Christmas in Memphis

There are always more ways to celebrate the holidays in Memphis than there are days in your Christmas vacation! So this year, we’ve compiled a list of favorite events to help you prioritize your busy days and schedule your sparkly nights.

Must-Do Festivities:

1. A Mo-Town Christmas - Celebrate the season with classic Christmas songs at the Hattilloo Theatre from November 22nd -December 22nd. A stunning cast of characters breathes life into the most beloved Mo-town Christmas hits by Stevie Wonder, Jackson 5, and more. This performance will keep you grooving into the holiday season!

2. Starry, Starry Winter Garden - Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a nighttime stroll through the plaza at the Brooks Museum of Art. Memphis sculpturist Greely Myatt’s outdoor exhibit is fashioned from reclaimed items and will light up the evening with an “illuminated starscape” that is sure to enchant. Perfect Christmas date idea!

3. Christmas at the Peabody - There’s nothing like some luxe during the holiday season! Throw on your Christmas best and take a trip to the Peabody lobby where a gingerbread display, a two-story tree, and the lounge pianist playing carols will delight your night. Grab a drink from the bar and take some Instagram worthy photos before heading to dinner or a carriage ride downtown.

4. A Christmas Carol - The 47th annual Memphis Christmas tradition at Theatre Memphis! Enjoy the spirited tale of Scrooge and his redemption with a longer evening performance or an abbreviated daytime performance for your littles.

5. Handel’s Messiah - Dec 3rd at Lindenwood and the 4th & 5th at Germantown United Methodist Church. A Christmas composition celebrated throughout generations is masterfully performed by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. Be moved by the grandeur and beauty that has inspired listeners since 1740. 

6. Christmas Fiesta! - Dec. 14th from 11 am - 3 pm - Join CazaTeatro and Opera Memphis as they celebrate the Christmas traditions of Latin America and the Caribbean. Experience food, song, and crafts and more at this fourth annual fair.   

7. Twelfth Night - Start a new, very old (400 year!) tradition by taking in a production of Twelfth Night, Shakespeare’s famous play celebrating the end of the 12 days of Christmas. The Tennessee Shakespeare Company showcases this comedy Dec. 5th - 22nd at their beautiful theatre off of Germantown Rd. 

8. Soulsville Parade - Swing by Stax Records for an afternoon of food trucks, treats, Memphis music, and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Dec 14th from 1 pm - 4 pm. This event promises to be one of the most Memphis-ways to celebrate the season!

9. Holiday Wonders at the Garden - If you’ve ever visited the Botanic Gardens Holiday Wonders display, you know it’s worth a re-visit. Pick a select night between November 29th thru December 28th to gather a group of friends and enjoy a night stroll throughout the lit gardens. Theme nights include “Happy Pawlidays” (take your dog on leash) and Jingle Jammies (everyone in their “evening wear”)! Perfect for the family and an easy way to enjoy one of the balmier winter nights we get in the Mid-South.

Make a list and check it twice! Plan out your Christmas season with the very best holiday offerings in Memphis and you’ll be sure to stay inspired, enchanted, and fully entertained!