Graceland’s Holiday Lighting Ceremony
What better place to spend the most wonderful time of the year than at Elvis Presley’s iconic home? Each November, Graceland kicks off the holidays by flipping the switch on hundreds of thousands of beautiful lights decorating the mansion and surrounding grounds. Join fellow Elvis fans for the magical lighting ceremony, which takes place at dusk. You’ll ooh and aah as Graceland’s holiday display comes to life with colorful lights galore. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience every Memphis visitor should have. After the lights come on, enjoy holiday tunes, cocoa and cookies, and photos with Santa. You can even bundle up and walk through the illuminated Graceland Mansion Tour, hearing stories of how Elvis celebrated Christmas growing up and later on with his family at Graceland. Graceland’s Holiday Lighting Ceremony takes place the first week of November annually, so make sure to plan your holiday trip accordingly.
Address: Graceland 3734 Elvis Presley Blvd Memphis, TN 38116
Phone: (901) 332-3322
Memphis Winterfest
If you’re looking to get in the holiday spirit, head downtown for some festive ice skating at Memphis Winterfest. This annual tradition turns Memphis’ Civic Center Plaza into a magical winter wonderland. Lace up your skates and glide around the real outdoor ice rink or watch the skaters from the observation deck while sipping on hot chocolate. After working up an appetite on the ice, warm up with a stroll through the charming European-style holiday market. You’ll find over 40 festive wooden chalets selling unique artisan gifts, holiday decor, accessories, baked goods, and more. Catch a horse-drawn carriage ride, see dazzling light displays, and snap a pic in front of Memphis’ dazzling 65-foot Christmas tree.
Address: Civic Center Plaza 150 Washington Ave Memphis, TN 38103
Playhouse on the Square
Treat the kids in your group to some musical holiday magic with Playhouse on the Square’s annual production of Peter Pan. Every year this beloved Memphis theater puts on an unforgettable show filled with pixie dust, pirates, and theboy who never grew up. Your little ones will be dazzled as Peter, Wendy, John, Michael and the Lost Boys take flight across the stage aboard Captain Hook’s pirate ship bound for adventures in Neverland. The talented cast and impressive production value make this show a must-see event every holiday season. After the show, stop by Playhouse on the Square’s lobby for photos with the cast. You can also visit their theatrical gift shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs like Peter Pan t-shirts, pirate hats and fairy wings for the kids.
Address: 66 S. Cooper St. Memphis, TN 38104
Phone: (901) 726-4656
Memphis Zoo
What could be more magical than the Memphis Zoo all dressed up for the holidays? Each winter, the zoo transforms into a twinkling winter wonderland with over 1 million dazzling lights. Visitors can experience the magic of Zoo Lights on foot or from the comfort of the zoo’s heated bus for a truly one-of-a-kind light safari. Marvel at glittering animal sculptures that line the zoo’s walkways and glow from within the habitats of tigers, pandas, orangutans and more. Gaze in wonder at the towering, colorful displays throughout the zoo grounds. Enjoy holiday treats, track down the perfect gifts at the zoo’s gift shop, and make unforgettable memories enjoying the zoo in a whole new light. With Zoo Lights being one of Memphis’ most popular holiday happenings, parking fills up fast.
Address: 2000 Prentiss Place Memphis, TN 38112
Phone: (901) 333-6500
Pink Palace Museum
Delight in the holiday splendor of the Pink Palace Museum’s annual Holiday Wonders exhibition. Each year, over a dozen elaborately decorated trees and displays bring the spirit of the season to life within the regal historic mansion. Marvel at the towering trees decked out by local businesses and designers in themes from classic Christmas to Memphis music heritage. Check out the miniature winter village display, complete with little shops, snow-covered trees, and even a ski slope. Don’t miss the model train that winds beneath the museum’s twinkling 20-foot tree. In addition to the stunning decor, Holiday Wonders offers fun seasonal activities like writing letters to Santa and weekend crafts and ornament making.
Address: 3050 Central Ave Memphis, TN 38111
Phone: (901) 636-2362
Shelby Farms Park
For fresh air, exercise and holiday magic, head to Shelby Farms Park’s Starry Nights. Every December, a driving trail through the heart of the massive park is transformed into a twinkling winter wonderland. Experience the magical mile-long light show from the comfort of your own car or our party bus. In addition to the dazzling light display, Starry Nights offers fun family activities like s’mores roasting, campfire sing-alongs, food trucks, photo opportunities with Santa, ice skating and more.
Address: 6903 Great View Drive North Memphis, TN 38134
Phone: (901) 222-7275
National Civil Rights Museum
Pay tribute to civil rights leaders while celebrating the hope they brought to the world at the National Civil Rights Museum’s annual wreath laying ceremony. Held each December, this moving event brings the community together to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Medgar Evers and others who sacrificed in the fight for equality. The wreath laying takes place in front of Room 306 at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. King was assassinated in 1968. Here, sing holiday classics and spirituals as museum staff and community leaders lay memorial wreaths. It’s a time to reflect on how far we’ve come and the work still to be done in civil rights today.
Address: 450 Mulberry St Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: (901) 521-9699
Rent With Memphis Party Bus Company To Hit Every Holiday Attraction
Make memories that will last a lifetime this holiday season in Memphis with Memphis Party Bus Company. Our fleet of party buses and limo buses can accommodate anywhere from 14 to 40+ passengers in total comfort and style. That means your entire holiday crew can travel together between Memphis’ many festive attractions this season. Leave the driving, parking, and traffic headaches to us. Our courteous team will get your group anywhere you want to go across Memphis smoothly. You can sit back, relax, and soak in the holiday happenings in our comfortable, climate-controlled buses equipped with leather seats, neon lighting, and booming sound systems. From transporting visiting relatives during the holidays to taking your classroom caroling or church group to Christmas services, we’ll get you there in style. Contact Memphis Party Bus Company today at 901-203-3181 to inquire about group holiday transportation. Let us handle the driving so you can enjoy magical Memphis this season.