Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees - November 16 - December 29

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 Pink Palace along with their annual Festival of Trees tree-decorating display and photos with Santa. This year, the Enchanted Forest will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Friday, it will stay open until 8:30 p.m.

Christmas at Graceland - starts November 21

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 (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.

Truist Zoo Lights - select nights November 29 - January 4

The Memphis Zoo hosts the Truist Zoo Lights again this year on select nights through Jan 4 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. Ride a Ferris Wheel or go Ice Skating. 

Starry Nights at Shelby Farms - select nights November 29 - December 29

Drive through two miles of beautiful light displays (more than 3.5 million lights!) 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 a water feature.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. You can also make the night extra magical with a carriage ride. Check out our blog on Starry Nights here.

Holiday Wonders at Botanic Garden - select nights November 29 - December 30

The Botanic Garden will host several holiday displays for its annual Holiday Wonders experience, including a towering Christmas tree. Enjoy signature festive cocktails, hot chocolate, or apple cider while exploring. There are festive photo-ops, increased character engagements, and food truck(s) on-site on weekends. There are dog-friendly evenings, Santa Sundays, and themed nights. Plenty of fun for the kids!

Christmas Tree at the Peabody - November 28 - December 31

One of my favorite traditions is to take in the classiest holiday decor in town. The Peabody is decked out every year with a gigantic and gorgeous tree as its centerpiece. The tree stays up all season. The tree lighting ceremony will be on Nov. 28 (open to hotel guests only) but can be enjoyed any time after that. Toasting a cocktail in the blinking lights of the lobby is the best cozy holiday vibe.

Winter Wonderland at CMOM - November 30 - January 5

Take the kids to CMOM for Winter Wonderland (included with general admission) for icy fun. Sock skating, snowball challenges, igloo making, themed art projects, Gingerbread story time, plus all the sights and sounds of winter. 

Quizmas Trivia Nights with Cerrito Entertainment (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays beginning December 3)

A Very Merry Quizmas is back this year with a special holiday blend of team trivia at various venues around the Memphis area (including Midtown, Downtown, Collierville, Southaven, etc.)! Celebrate the season by getting quizzed on Christmas films, food, music, TV specials, current events, history, and more during this free holiday tr(ivi)adition. Teams are encouraged to play as much as their Grinch-sized hearts desire. Quizmas takes place over nine crazy nights with each one featuring a fresh set of questions and new winners including a prize for Best Festive Team Name.

Christmas Music Bingo with Cerrito Entertainment (Sunday-Friday beginning Black Friday)

The annual holiday tradition of free Christmas Music Bingo in the Mid-South will take place at locations all around the Mid-South! Listen to good-for-goodness-sake holiday tunes that you know and love as you mark the song titles on your bingo card. Prizes include $20 gift cards and tickets to other holiday events like Starry Nights.

More Memphis Holiday Events

Christmas Tree & Clocktower Lighting - November 21
Celebrate the season at Thornwood for the annual tree and clocktower lighting. This family-friendly event includes photos with Santa, fun crafts for the kids, a gingerbread house competition, live music, free hot cocoa and all the holiday cheer.

Memphis Holiday Spirits Cocktail Festival - November 22
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for a Holly, Jolly Cocktail Festival! Sip festive cocktails, listen to music and visit the big man in red himself! Each ticket includes 12 sample-sized yuletide cocktails. Proceeds benefit Volunteer Memphis, so each sip gets you closer to the nice list.

Another Christmas Temptation - November 22
An inspiring and hilarious stage play featuring Patrice Lovely, from 'Ma's House', and Tony Hightower, from Tyler Perry's 'I Don't Want to DO Wrong' in Millington.

A Rockin' Memphis Christmas Concert - November 22
A rockin' holiday tribute to The Killer, The Man in Black, The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, and The Father of Rockabilly, this stellar show will consist of tributes to Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and Carl Perkins.

Downtown Memphis Tree Lighting - November 23
Head to Peabody Place and Main Street downtown for the annual Downtown Memphis Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy free photos with Santa, train rides on the Polar Express, holiday shopping, activities for the kids, treats, music, & more.

Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair - November 23
Attendees can shop over 100 unique arts and crafts booths and visit Rudolph’s Cafe for a delicious lunch. Load up on homemade pies and cakes just in time for Thanksgiving. Admission and parking are free.

