By: Brianna Smith-Herman
COVID-19 won’t be the Grinch that stole Christmas! Although the pandemic is still amongst us we won’t let that destroy our holiday cheer. Memphis transfigures into a holiday wonderland during the Holiday Season and this year is no different. Below are eight of the biggest and brightest holiday Christmas lights in Memphis. Pack up the car, grab your masks, turn on the holiday tunes, and hit the road for these spectacular sights! Here’s a guide for some safe holiday fun. Be prepared to mask up and make memories because this will surely be a holiday season we won’t forget.
South Main Street
Take in the holiday spirit along South Main Street, where you’ll see storefronts decked out in colorful holiday lights.
Zoo Lights at the Memphis Zoo
Discover and explore a winter wonderland at the annual Zoo Lights at Memphis Zoo. Watch the Once Upon a Zoo Light Night Animal Shows and visit with Santa, enjoy a fantasy land of lights, ride the LED Ferris wheel and free carousel and pick up some gifts at the Merry Memphis Market Village.
Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park
The largest holiday light show in the Mid-South is Shelby Farms Park‘s Starry Nights. “Starry Nights” features thousands of twinkling lights and holiday displays. Take an excursion with friends and family through Shelby Farms Park. Enjoy Mistletoe Village to warm up with hot chocolate and roasted s’mores, stop by to wave at Santa, enjoy live music, and shop for the perfect holiday gift from local crafters.
Holiday Wonders at the Memphis Botanic Gardens
One of Memphis’ favorite holiday attractions is Holiday Wonders at the Memphis Botanic Gardens. Outdoor fun awaits with four interactive venues: Snowy Nights, Under The Stars, Yuletide Yard, and Northern Lights. Enjoy family jollification by playing in the falling “snow,” sipping hot chocolate, and enjoy crafts, games, music, and lights to celebrate this holiday season.
Click the link to catch the vibe here!
Enchanted Forest at Museum of Science & History – Pink Palace
Take a journey through the Enchanted Forest, a time-honored Memphis tradition at the Museum of Science & History – Pink Palace. You’ll explore the magical forests of twinkling trees with various themes, spotting elves that are busy making toys while penguins, cuddly bears, and mice play in the snow. A train winds its way around a miniature snow-covered village while passing through the Gingerbread Village, that smells delightful! Thousands of twinkling lights shine from dozens of beautifully-decorated trees lining the mezzanine, before stopping to visit Jolly Old Saint Nick.
Downtown After Dark
If you’re Downtown after dark, be sure to head to the riverfront to see both the Harahan and Hernando De Soto bridges aglow with the holiday spirit of Mighty Lights. This nightly light show on the Mississippi River runs every hour on the hour from sundown to 10 p.m.
Click the link to catch the vibe here!
Grand Lobby of The Peabody Hotel
Visiting the Grand Lobby of The Peabody is one of the city’s holiday traditions. The hotel’s festive holiday decorations include a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and garlands strewn along the mezzanine railings, and an unforgettably spectacular gingerbread house display that takes an entire month to create. The fountain belonging to the world-famous Peabody Ducks is decorated with a display of festive flowers.
Christmas at Graceland
Christmas at Graceland, I’ve never been to Graceland, but growing up I was always excited to ride past the most festive home in town. Hundreds of blue lights decorate the driveway, and the mansion includes Elvis’ favorite red velvet Christmas drapes and the same decorations originally found in Elvis’s home, including a life-size Nativity scene, A Christmas Tree, Santa sleigh, and reindeer.
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