Christmas lights in Memphis: From Memphis Zoo to Starry Nights, here's where to see holiday light displays

Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal
Updated ·4 min read

With the holiday season now in full swing, Christmas lights, stockings, candy canes and tinsel are down from the attic and hung up around the house.

In Memphis, there is always a lot of holiday cheer in the form of Christmas lights and decorations throughout the season. From Christmas tree lightings to light displays and inflatable decorations in yards, Memphis always manages to get into the holiday spirit.

There are plenty of events to see Christmas lights in the city, so we started compiling a list of them to make sure you don't miss out on anything. Here's a good place to get started if you're looking to see holiday lights within the next two months.

Graceland Christmas tree lighting

Graceland's Christmas tree lighting will be on Thursday, Nov. 16. The event will start at 6 p.m. at 3717 Elvis Presley Blvd. The event will also be live-streamed for those who cannot be in attendance. Graceland will also feature the grand opening of the new Enesco Gift Shop and Gallery after the lighting. There will also be other events celebrating Graceland that weekend that can be found here.

Graceland and Christmas go together like - well, you decide!
Graceland and Christmas go together like - well, you decide!

Bartlett Christmas Tree Lighting

The city of Bartlett will be hosting its fourth annual Christmas tree lighting on Nov. 17. The event will start at 4 p.m. at the tree lighting will happen at 5 p.m. The Christmas market will be open on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be children's activities, food trucks, a cooking demo, Santa Claus, and music by local schools and Bartlett residents.

Downtown Memphis Christmas tree lighting

Downtown will have its Christmas tree lighting at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov, 18. The event will have the Christmas tree lighting, photos with Santa, Margie's 901 Hot Chocolate and more. The lighting ceremony begins at 4:50 p.m.

Collierville Christmas tree lighting

The town of Collierville will have its Christmas tree lighting on Tuesday, Nov. 21. The event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 8: p.m. The lights will be lit from Nov. 21 to Jan. 4, so there is plenty of time to see them. The town will also have its Christmas parade on Dec. 1.

The Collierville High School varsity pom squad braved cold temperatures and gathered together for a team photo during the annual Collierville Christmas Parade.
The Collierville High School varsity pom squad braved cold temperatures and gathered together for a team photo during the annual Collierville Christmas Parade.

Overton Square Christmas tree lighting

Overton Square's Christmas tree lighting will be on Saturday, Dec. 2. The event will start at 5 p.m. and last two hours. There will be free hot chocolate, live music and snow. Santa will also be present for free pictures. The Cordova High School Choir and Michael Brothers Band will perform.

Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees

The Museum of Science and History is hosting its annual Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees again this year. The event runs from Nov. 18 to Dec. 31. Stop by the museum to see hundreds of Christmas trees decorated by people throughout the city. Also catch Santa, a miniature train display and more. Proceeds from this event benefit Le Bonheur Children's Hospital. Tickets cost $7 for adults and $6 for seniors and children ages 3−12.

Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park

Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park runs from Friday, Nov. 24 to Sunday, Dec. 31. It is only open on select evenings. Drive through Shelby Farms and see the dazzling displays with millions of lights throughout the park. All proceeds go to the daily operations of Shelby Farms Park and Shelby Farms Greenline.

Kaitlyn Waldo, Angelina Liv and Arlenna Siv roast marshmallows at Starry Nights, annual drive-through light display at Shelby Farms, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018.
Kaitlyn Waldo, Angelina Liv and Arlenna Siv roast marshmallows at Starry Nights, annual drive-through light display at Shelby Farms, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018.

Memphis Zoo lights

Memphis Zoo and Truist Zoo Lights are back again this year on Friday, Nov. 24. The event will last on select nights until Jan. 6. Tickets for the event will cost $14 for zoo members and $19 for non-members. Tickets must be purchased online before the event. There will be light displays, ice skating, a light tunnel, a gingerbread forest, Chinese lanterns, s'mores and more.

A couple inspects one of the displays of holiday lights at the Memphis Zoo, Friday, Nov. 20, 2021 in Memphis, TN.
A couple inspects one of the displays of holiday lights at the Memphis Zoo, Friday, Nov. 20, 2021 in Memphis, TN.

South Main's Christmas lights

South Main's lights will be up from starting in November and continue through January. On Main Street between GE Patterson and Butler, lights will decorate businesses on both sides of the street from 4 p.m. to midnight every night. See businesses like Paper & Clay, Bluff City Coffee & Bakery, South Main Sushi, and more decorated with holiday cheer.

Holiday Wonders at the Garden

Memphis Botanic Garden is hosting Holiday Wonders at the Garden. It is open on select evenings from Nov. 24 to Dec. 30 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. There will be themed nights throughout the series, so be sure to check the calendar before you go. There is an area for photos, characters to engage with, food trucks on site, cocktails, hot chocolate, apple cider, and lights galore. Tickets should be purchased in advance.

What are your favorite spots to see Christmas lights in town? Let us know! Contact us at  Jordan.Green@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter/X  @_green_jordan_

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Christmas lights 2023: Where to see holiday light displays