We’ve made it to December! Below are some Memphis events to keep your spirits bright this holiday season. From races and fundraisers to pictures with Santa, we hope you find joy in all that this month brings. From all of us at StyleBlueprint, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

16 Memphis Events & Happenings: December 2022

Through December 23, 2022: Christmas Tours at Graceland

Christmas at Graceland celebrates Elvis Presley and the holiday spirit! Explore the exterior grounds to see traditional lights, 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 from your tour guide. Tickets begin at $60 per person. graceland.com

Through December 23, 2022: Arrow Creative’s Holiday Bazaar

Carrying on the 69-year-old tradition that was once hosted by the Memphis College of Art, Arrow Creative’s Holiday Bazaar features fine art, photography, apparel, and more from over 80 local artisans. Event hours are Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, noon. to 5 p.m. arrowcreative.org

Through December 24, 2022: Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops

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

Through December 24, 2022: 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 its animated characters. Witness miniature trains weave through the snowy village and penguins at play, or enjoy a special visit with Santa Claus. The event takes place at the Memphis Museum of Science & History, and tickets are $7 for adults and $6 for children and seniors. moshmemphis.com

Through December 29, 2022: Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park

Starry Nights is a fun, family experience where you get to experience beautiful holiday lights and displays. Regular drive-through hours are 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Walk + Bike the Lights hours are 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Drive-through tickets begin at $20 per car, and Walk + Bike the Lights tickets begin at $6.95 per person. shelbyfarmspark.org

Through January 1, 2023: Zoo Lights

Enjoy stunning Christmas lights while strolling through the Memphis Zoo. Visitors can also sip on hot chocolate, go ice skating, ride the Ferris wheel, or take a snack break at one of the s’mores stations. Space is limited, so be sure to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are $14 for zoo members and $19 for non-members, and event hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. memzoo.org

December 1 – 4 & 8 – 23, 2022: Holiday Wonders at the Garden

Memphis Botanic Garden’s most anticipated holiday event has returned! The seasonal light exhibition includes eight acres of fun, including lighted sculptures from Alice’s Adventures at the Garden, visits with Santa, themed evenings, and more. Plus, this year’s event includes an updated layout! Tickets are $12, and entry begins at 5 p.m. membg.org

December 2, 2022: All Aboard! At Shops of Saddle Creek

All aboard! Kick off the 2022 holiday season at Saddle Creek with an outdoor screening of The Polar Express. Bring your blankets and chairs, and enjoy train rides while the movie plays on the big screen. The event is free to attend and runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. shopsofsaddlecreek.com

December 2, 2022: 45th Annual Collierville Christmas Parade

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

December 2, 9 & 10, 2022: Merry & Bright

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Dixon Gallery & Gardens. On select evenings in December, the gardens are home to a vibrant display of holiday lights in addition to arts and crafts and delicious food and drinks. Event hours are 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for Dixon members or $15 for non-members. dixon.org

December 3, 2022: 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 B.B. King Boulevard and Court Avenue. While registration is closed, you can still raise money for St. Jude head downtown on race day to cheer on participants! stjude.org

December 3, 2022: Christmas in Bartlett

At W.J. Freeman Park, enjoy shopping, food, and fun at Bartlett’s annual Christmas event! Attendees can also enjoy visits with Santa, Christmas displays, children’s activities, and more. The fun begins at 4 p.m. business.bartlettchamber.org

December 10 & 11, 2022: Sara Sells December Warehouse Sale

Sara Sells is a unique once-a-month shopping event where you can find sofas, dining tables, bedroom furniture, lighting, home decor, and more, up to 60% off retail pricing! The best part? You can take everything home with you on sale day! Sara Sells also offers alternate pickup days and local delivery. The in-person sale takes place on Saturday, December 10, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The online sale runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, December 11. sarasells.com

December 10 & 11, 2022: Dickens Christmas in Covington

Head to downtown Covington to enjoy a Victorian Christmas celebration! The event includes horse-drawn carriage rides, a giant snow globe, a scavenger hunt, cookie tastings, and more. Event hours are Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. facebook.com

December 16 & 18, 2022: Ballet Memphis’ Nutcracker

The magic of Ballet Memphis’ 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 $13 each. balletmemphis.org.

December 31, 2022: New Year’s Eve on Beale Street

Memphis’ 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 down to Beale for the Guitar Drop, where a giant guitar falls on the corner of Beale and 2nd outside Hard Rock Café. bealestreet.com

Happy December, Memphis!

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

Brianna Goebel
About the Author
Brianna Goebel

Brianna is StyleBlueprint’s Associate Editor and Sponsored Content Manager. She is an avid fan of iced coffee and spends her free time reading all things true crime.