Karen Pulfer Focht
Holiday Wonders at the Garden.
Zoo Lights @ Memphis Zoo
November 16 through December 30 - On select nights, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Memphis Zoo lights up your holidays bringing snow in the courtyard, 90-foot LED-lit Ferris wheel, Memphis’ only outdoor ice skating rink, and the new Monster Truck Ride. Festivities include singing Christmas trees, free tram rides, children’s crafts, free CHINA Carousel, a visit with Santa, and animals on exhibit.
$9/person. Ice skating costs $6/person, open daily and nightly. Ferris wheel is $5/ride · 333-6500.
Wild Things Campfire Party @ Memphis Botanic Garden
Friday, November 16, from 6 until 8 p.m.
Interested in camping in cold weather? Head over to this party at the Garden featuring Where the Wild Things Are theater performance by Hutchison School, a nocturnal hike, and a craft activity. Hot dogs, s’mores, and cider provided.
$15/person. Reservations required · 636-4100
Santa Landing @ Memphis Pink Palace Museum
Saturday, November 17, 9 a.m.
Looking to greet Santa early this season? Stop by the front lawn of Pink Palace Mansion to meet the jolly old elf who is flown in by Pedi-flite helicopter. While waiting for Santa, enjoy donut holes and a special craft activity presented by The Art Project. Then join Santa and the Memphis Second Line Jazz Band as they lead a parade inside the museum to officially open the Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees exhibit.
Free and open to the public. Exhibit admission: $6/adult. $5/child (ages 3-12). Benefits Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital · Visit Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees for details.
Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees Exhibit Opens @ Memphis Pink Palace Museum
November 17 through December 31 (Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas). Enchanted Forest Fridays (open until 9 p.m.) – Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, & 21.
Don’t miss this 65-year-old Memphis holiday tradition bringing in magical experience for your family. Features animated characters in a snowy setting, Penguin Pals in the Penguin Pond, model train chugging through Christmas Village, dozens of decorated gingerbread houses and trees. Santa greets at the end of the Forest and poses for holiday pictures (until December 24). Photo packages cost $10-$60.
$6/adult. $5/child (ages 3-12). Benefits Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital · Visit Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees for details.
PB&J: Tap, Rhythm & Rhyme @ GPAC
Saturday, November 17, at 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.
Calling all children to tap your feet and clap to the beat in this celebrated music education program at GPAC. Memphis’ premier tap dance company, The Hot Foot Honeys is pairing up with jazz musicians and poet Tim “T-Remedi” Dotson of Inner City South for this interactive performance.
$8/child. Includes two adults · 751-7500
Vida y Arte Family Day @ Dixon Gallery and Gardens
Saturday, November 17, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Families are welcome to celebrate life and art at the Dixon with the exhibit Taller de Grafica Popular: Vida y Arte. Learn about Mexican works of art, take part in hands-on activities, and enjoy live music.
Free · 761-5250
Holiday Tree Lighting @ Downtown Memphis
Saturday, November 17, 5-7 p.m.
Families are invited to join for Christmas Tree Lighting at Peabody Place and Main Street. The celebration features special appearances from Santa, holiday carols, arts & crafts, letters to Santa Station & Mailing, hot cocoa & s’mores. Holiday ornaments and magic light wands sales benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Free · Visit Holiday Tree Lighting for details.
Starry Nights @ Shelby Farms Park
November 22 through December 28 - Sunday through Thursday, 6-9 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 6-10 p.m. (Closed on Monday, November 26)
Experience the magic of the holidays in the great outdoors. Drive through more than two miles of holiday lights and displays featuring some new and old favorites. Walk the half-mile holiday path or ride the Candy Cane Train ($5/person) along Hyde Lake. Stop by FedEx Mistletoe Village for holiday fun including a Build-A-Bear Workshop. Also features a petting zoo ($3/person), camel and pony rides ($5/person), carriage & hayrides, special theme nights, and holiday shopping.
$20/car | $50/van | $150/bus. Benefits Shelby Farms Park Conservancy · Visit Starry Nights for complete details.
Wrapped with Love, for the Kids at St. Jude @ Malco Theatres
November 22 through December 25
Are you into collecting movie memorabilia? Then here is your opportunity to purchase hand-made film bows at Malco theatres and help raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
$1/bow · Call 761-3480 for details.
Holiday Wonders at the Garden @ Memphis Botanic Garden
November 23 through December 30 – On select nights, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Get ready to celebrate the holidays at the Garden with Snowy Nights in My Big Backyard, Trees Alight in Iris Garden, and City of Memphis Christmas Tree at the Garden. At the interactive Snowy Nights venue, families are welcome to play in the “snow,” sip hot cocoa or spiced tea, create a winter craft, and enjoy music and games. Trees Alight is a 360 degree multi-media, LED light show extending to the tallest trees within the 96 acres. City of Memphis Christmas Tree is an 80’ tall Contorted White Pine that can be seen from Cherry Road when driving by the Garden.
Visit Holiday Wonders at the Garden for details.