25+ Memphis Shows To Kick Off The Holiday Season

30 Memphis Shows To Kick Off The Holiday Season

Kick off this year’s holidays with a full schedule of Memphis holiday shows, performances, and concerts. Here are 25+ ideas to start off the Memphis Christmas season with fun and good cheer.

Got a show or performance to add? Submit it here.

nutcracker performance on stage
Tillman Bunch Photography
Clara & the Nutcracker - December 10

Take the Soul Train to Christmas – SOLD OUT
November 17-December 17 at Hattiloo
$32-$35

This holiday spectacle is a time machine through the evolution of the African American Christmas experience. An original musical written by Ekundayo Bandele.
 

who's holiday show performance
Who's Holiday, Playhouse on the Square

Who’s Holiday!
November 24-December 22 at The Circuit Playhouse
$25

This Holiday season, get ready for a party like no other! Who’s Holiday! is bringing a whole new side of Cindy Lou Who to the stage. She’s not just an innocent little girl anymore, and she’s got a lot more tricks up her sleeves. Join in on this adult comedy that is guaranteed to leave you laughing all night long. 

Holiday Concert Weekend at Graceland
December 1-2 at Graceland Soundstage
Prices vary per show

Rock 'n' roll into December with two nights of live holiday shows at the Graceland Soundstage! From Terry Mike Jeffrey's salute to Elvis' holiday hits on December 1, to Dean Z’s high-energy rockin’ Christmas show on December 2.

It’s a Wonderful Life: The Live Radio Play
December 1-3 at Bartlett Performing Arts
$30

Kind, considerate George has been put in an awful situation. Money and legal troubles plague him during the holiday season and George has given up all hope. With the help of his guardian angel Clarence, George experiences what life would be like without him. Watch an angel get his wings as he reminds a down-on-his-luck George Bailey of all the things that make his a wonderful life in this radio-play adaptation of the Christmas classic.

Cabaret Noel 8: The Sounds of Christmas
December 1-3 at TheatreWorks
$20

Join Topsy and Turvey, ETC’s resident elves and your holiday ambassadors for fun and merriment as they bring you an evening filled with classic carols, new holiday favorites, silly fun filled jokes and some very interesting story telling to entertain and make you think about the meaning of Christmas.

a christmas carol production
A Christmas Carol, Theatre Memphis

A Christmas Carol
December 1-23 at Theatre Memphis
$35

A Memphis Family Holiday Tradition. Miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is approached by the ghostly vision of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, who warns him of an upcoming spiritual journey.  An eye-opening exploration leads to happiness and enlightenment, not to mention song, dance and holiday cheer.

Magic of Memphis: Memphis Symphony Orchestra
December 2 at Cannon Center
$19-$90, Student/Youth Pricing Available

Come experience Memphis’ most beloved holiday tradition featuring the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and Dancing Santas. 

Everly Brothers Experience Holiday Show
December 7 at Bartlett Performing Arts
$40

Join brothers Zach and Dylan Zmed for a fantastic night celebrating the early rock music of The Everly Brothers, full of the music loved across generations – including Christmas with the Everly Brothers. Almost sold out at time of publication.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
December 8-17 at Germantown Community Theatre
$16-$21

In this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman children--probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won't believe the mayhem - and the fun - when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on!

ballet memphis nutcracker performance
Ballet Memphis, The Nutcracker

Ballet Memphis: The Nutcracker
December 9-10, 15-17 at Orpheum Theatre
$13-$78

Transport yourself to a sweetly nostalgic riverside and a confectionary dreamland through the eyes of a young girl destined for adventure. Ballet Memphis’ new production of this beloved American holiday tradition promises to delight in both familiar and unexpected ways.

Germantown Holiday Concert: Germantown Symphony Orchestra
December 9 at Germantown Performing Arts Center
$30

The Germantown Symphony Orchestra “Winter Wonderland” concert will feature music from the perennial favorite holiday movie Polar Express, two pieces about sleigh rides, and many other seasonal favorites.

Clara & The Nutcracker performance
Clara & the Nutracker, Tillman Bunch Photography.

Clara & The Nutcracker
December 10 at Cannon Center
$25-$75

This is a charming rendition of the classic holiday tale about young Clara and her adventures. Be transported to Clara's world in the late 1700s and includes a magnificent Toy Shop, a Christmas party, a battle with the Prince and Mouse King, a land of snow and the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Kingdom of Sweets.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghost of Christmas Eve
December 14 at FedEx Forum
$66.70-$142.05

The heavy metal, classical music, theater production, pyrotechnics and laser light show hybrid.

candlelight: holiday special
Candlelight: Holiday Special

Candlelight: Holiday Special 
December 14, 20, 21 at Overton Chapel
$30

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Memphis. Get your tickets now to discover the music of “The Nutcracker” and More at Overton Chapel under the gentle glow of candlelight.

World Ballet Series: The Nutcracker
December 15 at Cannon Center
$39.80-$101.15

The Nutcracker, a mesmerizing part of the World Ballet Series, showcases a diverse cast of 50 professional ballet dancers, who come together to breathe new life into this classic holiday tradition. Experience the excitement of the World Ballet in this family-friendly performance, featuring Tchaikovsky's unforgettable music, over 150 radiant hand-crafted costumes, lavish hand-painted sets, and the iconic Lev Ivanov choreography.

