Being the home of blues, soul, and rock n' roll, the City of Memphis knows how to throw a party and Christmas time is no different! During the holidays, the streets of this vibrant city are decked with tinsel and holly to welcome the jolliest time of the year. With an exciting line-up of events and activities taking place in the Tennessee city each year around Christmas, it will be difficult to be blue in Memphis during the festive season! Here are some of the top picks for things to do in Memphis during the Christmas period.

Wonders of the Christmas Garden
One of the best parts of Christmas is the amazing light displays, and for those who love to be dazzled, the beautiful Memphis Botanic Garden does not disappoint. Their Holiday Wonders is an event filled with every Christmas element imaginable from falling 'snow' to a light display played to carols, guaranteeing visitors will leave feeling very jolly.

A luxe Christmas
If a lavish Christmas is your thing, the lobby of the historic Peabody Hotel will deliver all the holiday feels. A landmark within the City of Memphis and home to the famous Peabody ducks, the Peabody knows how to do Christmas the right way. Be welcomed by a 30-foot Christmas tree, gingerbread house and extravagant decorations draped across the lobby.

The Zoo of Lights
Every evening from November 16, Memphis Zoo is holding a Christmas spectacular with brand new light displays this holiday season making your holidays merry and bright. The whole family can enjoy a night of ice skating, a visit to Santa's workshop, or simply marvel at the lights displayed throughout the zoo and cosy up with your family by the s'more's stations – all experienced with the sound of a lion or hippo roaring in the background.

Christmas with Elvis
The holiday season was Elvis Presley's favourite, so why not celebrate the way he did, in his home, Graceland and find out why it was voted the #1 Best Historic Holiday Home Tour by USA Today's 10Best Readers five years in a row (2018- 2022). The venue's Christmas event kicks off on November 16 with a holiday lighting ceremony, but the festivities continue up until January 8, when the birthday celebrations of the late King take over.

The festive event will feature a giant nativity scene, elaborate decorations that had been chosen by the icon himself and a gospel Christmas show. For true fans of Elvis and the holidays, the Graceland Christmas Hotel Package which includes a two-night stay, a Christmas tour and other holiday-themed goodies is the ultimate in festive fun.

Deck the halls (or street - Beale Street, that is)
Stroll down iconic Beale Street any day or night of the Christmas season and you will instantly be in the holiday spirit. Sip on a hot chocolate, visit Santa, or simply sing along to the carols playing throughout the street. Make sure to mark December 9 in the calendar to watch the annual Memphis Holiday parade which is complete with decorated floats, marching bands and steppers sharing their cheer throughout the city.

Shelby Farms Park
The largest holiday show in the mid-south, 'Starry Nights' at Shelby Farm Park, cannot be missed. The attraction puts on a show for Memphis locals and visitors with more than 1.5 million lights and a Christmas village. Visitors have the option of driving, walking or biking their way through the light display and anyway you choose, it's a magical moment for the family to enjoy!

Explore more of Memphis here: https://www.memphistravel.com/

Memphis quick facts

Tennessee's second-largest city, the vibrant city of Memphis is famous for its music, great food (and we're not just talking the amazing BBQ), and its significant place in America's history of civil rights. Exceptional hotels, and something to please every type of traveller await in Memphis. 

Australians can travel to Memphis via:  

United Airlines: Sydney - Houston – Memphis (or from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne via LAX or SFO

American Airlines (and Qantas codeshare): Sydney - LAX - Dallas Fort Worth – Memphis; Melbourne/Sydney - Dallas Fort Worth - Memphis

Delta Airlines: Sydney - LAX - Minneapolis – Memphis

Air New Zealand via AKL – Houston - Memphis

New Zealanders can travel to Memphis via:

Air New Zealand via AKL – Houston - Memphis

American Airlines – (Oct 2023 – March 2024) via Auckland – Dallas-Fort Worth - Memphis

Delta Air Lines – via AKL – LAX – Memphis

To obtain additional images please access the Memphis Tourism image library here: https://memphistourism.barberstock.com/