35+ 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 35+ ideas to start off the Memphis Christmas season with fun and good cheer.
Kick off this year’s holidays with a full schedule of Memphis holiday shows, performances, and concerts. Here are 35+ ideas to start off the Memphis Christmas season with fun and good cheer.
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The Wizard of Oz
Playhouse on the Square | November 15 - December 22
Not necessarily a holiday production but something about The Wizard of Oz just fits with the season. Maybe it’s the Wicked hype in the air? Get swept away to Oz for this classic story.
Who’s Holiday!
The Circuit Playhouse | November 22 - December 22
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.
A Motown Christmas - SOLD OUT
Hattiloo Theatre | November 22 – December 22
All your holiday favorites from such celebrities as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and The Jackson 5 will be performed with that dazzling Westcoast signature style coupled with a soulful Motown flair.
Tía Pancha "A Christmas Story"
TheatreWorks | December 6-14
Tía Pancha, a Christmas Story is Cazateatro's bilingual adaptation of the classic "A Christmas Carol" but with a Latin and female twist. See how Tia Pancha learns the true meaning of the Christmas Spirit.
Twelfth Night
Tennessee Shakespeare Company | December 6-22
A holiday tradition by William Shakespeare. His most charming comedy cast in a topsy-turvy world of cross-dressing lovers, yellow cross-garters, and crossed identities. Shipwrecked on the shores of Illyria, Viola has lost her country and beloved twin brother. Disguising herself as Cesario, a boy page, she falls in love with Duke Orsino even as she delivers his affections to the lovely Lady Olivia. Between beautiful songs, high comedy, and delicate poetry, love redeems all.
A Christmas Carol
Theatre Memphis | December 6-23
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.
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live On Stage
Orpheum Theatre | December 7
Everyone’s favorite holiday classic comes to life. 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. Three showtimes on this date.
An Evening with Ellington
Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center | December 7
In culmination of the worldwide 125th birthday celebration of Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington, Memphis Black Arts Alliance brings a star-studded cabaret of jazz gets with a special appearance and performances by The Savoy Ellingtons, Edward Ellington Jr., and April Ellington; Heirs to the Jazz Throne, accompanied by The Great H.B. Barnum.
Clara & The Nutcracker
Cannon Center | December 8
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.
Jonathan McReynolds: Red & Green
Minglewood Hall | December 8
Celebrate the holiday season with GRAMMY-winning gospel artist Jonathan McReynolds and his first-ever Christmas EP, Red & Green. Featuring an inspired collection of original songs, McReynolds blends his signature voice and heartfelt lyrics into a fresh, uplifting soundtrack for the season—perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights by the fire.
New Beginnings: Grind City Brass Band Inaugural Concert
Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center | December 9
Feel the brassy soul of Memphis during an unforgettable evening of bold brass, high-energy sound, and the unmistakable, new British brass sound of Memphis. This Grind City Brass Band concert promises to deliver a vibrant mix of styles and nostalgic holiday favorites, straight from the heart of the city.
The Very Merry Christmas Tour
Landers Center | December 12
The Very Merry Christmas Tour features three of Christian music’s favorites: NewSong, Katy Nichole, and Micah Tyler. This festive concert will bring you joy of the season with a mix of original songs and beloved Christmas melodies from all three artists.
Rachel Maxann’s Holiday Spirits: A Christmas Special with Friends
The Green Room | 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. With her signature blend of folk, soul, and blues, Rachel will fill the night with festive spirit and powerful storytelling. Don’t miss this intimate evening of music, warmth, and joy as she shares the stage with talented guest artists for a holiday show to remember.
Ice Ice Baby: A Holiday Variety Show
Hi Tone Cafe | December 13
Welcome to a Winter Wonderland of Singing, Dancing, Burlesque and more with performances by Godiva Goddess, Hoop Rebel!, Imagene Azengrabber, and many more.
Ballet Memphis: The Nutcracker
The Orpheum Theatre | December 13-15
Experience the magic again! Ballet Memphis’ stunning new production of this beloved American holiday favorite opened last season to joy and delight in both familiar and unexpected ways. Building on our 40-year tradition, Clara’s story unfolds to take you on a truly fantastical journey between reality and a confectionary dreamland with sets, costumes and music that create the holiday magic we long for in every season.
The Stubborn Holiday II
TheatreWorks | December 13-22
The Actor's Renaissance Theatre presents this production set in the charming lobby of Memphis’s Regal Hideaway Hotel. A Stubborn Holiday blends festive cheer with a captivating whodunit. As secrets unfold and a diamond necklace disappears, join detective Mitch Bridgewater and his team for an evening of suspense, laughter, and holiday intrigue.
Lucero Family Christmas
Minglewood Hall | December 14
Lucero Family Christmas returns December 14th with special guests Slobberbone, Rattlesnake Milk, and Dirty Streets! Join us at Minglewood Hall for great music, vendors, & more! *$1 from every ticket purchase will benefit 901Girls With Goals.
Christmas with Coro Rio
Cannon Center | December 14
A family-friendly concert centered around Elf. Christmas with Coro Rio features choirs from MidSouth Music Institute, performances by LRP Studios, and the Hernando High School Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Event includes festive activities for the kids, photos with Santa, and a live painting by artist J. Rodney Leath.