4th Annual CPM XMAS Party
December 15 at Growlers
$10

Tom Skeemask and Three G are joined by BYG Kurse, Mowzer, Keith Anthony, Gino White and Samiam.

Seasons Greetings Lunchbreak Concert with Memphis Symphony Orchestra
December 15 at Germantown Community Theatre
$10

A  select group of Memphis Symphony Orchestra musicians return again to set the mood for Holiday delights and warm family feelings with their wonderful music selections.

another christmas temptation play
Another Christmas Temptation: The Stage Play

Another Christmas Temptation (The Stage Play)
December 15-17 at Lake Grove Baptist Church
$30-$45

The story of this play takes place at the Grand Lawson's Luxury Hotel Resorts and Suites. Brian and Delores Montgomery witness some Christmas Miracles that changes their lives forever. Grammy Nominated Actor and Singer Anthony Tony Grant comes to Memphis and stars in this production. Mr Grant is most know for his roles in Tyler Perry's Stage Play "Why Did I Get Married?" He is also the lead singer in the group The Temptations.

The Nutcracker Ballet
December 15-17 at Bartlett Performing Arts
$15-$20

Clara experiences a night of magic, mischief, and… mice?! This production of Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet features dancers from Singleton Community Center’s Esprit de Corps dance troupe as characters like Clara, the Nutcracker, the Mouse King, and more. This Christmas classic features the original score, including the iconic Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

The HO HO HO Burlesque Show & Silent Auction
December 16 at Hi Tone
$10

Get ready for unique, sexy acts and a chance to bid on hundreds of amazing items to support Memphis Roller Derby.

Lucero Family Christmas
December 16 at Minglewood Hall
$40.65

Join Memphis’ Lucero with special guests Laura Jane Grace and The Heels for this show. $1 of each ticket will be donated to Calvary Episcopal Church’s Outreach Ministries to serve those experiencing homelessness and poverty.

CHRISTMAS WITH CORO RIO performance
Christmas with Coro Rio, RAD Action Photography

Christmas with Coro Rio
December 16 at Cannon Center
$24.15-$35.70

A family-friendly concert centered around Home Alone.Christmas with CoroRio includes all the choirs of MidSouth Music Institute as well as featured performances by LRP Studios, and the Hernando High School Symphonic Wind Ensemble.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer performance
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
December 19 at Orpheum Theatre
$30-$60

The beloved TV classic RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL. 

Drew & Ellie Holcomb’s Neighborly Christmas
December 20 at Orpheum Theatre
$39.50-$99.50

Drew Holcomb, a Memphis native, returns for this annual Christmas show with wife Ellie Holcomb. The husband-and-wife duo are best known for their heartwarming Americana and folk tunes that weave stories of life, love, hope, and resilience.

Wurlitzer Wonderland
December 21 at Orpheum Theatre
$10

Resident Orpheum House Organist Tony Thomas with special guests Dr. Jay Cox and Curtis Jones will get attendees in the holiday spirit with festive tunes played on the Orpheum’s 95-year-old Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. The evening will include selections from the recently released album The Orpheum Theatre Group presents A Very Mighty Christmas.

One Man’s Christmas Carol by Marques Brown
December 21-22 at Germantown Community Theatre
$5-$10

Back by popular demand! Marques Brown's Ostrander nominated original adaptation of Charles Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol" is an hour long sincere and uplifting portrayal of the most legendary tale of the season. 

Southern Avenue band
Southern Avenue

Mempho Presents: A Southern Avenue Christmas
December 22 at Minglewood Hall
$33.55

Memphis’ Southern Avenue will be joined by The Sensational Barnes Brothers and Cody Dickinson from North Mississippi Allstars for this holiday hangout show.

The Illusionists - Magic of the Holidays
December 28-29 at Orpheum Theatre
$35-$90

Celebrate the holidays with the entire family at The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays, a mind-blowing showcase featuring jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions.

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About the Author

Hello! I'm Jalyn Souchek, the Director of Content for I Love Memphis Blog! I love calling the 901 home. When I'm not running the blog you can find me cheering on the Grizzlies, at a concert, exploring a new restaurant or kicking back at one of our breweries. I hope you'll love experiencing Memphis with me.

Build your perfect Memphis meal:

I love to eat so if I were to have only one meal left.. I’m going all out. I’d start with an app of Gumbo Fries from Blue City Cafe or Bayou Fries from Chef Tam, wings from Good Fortune or Central’s (honey gold and Jamaican Jerk), potato salad from Fat Larry’s, side of bbq spaghetti from Bar-B-Q Shop, and fried okra from Soul Fish. All paired with a Beale Street Brewing Space Age Sippin’.

Your most memorable Memphis moment:

College GameDay on Beale Street. That was an electric and perfect morning. I was still working in news then and was able to take it in up close and on the stage at some points. The fun and joy of everyone down there that morning is unbeatable.

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Michael
Hi! I love your blog-I look forward to my emails with all the great ideas/information. I haven't gotten one since August. I of course visited the site and subscribed again a few weeks ago. I always tell new people to Memphis to check out your blog. Thank you!
November 29, 2019 10:12am