Jingle Bell Brunch ft. The Paiges - November 23
Indulge in a holiday-style brunch fit for a king while enjoying musical performances from the Paige family. Kevin, Bethany, and Stevie Paige will lift the Christmas spirit with traditional holiday classics plus a few of Elvis’s Christmas classics.

New Ballet Ensemble NutRemix - November 23-24
NutRemix is an electrifying and innovative production that's set on Memphis’ iconic Beale Street. At the heart of NutRemix lies New Ballet’s mission: pushing artistic horizons and making dance accessible to all.

Starry Bazaar - November 23
Step into the festive spirit and help us celebrate the opening of our Winter Art Garden at the Starry Bazaar hosted at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, where art and culture meet seasonal charm! This enchanting event transforms the museum  into a winter wonderland filled with local artisans, handcrafted goods, and unique treasures.

Dean Z's Ultimate Elvis Christmas - November 23
Ultimate Elvis winner Dean Z sings your favorite Elvis holiday hits alongside his high-energy 11-piece band and the beautiful Dynamite Singers! A performance of Elvis's rock 'n' roll, rockabilly, and Christmas classics, guaranteed to get you into the holiday spirit!

Germantown Holiday Tree Lighting - November 29
Watching the first flicker of the white light on the holiday tree is a long standing tradition in Germantown. Families gather in Municipal Square to sing holiday songs, toast marshmallows and enjoy the beginning of the holiday season as a community. Afterward comes the much anticipated lighting of the tree. Following the festivities, merrymakers can enjoy refreshments and visit with Santa inside City Hall.

Falling Into Place Holiday Market - November 30
First annual holiday market at Falling Into Place. Support local Memphis artists and small biz.

Small Business Saturday Holiday Market - November 30
Head to Hi-Tone for this holiday market for gifts, art, and baked goods.

Nutcracker Tea Party - December 1
Unique tea party experience at Primas with savory and sweet goodies like goat cheese truffles, eclairs, macarons, and so much more.

104.5 The River Annual Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis Toy Drive: December 5-6
At The Shops at Carriage Crossing, Ron Olson and Karen Perrin from The River morning show will be broadcasting live from Carriage Crossing each morning and donations will be accepted from 6am to 6pm Thursday and Friday December 5th and 6th. Accepting new, unwrapped toys, gift cards and accessories for kids 18 years or younger.

Porter-Leath Toy Truck - December 5-7
Donate to the 23rd Annual Porter-Leath Toy Truck and Help Bring Holiday Joy to 2,000 local preschool children. New, unwrapped toys for more than 2,000 local preschool children, ages 6 weeks to five years old. They'll also have a pop-up on December 13-14 and on December 20-21.

Season of Delight at Crosstown Concourse - December 6
Kick off the holiday season at Crosstown Concourse! for a night of festivities in the Central Atrium, featuring live music, crafts, holiday films, games, and our magical atrium lighting. Bring your family and friends for an evening that captures the spirit of the season.

All Aboard! Holiday Kick-Off at Saddle Creek - December 6
Outdoor screening of The Polar Express, Santa photos, and train rides. Food trucks on site will serve hot chocolate and tasty treats. Bring your chairs and blankets.

Overton Square Tree Lighting - December 7
Kick-off the holiday season with The Square's most beloved annual event - the Overton Square Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration in support of Le Bonheur Children's Hospital. The Square will be filled with snow as we welcome Santa Claus (free photos!), eat holiday treats and hot chocolate, and listen to great music! This event is free and open to the public.

Saucer Stumbling Santa Pub Crawl - December 7
A pub crawl but make it for a good cause. An adult-only tradition like no other and the largest pub crawl in Memphis, Stumbling Santa has collected over 20,000 toys for Porter-Leath preschool children since 2005. Wear your holiday-themed outfit and arrive with an unwrapped toy to give back this holiday season.

Hot Chocolate Floats & Santa - December 7
Sip on delicious hot chocolate floats while getting your picture taken with a Soulful Santa himself! It's the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit with friends and family. Don't miss out on this merry event!

'Tis the Season Market - December 7
Hit Ghost River Brewing for a market full of wonderful gifts for that special someone. Live music playing in the background & beers are brewing with yummy food provided by Ghost River Kitchen.

