Live Music In Memphis This Month: 9 Shows to See in December

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5

Drew & Ellie Holcomb’s Neighborly Christmas at Orpheum Theatre

Show 8 p.m. / $33+

Drew and Ellie bring their “Neighborly Christmas” back to downtown Memphis for a warm, rootsy holiday set at the Orpheum. If you want something festive but still very “Memphis Americana,” this is the move.
 

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6

WYXR’s Raised By Sound Fest 2025 (with Stephen Malkmus & Kurt Vile at Crosstown Concourse

Show 1–11 p.m. / Free daytime sets; Headliners costs vary

WYXR’s annual Raised By Sound Fest is basically a full-day love letter to indie music. Multiple stages, buzzing indie acts like Jay Som, and legends like Stephen Malkmus of Pavement and Kurt Vile to close the night, plus all the food, drink, and people-watching Crosstown can handle. Daytime shows are free, with a ticketed capper at night, so you can drop in for an hour or plant yourself there all day.

KIXMAS at Graceland featuring Drake Milligan & Gareth at Graceland Soundstage

Show 7 p.m. / $35.25+

KIX 106 is throwing its first-ever KIXMAS at Graceland, and it’s exactly what it sounds like: a big country Christmas show in Elvis’s backyard. Drake Milligan brings the modern-meets-classic country vibes, with rising artist Gareth opening the night. Come for the show, stay for the Christmas lights and the “only in Memphis” Graceland holiday atmosphere.
 

Cyrena Wages Concert at The Garden at Hotel Pontotoc

Doors 6 p.m. / Show 7 p.m. / $30 in advance

 If you want something more intimate this month, Cyrena Wages is playing a ticketed garden show at Hotel Pontotoc, which is her first-ever concert there. Should be a really fun night in a tucked-away downtown courtyard, with heaters, drinks, and strong “hidden gem” energy. It’s a perfect set-up for a date night or chill hang after a long week, right in the heart of South Main.
 

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12

Allen Stone and Ripe – The Get Sweet Tour at Minglewood Hall

Doors 6 p.m / Show 7 p.m. / Price $42+

This guy has been around a bit and I’ve seen him a few times so let me be the first to tell you that Allen Stone’s feel-good, church-soul vocals plus Ripe’s horn-heavy, dance-ready funk is a dangerously fun combo for a Friday night at Minglewood.
 

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13

Heavy Pour / Radar Blips / F!rst – Small Room (Downstairs) at Hi Tone Café

Doors 8:30 p.m / Show 9 p.m. / $13.50 

Hi Tone’s downstairs Small Room is where Memphis bands go to get loud, weird, and close to the crowd. Heavy Pour is a band I just found out about from researching for the blog this month and I highly recommend them. They’re a cool rock band from right here in Memphis. In addition to the music, there’s also a canned-good donations for the food bank to help near the holidays. 
 

Lucero Family Christmas with Amigo the Devil & River Shook at Minglewood Hall

Doors 6 p.m., Show 7 p.m. / $41+ 

Lucero’s Family Christmas is basically a Memphis institution at this point. This year they’re joined by Amigo the Devil and River Shook, plus vendors and extras that make it feel more like a holiday gathering than a regular show. Expect sing-along Lucero favorites, some seasonal curveballs, and a strong chance you’ll run into half the people you know. Bonus: a dollar from every ticket goes to 901 Girls With Goals, so you’re doing some good while you’re singing along. 
 

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14
 

The Unlikely Candidates at Growlers

Doors 7 p.m., Show 8 p.m. / $23+

Fort Worth’s The Unlikely Candidates bring their big, hooky alt-rock sound to the cozy chaos of Growlers. They had that really popular song, “Novocaine,” which was a banger in college. Get some cheap drinks on Poplar and see an awesome show from a rising band. 
 

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18

Dale Watson at Hernando’s Hideaway

Doors 7 p.m. / Show 8 p.m. / $24+

Nothing says holiday season like Dale Watson doing hard country in a smoky room, and Hernando’s Hideaway is exactly the right spot for a show like this. This “Swang Thang with Twang” big-band night brings Dale plus a honky-tonk horn section, so it’s more than just a typical solo set, it’s a full retro country revue. If you’ve been meaning to experience a true honky-tonk night in Memphis, this is your sign.

For more, check out: I Love Memphis Music Calendar