13 Festive Memphis Activities To Make Your Holiday Season Unforgettable
Memphis transforms into a magical wonderland during the holiday season, offering countless ways to celebrate with family and friends. From glowing garden trails to Elvis-themed Christmas displays, the city blends Southern charm with festive cheer in ways you won’t find anywhere else.
Whether you’re searching for traditional holiday fun or unique Memphis experiences, this list has something for everyone to enjoy and remember for years to come.
1. Holiday Wonders at the Garden
If you love strolling through twinkling lights on chilly evenings, the Memphis Botanic Garden becomes your perfect winter escape. From November 28 to December 30, the garden glows with colorful trails and themed displays that feel like stepping into a fairy tale.
New this year is the Polar Passage, an immersive experience that takes you on a journey through icy landscapes without leaving Tennessee. Food trucks park on-site serving hot chocolate, warm pretzels, and seasonal treats to keep you cozy.
Families with kids especially appreciate how the event combines nature with holiday magic. It’s a tradition worth starting this year.
2. Lantern Festival at Memphis Zoo
Picture walking past 60 giant glowing animals crafted entirely from lanterns, each one more detailed than the last. The Memphis Zoo hosts this breathtaking Lantern Festival starting November 14, running select nights through February 1.
It’s not just about the animals either the entire zoo transforms with dazzling light installations that make you feel like you’ve entered another world. Kids go wild spotting their favorite creatures reimagined in glowing colors.
Bundle up and bring your camera because every corner offers a photo opportunity. This event sells out quickly on weekends, so I recommend buying tickets early to avoid disappointment and secure your spot.
3. Enchanted Forest at the Pink Palace
When you step into the Pink Palace from November 15 to December 28, you’ll discover a forest of sparkling trees that seem to whisper holiday secrets. The Enchanted Forest has become a beloved Memphis tradition that draws families back year after year.
A miniature Gingerbread Village showcases incredible detail with tiny frosted houses, candy cane lanes, and gumdrop gardens. Santa himself makes appearances throughout the season, ready to hear wish lists and pose for pictures.
Museum admission includes access to this magical display, making it an affordable outing. Your kids will remember the twinkling lights and sweet-smelling gingerbread long after the season ends.
4. Beale Street Holiday Parade
Are you ready for Memphis to show off its musical heritage with a holiday twist? On December 13, Beale Street comes alive with marching bands, elaborate floats, and performances that blend Christmas cheer with blues soul.
This isn’t your typical small-town parade expect high-energy entertainment, local celebrities, and enough festive spirit to warm even the coldest December day. Street performers add spontaneous moments of joy between the scheduled acts.
Arrive early to claim a good viewing spot along the parade route. The surrounding restaurants and shops stay open late, so you can grab dinner on Beale Street and make an entire evening of this Memphis tradition.
5. Christmas at Graceland
How does Elvis celebrate Christmas? You’ll find out starting November 20 when Graceland transforms into a rock-and-roll winter wonderland with thousands of lights and Elvis-inspired decorations.
The mansion itself gets decked out just like Elvis enjoyed during his lifetime, with vintage ornaments and period-appropriate holiday decor. Special events include the Graceland Holiday Lighting Ceremony, where the entire property illuminates simultaneously in a spectacular show.
Tours guide you through rooms filled with Elvis’s personal Christmas memories and treasures. It’s a unique way to experience both Memphis history and holiday traditions, combining two things the city does better than anywhere else on earth.
6. Ice Skating at Railgarten
Did you know Memphis has outdoor ice skating? Railgarten sets up a seasonal rink that brings winter sports to the Mid-South, complete with twinkling overhead lights and a hip urban vibe.
Located in a trendy area with shipping container shops and food vendors, the rink offers a cool alternative to traditional holiday activities. Skate rentals are available if you don’t own your own, and the staff helps beginners find their balance.
Warm up afterward with hot drinks from nearby vendors or explore the unique boutiques surrounding the rink. It’s especially romantic for couples looking for a memorable date night during the holiday season.
7. Holiday River Cruises on the Mississippi
There’s something magical about gliding down the Mississippi River while Memphis’s skyline twinkles with holiday lights. Several companies offer special Christmas cruises that combine sightseeing with seasonal entertainment and festive meals.