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live On Stage - December 7
Adapted from Charles M. Schulz’s timeless story, and featuring the music of Vince Guaraldi,  A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage is a present that the whole family can enjoy! Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the whole Peanuts gang as they sing, dance, and learn the true meaning of Christmas!

Holiday Market & Photos with Santa - December 7
Santa Claus is coming back to Soul & Spirits Brewery for the 2nd annual Holiday Market. Shop for your holiday gifts from local vendors and there will be merchandise and beer specials for the day! Photos with Santa from 2-4 PM. Giveaways and food trucks on site.

Frosty Fest at Carriage Frosting - December 7
Bring the family out for a magical holiday experience. Snap photos with Santa, enjoy festive face painting, meet your favorite holiday characters and more festive fun.

Breakfast with Santa - December 7
Santa Claus is coming to Dave & Buster's. Score a ho-ho-whole morning of family fun with exclusive early access to the store.  

Deck the Paws - December 7
The Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County is bringing back its annual Deck the Paws. Grab your animals and join them for a pet-friendly photoshoot with Santa and support the Humane Society's lifesaving work. Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are accepted.

Home Alone Cookie Decorating Party - December 8
A fun and festive cookie decorating party at Primas that comes with a Home Alone themed cookie decorating kit 

Tennessee Ballet Theater's Clara & the Nutcracker - December 8
Clara & the Nutcracker is a charming classical ballet rendition of the beloved holiday tale about young Clara and her adventures. Beautiful costumes and lively, sometimes amusing, choreography transport the audience to Clara's world in the late 1700s.

Sippin' with Santa Paws - December 8
6th Annual Sippin' with Santa Paws event will be hosted by Loflin Yard and will feature Holiday Photos with Santa Paws, a silent auction, drink specials, a dog costume contest, adoptable pups, and more. Benefits Streetdog Foundation.

Caroling Sing-A-Long! - December 8
Kick off your holiday festivities with an afternoon of music, merriment, and holiday treats at the MBMA and Memphis Symphony Orchestra's Caroling Sing-A-Long!

Hamp Holiday Parade - December 10
Get ready to celebrate this holiday season with Carpenter Art Garden. This festive event will bring together lively music, creative floats, and a wave of holiday cheer to highlight the spirit and unity of our neighborhood.

Cordelia's Market Holiday Open House - December 11
Step into the warmth of the season at Cordelia’s Market Holiday Open House—your home for the holidays!  Browse local vendors, indulge in tasty treats, and soak up the festive music.

The Very Merry Christmas Tour - December 12
The Very Merry Christmas Tour is coming to Landers Center featuring Newsong, Katy Nichole, and Micah Tyler! Don’t miss this unforgettable Christmas experience!

Christmas Ornament Painting Workshop - December 12
Unleash your artistic side with Memphis Art Salon as you design your own one-of-a-kind ornaments to adorn your home or give as heartfelt gifts this holiday season!

Velvetina's Blue Moon Revue: Holiday Special - December 13
Experience an evening of holiday fun with live music and burlesque performances hosted by the fabulous Velvetina Taylor! 

Rachel Mazann's Holiday Spirits: A Christmas Special with Friends - December 13
Join singer-songwriter Rachel Maxann for a soulful Christmas celebration featuring heartfelt performances of holiday classics, original tunes, and special guests from the local music scene.

Julbord: Swedish Holiday Celebration - December 13
Julbord is one of the biggest celebrations of the year for Sweden. IKEA Memphis is bringing this celebration to Memphis! The Julbord buffet will feature Swedish Christmas favorites with something for everyone. IKEA Memphis will have a holiday children's craft and holiday music.

A Very Cajun Beer and Carols! - December 13
Join Evergreen Presbyterian Church for a night of carols and cajun food! We’ll be singing holiday classics, feasting on homemade offerings of chicken & sausage gumbo, white beans, and sweet holiday treats, and hearing a reading of “The Cajun Night Before Christmas”!

Christmas Board Game Night! Play Holiday Hills - December 13
A night of festive fun at Board to Beers with the latest Christmas-themed board game Holiday Hills. Free entry, one free drink if you play Holiday Hills or Kraken Skulls, and free Christmas cookies and an entry to win a copy of a Kraken Skulls prize pack.

