Memphis and the Mid-South have no shortage of holiday events to celebrate the joy of the season. We are a few weeks into the holidays and will soon welcome Old Man Winter. If you’ve been too busy to participate in any community holiday festivities, don’t worry — there’s still time! Whether you want to take in a concert, the ballet, do some last-minute shopping or something festive for the children, Tri-State Defender has you covered.
While many of the plays and parades have come and gone, there is yet holiday magic in the air. This curated list will help you slow down, savor the precious moments over a little hot cocoa while the lights twinkle and carols play, as you remember the days of old and make new fond memories with those around you.
Christmas in Collierville
The sky over Collierville Town Square is lit up with a quarter-million lights, ensuring people see how to navigate for carriage rides, pictures with Santa, performances, shopping, crafts and more. There is even a mailbox where kids can still send their letters to The North Pole.
Saturday, Dec. 20, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Collierville Town Square (96 N. Center St.)
More info: https://colliervilletn.gov/Christmas
Memphis Symphony Orchestra: Magic of Memphis
Think you’re on the Naughty List? This is your chance to see Santa(s) in action and maybe change his mind. In its annual holiday tradition, the Memphis Symphony, led by Conductors Robert Moody and Kyle Dickson, will join the Memphis Symphony Chorus, led by Conductor Joseph Powell, and the Dancing Santas for a festive, continuous lights and music show.
Saturday, Dec. 20, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, 255 N. Main St.
More info: https://memphissymphony.org/
Beale Street Live: The PRVLG
Downtown Memphis Commission (DMC) is keeping the holiday vibes alive with a one-of-a-kind show in its Beale Street Live series, featuring The PRVLG. This dynamic duo, who happen to be twins, have traveled the world and they are back home for a live recording at The New Daisy, one of Memphis’ oldest and treasured live music venues. Wonder if they will perform a holiday tune or two?
Sunday, Dec. 21, 6 p.m.
The New Daisy Theatre, 330 Beale St.
More info: https://downtownmemphis.com/events/beale-street-live
DMC’s Memphis Holiday Shoppe
If you need last minute gifts, DMC’s Holiday Shoppe is still open in the heart of downtown Memphis, now through Dec. 22. This is a limited time pop-up shop created by Kiamesha Wilson of Kaye’s Pints & Scoops (Whitehaven) and Verushka Wilson of The Mane Wildling (Uptown) in partnership with DMC. The pop-up shop features 15 local businesses, a Hot Cocoa Bar and live workshop experiences.
Dec. 16 – 22, 12-6 p.m.
100 Peabody Place, Suite 175
More info: https://downtownmemphis.com/events/memphis-holiday-shoppe
New! Winter Wonderland
If you want to stay warm and cozy, but let the kids run wild, look no further than the Winter Wonderland at the Agricenter. For the first time, this indoor Christmas Village features a 20-foot bouncy slide, bumper tubes, breakfast with Santa, several picture stations and more. There seems to be something for everyone.
Saturday, Dec. 20; and Sunday, Dec. 21, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. (breakfast with Santa is by reservation only and it is 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.)
Agricenter International Expo Center, 7777 Walnut Grove Ave.
More info: https://winterwonderlandmemphis.com/
Unapologetically Unplugged: An R&B experience, holiday edition
A partnership between Unapologetically Memphis, For You Recording and STAX Music Academy, Unapologetically Unplugged is a concert series that began one year ago to showcase local artists with original music. The partnership is celebrating its one-year anniversary this weekend, showcasing local R&B and hip-hop artists with holiday flavor.
Saturday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m.
Growlers, 1911 Poplar Ave.
More info: Ticket Tailor Website
Small Business Holiday Expo
Big Memphis and The Avenue Downtown are teaming up to present the Small Business Holiday Expo, Sunday, Dec. 21. The holiday market vibes continue with giveaways, music, Santa and vendors from all across Memphis. Admission is free but registration is required.
Sunday, Dec. 21, 1-6 p.m.
The Avenue Downtown, 10 N. Second Street
More info: https://www.bigmemphis.com/events
“The Nutcracker”
Does anyone know how many “Nutcracker” productions have taken place this season? It’s hard to keep up! In case you missed Ballet Memphis’ and Tennessee Ballet Theatre’s annual productions of “The Nutcracker,” and New Ballet Ensemble’s “Nut Remix,” you are in luck. There’s one more chance to catch a production of this storied tale — this time presented by World Ballet Company.
Wednesday, Dec. 24 at 2 p.m.
Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, 255 N. Main St.
More info: https://worldballetcompany.com/event/cannon-center/
Holiday Wonders at the Garden
If you’ve never beheld the beautiful light displays at Memphis Botanic Garden’s “Holiday Wonders,” you are missing out. This experience is a true Memphis tradition, with glowing trails, special experiences and new this year, the Polar Passage and a mobile app with interactive GPS. This is perfect for families who want to bask in the night air over festive holiday drinks and food truck fare, couples looking for a unique date night, or even singles who need to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the season.
Dec. 11 – 23 & 26 – 30, 5-8:30 p.m. (last entry at 7:30 p.m.)
Memphis Botanic Gardens, 750 Cherry Road.
More info: https://membg.org/events/holiday-wonders-at-the-garden-2025/
No Comment. DJ Alpha Whiskey & DJ Jay B Bizzle Bluebland
Midtown’s newest wine bar is heating up with two of the city’s hottest DJs, Alpha Whiskey and Jay B Bizzle Blueland on Christmas Eve. Get ready to dance under the neon lights and take a soulful, hip hop holiday trip back in time, when life was easy and the hardest decision was what to wear to the party.
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 7-10 p.m.
No Comment Wine Bar, 2155 Central Ave.
More info: https://www.instagram.com/nocommentwinebar/#
Hattiloo Theatre Productions
Memphis’ Black repertoire theatre, Hattiloo, comes alive for the holidays. “Take the Soul Train to Christmas, written by its executive director, Ekudayo Bandele, and directed by Jarrod Walker, ended Friday, Dec. 19, and “If Scrooge was a Brother” wraps up Saturday, Dec. 21. Hattiloo’s Christmas shows tend to sell out quickly, but there’s no need to fret.
The new year will bring about a new, dynamic interpretation of the Broadway smash hit the Jennifers (Holliday and Hudson) made famous, “Dreamgirls,” featuring some of the best talent in Memphis and beyond. There are only a few tickets left.
“Dreamgirls”
Jan. 30 – Mar. 6, 2026
Hattiloo Theatre, 37 Cooper St.
More info: https://hattiloo.org/
May the warmth of the season envelope you in love and blessings too many to name.
Happy Holidays!
