14 Memphis Events & Happenings: December 2025

This month’s lineup of local events will keep your spirits bright all season long. From races and fundraisers to pictures with Santa, we hope you find joy in all that this month has to offer.

Through December 23, 2025: Christmas Tours at Graceland

Christmas at Graceland celebrates Elvis Presley and the holiday spirit. Explore the exterior grounds to see traditional lights and decor, lawn decorations, and more. Then, visit the home’s interior to see stunning red velvet drapes, artifacts on display, and plenty of Christmas trees — all while hearing Graceland holiday stories. graceland.com

Through December 24, 2025: Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops

Through Christmas Eve, visit Santa’s Wonderland inside Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid. Get your picture taken with Mr. Claus, write him a letter, or visit the Christmas Village. While there, make your list, check it twice, and take a trip to the toy shop! Reservations are free and can be made at basspro.com.

Through December 28, 2025: The Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees

Benefiting Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, The Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees is a winter wonderland that brings the holiday season to life with awe-inspiring Christmas trees, penguins at play, and even visits with Santa Claus. Event hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults and $6 for children and seniors. lebonheur.org

Through December 30, 2025: Holiday Wonders at the Garden

Memphis Botanic Garden’s most anticipated holiday event has returned! In addition to the seasonal light exhibition, you can enjoy the Under the Stars Outdoor Lounge, seasonal food and beverages, Santa’s sleigh, and more. Tickets begin at $15 for garden members and $17 for non-members. Event hours are 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. membg.org

Through January 3, 2026: Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park

Starry Nights is a fun, family event where you can experience beautiful holiday lights and displays. General admission drive-through tickets start at $32.02 per car, and Walk + Bike the Lights tickets begin at $11.32 per person. Proceeds benefit Shelby Farms Park and Shelby Farms Greenline, and event hours are 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. shelbyfarmspark.org

Through January 4, 2026: Lantern Festival

Memphis Zoo debuts its first-ever Lantern Festival this holiday season. In addition to 60 larger-than-life illuminated fixtures, visitors can sip on hot chocolate or take a snack break at one of the s’mores stations. Space is limited, so be sure to purchase tickets in advance. Admission is $25 for non-members. Event hours are 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. memzoo.org

December 5, 2025: Collierville Christmas Parade

Grab the whole family and head to the Collierville Town Square for the annual Christmas Parade. The event attracts thousands of spectators annually, making this a can’t-miss event. The parade begins at 7 p.m. on Byhalia Road. colliervilletn.gov

December 5, 2025: Drew & Ellie Holcomb’s Neighborly Christmas

Drew and Ellie Holcomb are a husband-and-wife duo known for their Americana music. While the couple does not collaborate as often as they once did, their Neighborly Christmas event allows them to come together for an evening of music once again. This special event begins at 8 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre; tickets start at $47.65. orpheum-memphis.com

December 6, 2025: St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend

The St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend is one of the biggest events of the year in the Bluff City! Races begin at 7 a.m. on Beale Street. Although all distances are sold out, you can still plan to be a spectator and cheer on the participants. stjude.org.

December 6, 2025: Bartlett Christmas Parade

Returning for another year, Bartlett hosts its Christmas parade on December 6 at 4 p.m. This year’s theme is A Storybook Christmas. The parade winds its way through the neighborhoods along Kirby Whitten Road and Yale Avenue. business.bartlettchamber.org

December 6, 13 & 20, 2025: Christmas in Collierville Saturdays

The town of Collierville is ready for some Christmas magic! On select Saturdays, you can enjoy everything from model train displays to Christmas carolers, photos with Santa, and more. For additional details, visit colliervilletn.gov.

December 12 – 14, 2025: Ballet Memphis’s The Nutcracker

The magic of The Nutcracker returns to the Orpheum Theatre. You can expect to see all of your favorite classic characters take the stage — and they’re sure to make your holiday season joyful and bright. Tickets start at $16.35 each. balletmemphis.org.

December 13, 2025: ¡Christmas Fiesta!

Celebrate the holiday season at ¡Christmas Fiesta!, hosted by Cazateatro Bilingual Theater Group, Opera Memphis, and Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Experience the Christmas traditions of Latin America and the Caribbean, featuring parrandas, posadas, piñatas, and more. Enjoy traditional Spanish Christmas music, savor flavorful Latin dishes, and create festive crafts. dixon.org

December 31, 2025: New Year’s Eve on Beale Street

Memphis’s biggest New Year’s Eve festivity is back! The 21-and-up NYE celebration includes Memphis music and a big fireworks finale. Later in the evening, everyone puts on their metaphorical blue suede shoes and heads to Beale Street for the Guitar Drop. bealestreet.com

Happy December, Memphis!

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To see more great Memphis events, visit our Happenings calendar!