Breakfast with Santa - December 14
Join the Fire Museum for a catered breakfast with Santa who will arrive by firetruck. After breakfast, get your pictures with the jolly guy and enjoying playtime and balloon animals.

Folk All Y'all: Make the Yuletide Gay - December 14
The Make the Yuletide Gay tour is hitting the road with Spencer LaJoye(they/them) to spread a little holiday cheer and a whole lot of faith-infused LGBTQ+ joy!

Super Saturday Winter Wonderland - December 14
Create your own mixed media winter-wonderland-scape at Super Saturday at your art museum! Inspired by Edward W. Redfield's Frozen Stream, 1920, craft a snowy white landscape to take home.

Christmas Fiesta - December 14
Immerse yourself in the vibrant Christmas traditions of Latin America and the Caribbean. Discover the joy of parrandas, posadas, piñatas, and more. Delight in traditional Spanish Christmas music, savor delicious Latin cuisine, and participate in festive crafts and activities.

Vintage Holiday Market - December 14
Join Arrow Creative and shop local vintage sellers, artists, and more. Grab a complimentary cocktail and shop all things vintage. Complimentary drinks and snacks are provided!

Yule Holiday Market - December 14
Yule a winter celebration during Christmas time full of joy at High Cotton Brewery. The yule market is full of oddities and delights. Happy Yuletide!

Memphis Holiday Parade - December 14
Be a part of the grandest holiday parade in the region! Join in the fun on America's most iconic street as we ring in the holiday season with marching bands, steppers, twirlers, floats, and all sort of sights!

The Nutcracker - December 14
Ballet Memphis’ stunning new production of this beloved American holiday favorite opened last season to joy and delight in both familiar and unexpected ways.

Festivi-tea & Flavors - December 14
Celebrate two years of the Enchanted Tea Lounge with an exclusive Tea Tasting and Blending Masterclass. Dive deep into the world of fine teas, where you’ll not only taste rare blends from around the world but also learn the art of creating your very own signature tea blend.

Lucero Family Christmas - December 14
The annual Lucero Family Christmas returns December 14th with special guests Slobberbone, Rattlesnake Milk, and Dirty Streets at Minglewood Hall for a night of great music, vendors, & more! *$1 from every ticket purchase will benefit 901Girls With Goals, an organization dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of girls in Memphis through soccer by providing need-based support to area middle and high schools girls soccer programs.

Elf Gingerbread House Decorating Party - December 15
Fun and festive Gingerbread House Decorating Party at Primas. Each ticket includes one gingerbread house decorating kit for you to enjoy while watching the movie Elf.

Holiday Candlelight Service - December 15
Annual Holiday Candlelight Service of readings and traditional Christmas Carols. The twinkling lights from the candles, colorful synchronized lights from the Big River Crossing, and the glow of lights from passing boats and barges all reflect off our sanctuary's floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Mississippi River. Layette gifts (wrapped or unwrapped) for newborns at Regional One Medical Center will be accepted during the service.

Gingerbread House Building Bash - December 15
Join Loflin Yard for a fun-filled day of creating your very own gingerbread house masterpiece. Get into the holiday spirit at Loflin and get some photos with Santa! Each ticket includes one gingerbread house decorating kit, so feel free to share kits with friends or family.

Jolly Old Saint Zilla: Holiday Celebration - December 15
Join the Beale Street Monster Club at A. Schwab for a kaiju size holiday celebration. This holiday party is where you can socialize while listening to relaxing Christmas music, eating delicious treats and take pictures with the King of the Monsters himself: Godzilla! They'll also finish the celebration with a Godzilla film screening.

A Festival of Lessons & Carols and Holiday Party - December 15
Join the Grace-St. Luke’s Choir and the Memphis Boy & Girl Choir for one of the greatest choral services of the year. This service of scripture, hymns, and carols leads us beautifully though the season of Advent and into Christmas.

Santa's Flights at Magnolia & May - December 15
Magnolia & May is teaming up with Memphis Made Brewing with a visit from Santa. To celebrate having Santa in the house, we will have a Memphis Made beer flight with pairings and a Hot Cocoa Flight with pairings for the kiddos or those who would just rather have Cocoa.