Folk All Y’all: Make the Yuletide Gay
The Green Room | December 14
Crys Matthews (she/her), the poster child for intersectionality, and Flamy Grant (she/her), the “Bible Belt Baby” are teaming up once again to pick up where the Winter Magic Tour left off, and they’re bringing some friends. This December, 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!
Velvetina's Christmas Cabaret
Sun Studio | December 14
A one-of-a-kind soirée at the Birthplace of Rock'n'Roll. Experience an evening of adult holiday fun with live music and burlesque performances hosted by Velvetina Taylor!
The Magic of Jen Kramer
The Halloran Centre | December 14
Experience mind-boggling magic and jaw-dropping fun with Jen Kramer, Las Vegas’s award-winning magician known for her dazzling sleight-of-hand and infectious energy. Named Female Magician of the Year, Jen’s show blends impossible illusions with creative audience participation for a night you won’t forget.
The Ho Ho Ho Burlesque Show
Hi Tone Cafe | December 14
Memphis Roller Derby’s annual Ho Ho Ho Burlesque Show & Silent Auction–their largest fundraiser of the year. They’ll have burlesque performances, a silent auction, and a skate raffle.
Germantown Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert
Germantown Performing Arts Center | December 14
Germantown Symphony Orchestra (GSO) in its 49th returns to GPAC for the annual Germantown Holiday Concert featuring native Memphian and soprano soloist Tanisha Ward. Choruses from Houston and Germantown High Schools will join the GSO for this concert.
Lindsey Stirling's Snow Waltz Tour
Cannon Center | December 16
The tour, which gets its name from Stirling’s 2022 chart-topping Snow Waltz album, 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 such as “Sleigh Ride,” “Joy to the World,” and “Deck the Halls” plus a few originals. Her concert performances take their cues from the 14-track Snow Waltz, which isn’t your everyday Christmas album.
An Evening with Gregory Porter
Orpheum Theatre | December 17
With his rich baritone voice and his mastery of the deepest traditions of soul, jazz and gospel, Gregory Porter has established himself as one of America's most versatile and acclaimed vocalists.
Drew and Ellie Holcomb’s Neighborly Christmas
Orpheum Theatre | December 18
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.
Mark Edgar Stuart & The BlueShift Ensemble 3rd Annual X-mas Show
The Green Room | December 18
Mark Edgar Stuart comes back with the Christmas Concert! The tradition started three years ago with the Blueshift Ensemble. This year Stuart presents special guests Savannah Brister, Calvin Barnes, & Alexis Grace.
What Christmas Means to Me, a Madonna Christmas Story
Germantown Performing Arts Center | December 18-19
Experience the joy and wonder of What Christmas Means to Me: A Madonna Christmas Story, where students and trainees of Madonna Learning Center bring the magic of Christmas to life through singing, dancing, and storytelling. This heartwarming performance has become a cherished holiday tradition, celebrating community, talent, and the endless possibilities of the season.
A Drag Queen Christmas
Orpheum Theatre | December 19
Get ready for your favorite queens performing live on stage. We’ve got Winners, Fan Favorites, Legends, and Miss Congeniality, plus queens from Season 16 and All Stars 9.
Tis a Soulful Season: Holiday Concert with Kenneth Jackson
Memphis Public Libraries Orange Mound Branch | December 20
Enjoy the soulful music of Kenneth Jackson as he ushers in the holiday season for the Orange Mound community. Kenneth Jackson has performed worldwide with renowned artists such as Ray Charles, Solomon Burke, Sam and Dave, and The Dells. His vocal style is reminiscent of Lou Rawls and Barry White. His guitar playing can be described as a combination of the soulful intonations of B.B. King with the technical finesse of Calvin Newborn. Free show!
The Sound of Christmas
The Life Church | 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.
The Nutcracker Ballet
Bartlett Performing Arts | December 20-22
Tchaikovsky's beloved ballet and holiday classic is brought to life by Singleton's Esprit de Corps Dance Company just in time for Christmas.
Wurlitzer Wonderland
Orpheum Theatre | 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.
Season Serenade: A Jazzy Holiday Performance
Crosstown Theatre | December 21
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. From the timeless melodies of Duke Ellington and Beethoven to the spirited grooves of the Pointer Sisters and Glen Miller, each piece weaves a tapestry of hope and resilience, embodying the true essence of the holiday season.
Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder Christmas
Germantown Performing Arts Center | December 21
Celebrate the season with 15-time GRAMMY winner Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder as they bring holiday classics to life in their signature acoustic bluegrass style. From joyful renditions of "Christmas Time’s A Coming" to heartwarming sing-a-longs, this festive show is a perfect blend of timeless holiday tunes and unforgettable musicianship.
Memphis Symphony Orchestra's Magic of Memphis
Cannon Center | 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.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis
Orpheum Theatre | 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.
Joyce Cobb & Band: A Holiday Concert
Memphis Public Libraries Orange Mound Branch | December 23
An unforgettable performance by Memphis’s own Joyce Cobb, hailed as “one of Memphis’s great musical treasures.” Joyce's illustrious career has taken her from recording with Stax Records and landing a Top 40 hit with "Dig The Gold," to opening for legends like The Temptations and Muddy Waters. Free show!
Not-So-Little Orphan Annie's Holiday Hangover
Germantown Community Theatre | December 28-29
Incredible singing and dancing talents sprinkled with comedy in a sassy and sauced variety show like no that will officially put Christmas to bed for the year. This is a 21+ only show!
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