography. The performance features live orchestration, filling the theater with the iconic score. Audience members can spot Memphis-inspired elements woven throughout the production, creating a unique experience. The ballet has been a staple of the city's holiday arts scene for decades, enchanting generations of Memphians.
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Memphis Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at Graceland
What to Expect:
Holiday tours of Elvis Presley's decorated mansion
Description:
Christmas at Graceland offers a glimpse into how the King of Rock 'n' Roll celebrated the holidays. The mansion dons its yuletide best, adorned with decorations that blend Elvis' bold style with traditional Christmas elements. Presley's original decorations, including a Santa statue and nativity scene, are on display. Visitors can tour the bedecked rooms, including the famous Jungle Room, while learning about Elvis' holiday traditions. The tour culminates in the Racquetball Building, where Elvis' jumpsuits glitter alongside walls of gold records.
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Christmas at the Peabody
What to Expect:
Elegant holiday decor in the historic Peabody Hotel
Description:
Christmas at The Peabody elevates holiday decor to an art form within the grand halls of this historic Memphis hotel. The opulent lobby, famous for its daily duck march, dons its finest holiday attire. Towering Christmas trees adorned with luxurious ornaments stand sentinel, while garlands drape elegantly from balustrades. Visitors can indulge in the hotel's special holiday afternoon tea, a tradition dating back to the hotel's opening in 1869. The Peabody's gingerbread village showcases miniature replicas of Memphis landmarks, crafted entirely from edible materials.
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A Victorian Yuletide
What to Expect:
19th-century holiday celebration at a historic Memphis home
Description:
A Victorian Yuletide transports visitors to a 19th-century Christmas at the Mallory-Neely House. This meticulously preserved Victorian-era mansion comes alive with period-accurate holiday decorations and customs. Costumed interpreters guide guests through the ornate rooms, sharing tales of Memphis holiday traditions from the 1890s. Visitors can participate in Victorian parlor games, adding an interactive element to the historical experience. The event highlights the mansion's original furnishings and decor, providing a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Memphis' 19th-century elite.
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Memphis Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Downtown parade featuring local performers and floats
Description:
The Memphis Christmas Parade marches through downtown, bringing holiday cheer to the heart of the city. This lively procession showcases the diverse talents of local performers, from high school marching bands to dance troupes. Elaborately decorated floats roll down the street, many paying homage to Memphis' rich cultural heritage. Spectators line the route, their cheers mingling with the sounds of brass and drums. The parade has been a Memphis tradition for over half a century, evolving alongside the city it celebrates.
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Nearby Events
Home for the Holidays (Collierville)
What to Expect:
Holiday concert series featuring local Memphis musicians
Description:
Home for the Holidays resonates with the sounds of Memphis during this special concert series. Local musicians take center stage, performing holiday classics infused with the city's signature blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll styles. The lineup showcases both established artists and rising stars from the Memphis music scene. Audiences can experience the unique blend of traditional carols and Memphis rhythms in intimate venues across the city. This event celebrates Memphis' status as a cradle of American music, continuing a legacy that has influenced artists for generations.
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Collierville Christmas Parade (Collierville)
What to Expect:
Small-town parade with a focus on community participation
Description:
The Collierville Christmas Parade winds through the historic town square, embodying small-town holiday spirit. This community-driven event features local schools, businesses, and organizations, each contributing their own festive flair to the procession. Vintage cars decked in garlands roll past cheering spectators, while children eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus. The parade highlights Collierville's rich history, passing by buildings that have stood since the town's founding in 1836. Visitors can enjoy the warmth of this close-knit community as holiday melodies fill the air.
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Germantown Holiday Tree Lighting (Germantown)
What to Expect:
Community tree lighting with a focus on local traditions
Description:
The Germantown Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony illuminates the season with small-town charm. This community gathering centers around the lighting of a majestic tree in the heart of Germantown. Local choirs perform holiday carols, their voices rising into the crisp evening air. The event honors Germantown's history, which dates back to 1825, through stories and traditions shared by town elders. Visitors can warm up with cups of hot apple cider while admiring the newly lit tree. Children delight in the arrival of Santa Claus, who makes his grand entrance on a vintage fire truck.
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Germantown Holiday Tree Lighting