Lindsey Stirling's Snow Waltz Tour - December 16
Promises to be theatrical, eclectic, high-energy, and at least a little bit whimsical. Stirling mixes dance and acrobatics into her unique interpretations of holiday staples.

Soulsville Holiday Party at Stax Museum - December 17
Have a soulful day with special holiday arts & crafts, a visit from Soulful Santa. They'll be playing the classic Booker T and the MGs "In The Holiday Spirit" album plus holiday crafts for the kids, a visit from soulful Santa, Soul & Spirits Brewery, refreshments, and more! The museum gift store will be 15% off: get some soul for the whole family. Admission is free. Bring a donation of non-perishable food for the Mid-South Food Bank.

Cookies and Caroling at Overton Park - December 17
Join Overton Park Conservancy and Opera Memphis on Tuesday, December 17 for an evening of holiday cheer at Cookies and Caroling! Get in the spirit of the season with a caroling singalong, delicious treats, and time with your loved ones.

Mark Edgar Stuart & The Ensemble X-Mas Show - December 18
Crosstown Arts presents Mark Edgar Stuart & The Blueshift Ensemble 3rd Annual X-mas show in The Green Room.

Candlelight: Holiday Special - December 18
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience. Discover music inspired by the winter and the holiday spirit at Memphis Brooks Museum of Art under the gentle glow of candlelight.

BARKING BINGO - Ugly Sweater Edition - December 18
Benefitting Streetdog Foundation. Head to Flyway Brewing for holiday bingo. 10 rounds of bingo!

Shaken + Stirred Cocktail Class - December 18
At Bar Moxy, inside the Moxy hotel, learn a few tricks at their free cocktail class. This month's Shaken + Stirred cocktail class features holiday drinks the King of Rock n' Roll would love.

The Sound of Christmas - December 20-21
It’s an experience for the whole family with incredible music from The Life Church team, captivating visual elements and a message of hope to encourage you this holiday season. The performance includes timeless classics and holiday favorites with plenty of fun surprises sprinkled throughout. You’ll be inspired and reminded of the true reason for Christmas.

Season Serenade: A Jazzy Holiday Performance - December 21
Join us for a soulful holiday performance that continues our season theme of reframing the narrative! Experience the magic as the Collage Youth Ensemble teams up with the Memphis Jazz Workshop to showcase some of the city’s brightest young talent in a dazzling celebration of music and dance.

Super Saturday: Holiday Gift Bags - December 21
Use your creativity to design and create your own gift bag to give away this holiday season! The Brooks will provide a blank bag 8 x 10" bag and you'll use markers, crayon, pompoms, ribbons, pipe cleaners to transform it into your own unique gift bag. Free with registration.

Memphis Symphony Orchestra's Magic of Memphis - December 21
Experience Memphis’ most beloved holiday tradition, joined by a continuous collage of Memphis performing groups for a non-stop light and music show like you’ve never seen!

Ricky Staggs and Kentucky Thunder Christmas - December 21
You know “Christmas Time’s A Coming” when 15-time GRAMMY winner and Country Music Hall of Fame member Ricky Skaggs and his ace backing band Kentucky Thunder play all your favorite Christmas songs in their refreshing, acoustic style.

Wurlitzer Wonderland - December 21
The Orpheum Theatre Group is pleased to announce a special one-night concert “Wurlitzer Wonderland” featuring the historic Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. Resident Orpheum House Organist Tony Thomas will get attendees in the holiday spirit with festive tunes played on the Orpheum’s 96-year-old Mighty Wurlitzer Organ.

Celtic Crossing Ugly Christmas Sweater Party - December 21
Enjoy beats from DJ Taz all night, an ugly sweater contest (winner takes home a $50 Celtic gift card!), and beer and seltzer bucket specials. During the day time, hit Celtic Crossing Santa Paws from 11 a.am. to 3 p.m. for Santa photos, pup cups, doggy cocktails and $1 off Doggy Burgers. Dress your pals in their finest ugly sweater for a chance to win a prize!

Holidayfest at Loflin Yard - December 21
Join Loflin for an evening of good company, holiday spirit, and music by DJ Tree, plus a costume contest with prizes for folks dressed as their favorite holiday character! FREE, no cover!

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis - December 22
Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. The program includes 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments against a backdrop of dazzling multimedia effects – capturing the spirit of the season in an immersive yet intimate setting.