These family outings will get your crew in the holiday spirit.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 to DECEMBER 31
Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees • Memphis Pink Palace Museum
Santa arrives by helicopter, landing on the front lawn of the Pink Palace to kick off this popular holiday tradition. Grand Opening Day takes place at November 14, at 9 a.m.
The Enchanted Forest is known for its animated characters set in a magical snowy setting, miniature trains chugging through Gingerbread Village, Penguin Pals in the Penguin Pond, beautifully decorated Christmas trees, and a meet-and-greet photo opportunity with Santa. • Benefits Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p m. Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Admission: $6/adult. $5/child ages 3-12. Pictures with Santa: $10 (available until December 24). • 636-2362
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 to DECEMBER 31
Polar Express 3D at CTI 3D Giant Theater
A young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole when he boards the Polar Express.
Hours: Daily showing at 3 p.m.
Admission: $11/adult. $9.50/ages 3-12. • 636-2362
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14-DECEMBER 31
The Light Before Christmas 3D • CTI 3D Giant Theater
An animated holiday film about two young children who learn all about the night before Christmas.
Hours: Times vary.
Admission: $9/adult. $7/ages 3-12. • 636-2362
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20-DECEMBER 30.
SunTrust Zoo Lights • Memphis Zoo
A WILD winter wonderland awaits with snow at Snow Alley, Santa in his shop, reindeer, and thousands of holiday lights.
Hours: Select nights from 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Admission: $8/person. • 333-6500
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20-DECEMBER 27
Orion Starry Nights • Shelby Farms Park
Shelby Farms Park is transformed into a winter wonderland filled with beautiful lighted displays. At the Mistletoe Village, take photos with Santa, ride camels, do holiday shopping, visit the Starry Petting Zoo, roast s’mores and sip hot cocoa around a campfire while listening to carols. Starry carriage rides and hay rides also available.
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 6-9 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 6-10 p.m.
Admission: $20/car. • Benefits Shelby Farms Park Conservancy. • 222-7275
NOVEMBER 20-29: Friday-Sunday. DECEMBER 2-13: Wednesday-Sunday. DECEMBER 15-27: Daily.
The Polar Express Train Ride • The Public Square, Batesville, Mississppi
Believe in the magic of the season! Enjoy the ride to Christmas Town while your family relives the story of Polar Express, complete with conductors calling “All Aboard” and punching golden tickets, dancing chefs serving hot cocoa and cookies, Santa visits and staff handing over the iconic silver sleigh bells to children. Kids are encouraged to wear their footy pajamas.
Hours: Departure times are 11 a.m. & 1, 3, 5:30 & 7:30 p.m.
Admission for November: $40/adult. $30/child ages 2-12.
Admission for December: $45/adult. $35/child ages 2-12. • (877) 334-4783
DECEMBER 11 & 12, DECEMBER 18-30. Closed DECEMBER 24 & 25.
Snowy Nights in My Big Backyard • Memphis Botanic Garden
Celebrate the holidays in the children’s garden. Stroll through the falling snow, decorate icicle ornaments, search for snowflakes in the Snowflake Forest, play Mitten Toss and Tic-Tac-Snow, plug your own design into the giant Light Bright, and enjoy a musical light show on the Leaping Lawn.
Hours: 5:30-8:30 p.m. (Last entry at 8 p.m.)
Admission: $10/person. Free for children under 2. • 636-4100