This holiday season is stuffed like a stocking, full of arts opportunities where you and yours can enjoy all the yuletide joy our city has to offer. Perfectly timed during the most festive of months, ARTSweek takes place December 2-10, as a week-long celebration of our community’s artists and arts organizations who create, entertain, enliven, and inspire us.
Scroll through a December selection from ARTSmemphis’ comprehensive calendar of events, which can be filtered by location, age, discipline, or date.
Stax Museum's Soul Mobile: Soul For The Holidays Pop-Up
December 2 | Shops At Saddle Creek
The Stax Museum's first-ever “Holiday Soul Mobile” is a traveling exhibit, gift shop, and DJ booth with live vinyl soul DJs, exclusive merchandise, and special guest appearances—like Santa! There will be soulful gifts for the whole family.
Memphis Symphony Orchestra presents Magic of Memphis
December 2 | Cannon Center For The Performing Arts
This beloved holiday tradition brings together a collage of Memphis performing groups featuring the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and even Dancing Santas. There will be a non-stop light and music show to delight all ages.
December 4-7 | Carpenter Art Garden
Support your local young artists by visiting the Carpenter Art Garden's annual holiday show and sale. Get a look at what their students have been working hard on all year and purchase something extraordinary for someone special this holiday season.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
December 8-17 | Germantown Community Theatre
Adapted from the best-selling young adult novel, this delightful comedy has become a time-honored tradition at GCT and a holiday staple across the nation. Witness the mayhem—and fun—of planning a pageant with a few unruly kids. There will be a sensory-friendly performance with an ASL interpreter on December 16.
Germantown Holiday Concert: Germantown Symphony Orchestra
December 9 | Germantown Performing Arts Center
Gather the family to enjoy classical pieces from their holiday favorites, including music from Polar Express and other traditional works. The Houston High School Concert Choir will join The Germantown Symphony Orchestra to conclude with a traditional sing-along and Irving Berlin's "White Christmas."
December 9-10, 15-17 | Orpheum Theatre
Ballet Memphis returns to share the joy of the Nutcracker in this enchanting, renewed, and vibrant telling of this classic tale. With nearly 40 years of legacy, this season features revitalized set and costume designs, transporting you to a sweetly nostalgic adventure in both familiar and unexpected ways.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
December 19 | Orpheum Theatre
Take your family to see their favorite characters from the beloved holiday classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Sit back and enjoy as Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius, and—of course—Rudolph comes to life on the stage to teach us that being different is special.
Through December 22 | The Circuit Playhouse
Learn grammar, math, science, and history with a twist by hearing classic, clever, and catchy tunes at Schoolhouse Rock, LIVE! These witty performances from fan favorites like Interplanet Janet and Bill on Capitol Hill will bring a smile to folks of all ages.
Through December 22 | Playhouse on the Square
Follow the yellow brick road in this enchanting story of Dorothy Gale, who finds herself in the mystical land of Oz after an incredible twist of fate. With the help of a Scarecrow, a Tin-Man, and a Lion, she is off to see the Wizard to find her way back home.
The Illusionists - Magic of the Holidays
December 28 | Orpheum Theatre
Experience the magic—real magic—of the holidays with the entire family at this mind-blowing show featuring some of the most incredible illusionists on earth. Witness outrageous and unexpected acts with magic of remarkable proportions.
ARTSmemphis supports the arts to strengthen our community. To learn more about how they're impacting the arts community, visit artsmemphis.org.