2022 Essential Guide To Memphis Holiday Events

Essential Memphis Holiday Events Guide 2022

Essential Guide to Memphis Holiday Events

A practical list of Christmas and holiday events in Memphis and the Mid-South

Memphis Holiday Markets - ongoing
There are a ton of Memphis holiday markets, pop-up shops, and special shopping events. Check out the full list here.

Christmas at Graceland - starts November 17
Blue Christmas? White Christmas? Home For Christmas? Whatever your favorite Elvis Christmas song, you'll love Graceland all lit up for the holidays. Starting with the Holiday Lighting Weekend Nov 17-19 (concerts, special tours, “flipping the switch”) you can see the historic home decorated as the King intended both inside and out. It's a Memphis holiday event tradition.

Zoo Lights - select nights November 18 - January 1
The Memphis Zoo hosts the SunTrust Zoo Lights again this year on select nights through Jan 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. There are lights, singing trees, tram rides, a marketplace, and more holiday fun—another classic Memphis holiday event. It's $14 for Zoo members and $19 for non-members. For extra each, you can also ride a Ferris Wheel or go Ice Skating. You must reserve your tickets ahead of time for a specific night, so don’t expect to show up and walk in. No refunds, exchanges or rain checks.

holiday tree lit up in Northwest Passage with totem poles at the Memphis Zoo
Adarryll Jackson
Zoo Lights

More Memphis Holiday Events

Soulsville Tree Lighting - November 19 
Mayor Lee Harris will flip the switch at the 6th annual Soulsville USA Tree Lighting this Saturday afternoon. Local artists, musicians, and community groups will be there to celebrate. Location is 1048 Bellevue Blvd. starting at 4:30 p.m.

Downtown Memphis Tree Lighting - November 19
Head to Peabody Place and Main Street downtown for the annual Downtown Memphis Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony with ornament sales benefiting St. Jude Research Hospital. There will be free photos with Santa (4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.), Dinstuhl's Candy for hte first 200 kids, musical performances, and hot chocolate.

Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees - November 19 - December 24
Is this the oldest holiday display in Memphis? Probably. It's been around since the fifties—definitely has that vintage feel—and now has a home at the Museum of Science and History (aka the Pink Palace) along with their annual Festival of Trees tree-decorating display and photos with Santa. This year, the Enchanted Forest will be open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. You absolutely need to buy your reserved time tickets ahead of time online here. It's $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and kids ages 3-12. Closed on Thanksgiving Day.

Starry Nights at Shelby Farms - select nights starting November 25
Drive through two miles of beautiful light displays at Shelby Farms on select nights 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. this holiday season! This year you'll see a few familiar display favorites, plus newer lights and 3-D elements. Ticket info coming soon. There are also a few days available for biking and walking through. Remember, this is the Park's largest fundraiser so enjoy some holiday cheer and support Shelby Farms this year.

Holiday Wonders at Botanic Garden - November 25 - December 23
The Botanic Garden will host several holiday displays for its annual Holiday Wonders experience, including a towering Christmas tree. And yes, Alice's Adventures will be lit up too! Open select nights at 5 p.m. You can reserve your timed-entry tickets online. Tickets are $10 for members, $12 non-members, and $14 for same-day tickets (which you still should buy online, no tickets at the gate).

Downtown Holiday Tree Lighting - November 19
See the big holiday tree at the corner of Peabody Place and Main Street get lit up. The event starts at 4:30 p.m. 

Christmas Tree at the Peabody - starting November 25
Catch the Duck Marches at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. while you take in the classiest holiday decor in town. The tree stays up all season. Please note that the Tree Lighting event on the 25th is open to hotel guests only.

Botanic Garden Holiday / Logan Young
Holiday Wonders at Memphis Botanic Garden
cars driving through blue and gold holiday lights at Shelby Farms at night
Justin Fox Burks

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Cathy Lindsey

What about parades?

November 12, 2022 10:52pm
Holly Whitfield

Hi Cathy! Here's the parade guide: https://ilovememphisblog.com/mid-south-christmas-and-holiday-parades

November 24, 2022 4:19pm
Deborah Camp

Hi! How can we send Christmas events for your holiday listing! :)

November 18, 2022 4:56pm
Holly Whitfield

Hi Deborah! I'm assuming you mean for the calendar? Here's where to submit: https://ilovememphisblog.com/events/add/default

November 24, 2022 4:28pm