Onboard, you’ll enjoy live music, holiday-themed menus, and warm beverages while the riverboat gently rocks beneath you. The views of the city from the water provide a completely different perspective than you get from land.
Dress warmly because deck access lets you feel the river breeze and snap stunning photos. These cruises book up fast, especially the dinner cruises with Santa appearances, so reserve your spot well in advance for the best experience.
8. Shelby Farms Holiday Lights Tour
When cold weather makes walking less appealing, Shelby Farms offers a drive-through light spectacular that keeps you cozy in your car. Miles of illuminated displays transform the park into a glowing winter landscape you experience from your heated vehicle.
Giant light sculptures, animated scenes, and color-coordinated tunnels create a journey through holiday imagination. Your kids can wear pajamas and sip hot cocoa while you slowly cruise through the dazzling arrangements.
The route takes about 30 minutes depending on traffic, and you can tune your radio to a special station that syncs music with the lights. It’s become a cherished tradition for Memphis families who return each year.
9. Nutcracker Ballet at Orpheum Theatre
It’s hard to beat the elegance of watching The Nutcracker performed in the historic Orpheum Theatre, where crystal chandeliers and gilded details create the perfect setting. Ballet Memphis presents this timeless production with talented local dancers bringing the holiday classic to life.
The story of Clara and her magical Christmas Eve adventure unfolds through stunning choreography and Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable music. Even people who think they don’t like ballet find themselves mesmerized by the artistry and pageantry.
Dressing up for the occasion adds to the special feeling of the evening. Purchase tickets early because performances sell out quickly, especially weekend matinees that families prefer for introducing young children to live theater.
10. Holiday Shopping at Crosstown Concourse
Though shopping might not sound adventurous, Crosstown Concourse turns it into an experience worth celebrating. This renovated Sears building now houses local artisans, unique boutiques, and specialty shops perfect for finding gifts nobody else will give.
During the holidays, the building decorates its stunning vertical architecture with seasonal touches that make browsing feel festive. You’ll discover handmade jewelry, local art, specialty foods, and quirky items you won’t find at typical malls.
Take breaks at the food vendors scattered throughout the building, sampling everything from gourmet coffee to international cuisine. Supporting local businesses while finding one-of-a-kind presents makes your holiday shopping meaningful and memorable this season.
11. Overton Park Holiday Hike
Are all the sweets and indoor activities getting to you? Overton Park offers peaceful trails where you can walk off the holiday cookies while enjoying Memphis’s natural beauty in its winter mood.
The old-growth forest looks completely different without summer leaves, revealing hidden bird nests and interesting tree structures you miss during other seasons. Wildlife stays active even in December, so bring binoculars for spotting winter birds.
Pack a thermos of something warm and make it a mindful morning activity before the day’s festivities begin. The fresh air and quiet trails provide a calming contrast to the season’s usual hustle, helping you reconnect with nature and yourself.
12. Holiday Concerts at Levitt Shell
Where Elvis performed his first paid concert, you can now enjoy free holiday music under the stars at the historic Levitt Shell. The outdoor amphitheater hosts special seasonal concerts featuring local musicians performing everything from gospel to jazz-infused Christmas classics.
Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and your sense of community because these concerts draw diverse crowds united by music appreciation. The acoustics and atmosphere create intimate moments despite the venue’s size.
Food trucks typically park nearby, offering dinner options before the music starts. Check their schedule because performances vary throughout December, and some nights feature surprise guest artists who make the free admission feel like winning a lottery.
13. Downtown Holiday Window Displays
When downtown Memphis businesses compete for the best holiday window display, everyone wins. Strolling through the historic streets becomes a free art show where creativity meets Christmas spirit in storefront after storefront.
Local businesses go all out with elaborate scenes, moving displays, and themed decorations that tell stories through their windows. Some windows feature nostalgic Memphis history, while others showcase whimsical winter fantasies.
Make it a self-guided walking tour on a crisp evening when the street lights add extra sparkle to the displays. Grab coffee from a downtown cafe and vote for your favorite window, then share your photos on social media to spread the holiday cheer throughout the city.
