With Thanksgiving right around the corner and Christmas approaching, now is as good a time as any to start pulling together your list of must-dos and must-sees this holiday season. From Zoo Lights to visiting Santa at the Pink Palace, Memphis is brimming with seasonal fun and wonder around every turn.
Family in town? The holidays are a great time to show off your home city to loved ones, as well as a great opportunity to reacquaint yourself with all of the great things happening in our city. Don’t waste this opportunity to be the cool aunt or uncle you’ve always wanted to be.
Work parties and family obligations aside, don’t be a Grinch. The holidays in Memphis keep getting better all the time! And because I’m in a giving mood, I’ve made this list of the top seven things you should consider doing this holiday season.
The Peabody Hotel: The lobby alone is worth the trip. From the decked-out Christmas trees decorated with ornaments of all shapes and sizes, to the biggest gingerbread houses you will ever see, the Peabody is a perfect spot to raise that first glass of eggnog. And don’t forget to visit the Skyway. The view of the city during the holidays is truly something to behold.
Zoo Lights: From the minute you step foot into this Southern animal kingdom, you will be transported back in time as these memorable light displays hark back to simpler days. Not to mention the cocoa tastes so much better after falling on your butt on the ice skating rink. You can also visit the Big Man for a small fee. Isn’t it time for you to get that awkward Santa pic anyway?
Christmas at Graceland: Fit for a king or queen, the lighting of Graceland is a must-see for every Memphian. And because it happens around Thanksgiving, it’s the perfect occasion to put you in the holiday spirit.
Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park: It’s one of the coolest and most fun family-friendly holiday expeditions you can take in. The drive alone is magical, but then you can get out and hang out in the magical Mistletoe Village! It’s the largest annual fundraiser for the Park, and it’s a holiday tradition for thousands of families.
Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees: For those looking to throw it back to yesteryear, guests will enjoy the Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees at the Pink Palace. Every tree is decorated by local organizations, and every display brings something special to the table. If you are a fan of ugly sweaters, you will love this exhibition.
AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Are you ready for some football? This is always an intriguing game, as it pits two Power 5 teams against each other. Don’t forget the parade either. This bowl game is one of the most tradition-rich and patriotic bowl games in America.
New Year’s Eve Countdown at the Benjamin Hooks Library: This event is filled with arts and crafts, and storytelling to boot! The best part is the balloon drop at high noon. Face it, you won’t be awake at midnight, so do the next best thing — get your noon groove on with your kids!
Jeff Hulett is a freelance writer, musician, and PR consultant in Memphis. He lives in the Vollintine Evergreen neighborhood with his wife Annie, two girls Ella and Beatrice, and two dogs Chalupa and Princess Freckles.