Twelfth Night
Tennessee Shakespeare Company
Through December 22
A “holiday tradition.” “Shakespeare’s most charming comedy, cast in a topsy-turvy world of cross-dressing lovers, yellow cross-garters, and crossed identities.” Fine, yes, I’m quoting from Tennessee Shakespeare Company’s website and they might be trying to sell tickets to their latest production but they’ve never let anyone down. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. through December 22nd. Tickets ($22-$44) can be purchased here.
Fire Pit Friday
Tom Lee Park, Visionary Grove
Friday, December 13, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Get s’more time with the family on Fridays this December at Memphis River Parks Partnership’s Fire Pit Fridays. Each week features a fun new twist; this week is Salsa by the Fire! Enjoy a salsa lesson and lively performance beginning at 5:30 p.m., and Saqnta pics starting at 4:45 p.m. Limited free s’mores will be available at the first three events, so arrive early to enjoy this treat. Guests are welcome to bring (and share) their own s’more ingredients — skewers will be provided. On Friday, 13th, and 20th, Jasper Float & Spa brings the ultimate Dream Zone experience to the riverfront, featuring relaxing samples, sleep essentials, and a chance to win a 60-minute relaxation massage.
South Main Songwriter Night
South Main Sounds
Friday, December 13, 7-9 p.m.
Kim Garmon-Hummel and Delta Joe Sanders return to South Main Sound’s stage and Lindsey Hinkle makes her long-awaited debut for South Main Songwriter Night.
Rachel Maxann’s Holiday Spirits: A Christmas Special with Friends
The Green Room at Crosstown Arts
Friday, December 13, 7:30 p.m.
Join singer-songwriter Rachel Maxann for a soulful Christmas celebration featuring heartfelt performances of holiday classics, original tunes, and special guests from the local music scene. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
The Nutcracker
Orpheum Theatre
Friday, December 13, 7:30 p.m. | Saturday, December 14, 2 p.m. | Saturday, December 14, 7: 30 p.m. Sunday, December 15, 2 p.m.
As someone who takes beginner ballet classes at Ballet Memphis and is firmly a beginner as my mom likes to remind me whenever I show off my skillz, I might be a bit biased, but The Nutcracker sounds like a perfect way to spend an evening this weekend. This year’s production features the new costumes and Memphis-twist that debuted last season. Performances last approximately two hours, and tickets ($16-$91) can be purchased here.
Christmas Fiesta
The Dixon Gallery and Gardens
Saturday, December 14, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Learn about Christmas traditions of Latin American and the Caribbean at the Christmas Fiesta, presented by Cazateatro Bilingual Theater Group, Opera Memphis, and Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Visitors will enjoy the Christmas traditions of Latin America and the Caribbean, and learn about parrandas, posadas, piñatas, and more. Enjoy traditional Christmas music in Spanish, Latin food, crafts, and activities. Admission is free!
2024 Memphis Tubachristmas
Crosstown Concourse
Saturday, December 14, 1 p.m.
Watch a bunch of tuba players come together in Christmas cheer. That’s what makes a Tubachristmas. (If you want to participate, find out more here.)
Memphis Holiday Parade
Beale Street
Saturday, December 14, 2 p.m.
Memphis will be alight with holiday cheer at the annual Memphis Holiday Parade down Beale Street, with marching bands, steppers, twirlers, floats, and all sorts of sights on Saturday afternoon. You can also get your picture taken with Santa Claus for free on Friday the 13th, 5 to 7 p.m. on Beale. The pictures will be available on Facebook the next day here.
Sheet Cake First Birthday
Sheet Cake
Saturday, December 14, 5-7:30 p.m.
Celebrate Sheet Cake’s first trip around the sun, with two new exhibitions openings, cake (of course), DJ Bizzle Bluebland, and more. The two exhibits are “Loose Ends” with work by Brittney Boyd Bullock and “Back for Seconds” with work by Roger Allan Cleaves, Melissa Dunn, Stephanie Howard, and Clare Torina.
Time Warp Drive-In: Strange Christmas Vol. 11 – Holly Jolly Holiday Horror
Malco Summer 4 Drive-In
Saturday, December 14, 7 p.m.
Explore the demented side of the holidays with a thrilling and disturbing fright fest screening Christmas Bloody Christmas (2022) and Troll Hunter (2010). Tickets are $25 per carload.
HoHoHo Burlesque Show & Silent Auction
Hi Tone
Saturday, December 14, 9:30 p.m.
Memphis Roller Derby presents its largest fundraiser of the year and so much fun. They’ll have burlesque performances, a silent auction (holiday shopping, anyone?), and a skate raffle. Admission to the amazing acts and local items is $15.
Acoustic Sunday Live
First Congregational Church
Sunday, December 15, 7 p.m.
If you like music, you might want to check out the Acoustic Sunday Live concert, or you could just go for the sake of a good cause, that being to support Protect Our Aquifer. This year’s lineup features legendary folk singer Tom Rush, celebrated singer-songwriter Steve Forbert, acclaimed Canadian blues singer Shakura S’aida, and Nashville-based Americana songwriter Tim Easton, with special guests Memphis’ own Marcella Simien, as well as violinist Anne Harris, hailing from Chicago. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased here.
Steve-O: The Super Dummy Tour
Minglewood Hall
Sunday, December 15, 7 p.m.
Television personality and YouTuber Stephen Glover, popularly known as Steve O, will perform live. Tickets ($65-$80) can be purchased here. 18+.
Drew & Ellie Holcomb’s Neighborly Christmas
Orpheum Theatre
Wednesday, December 18, 7:30 p.m.
Catch a neighborly Christmas concert with Drew and Ellie Holcomb. Drew’s a Memphis native and Ellie’s from Nashville, and together they’ve achieved over 1 billion streams. Drew and Ellie Holcomb’s Neighborly Christmas is a special engagement event, allowing the couple to collaborate. Tickets ($39.50-$99.50) can be purchased here.
Lindsey Stirling – The Snow Waltz Tour
Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
Monday, December 16, 8 p.m.
Lindsey Stirling brings her Snow Waltz Tour to Memphis, complete with holiday staples and originals, dance and acrobatics, and more. Tickets ($52-$199) can be purchased here.
Cookies and Caroling
Abe Goodman Golf Clubhouse
Tuesday, December 17, 5-7 p.m.
Join the Overton Park Conservancy and Opera Memphis for an evening of holiday cheer with a caroling singalong, delicious treats, and time with your loved ones. Beverages and bites will be from 5 to 6 p.m., and the singalong will start at 6 p.m. RSVP here.
There’s always something happening in Memphis. See a full calendar of events here.
Submit events here or by emailing calendar@memphisflyer.com.
