Another Halloween down and a season of holiday events left to go! If you’re anything like the Saddle Creek team, you’re pumped to kick off the next few months of winter cheer, and with so many fun things to do in Memphis this time of year, we’re in for a treat. So, from our family to yours, here’s our 2023 Memphis holiday guide!
Run the Hungry Turkey 5K
November 23, 2023
There’s no better way to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday than by giving back, and the Hungry Turkey 5K is a great way to do just that! All proceeds from this annual run are donated to the Mid-South Food Bank to provide 4 million meals per month to hungry people in need.
Whether you decide to walk, run, or volunteer on the sidelines, this is an event that you can feel proud to attend. Click here to register or donate to the cause!
Visit the Crafts & Drafts Holiday Market
November 11-12, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
There’s a little something for everyone at the Memphis Crafts & Drafts Holiday Market – kids, adults, and even pets included! Held at Crosstown Concourse, this unique event features over 150+ local artists and multiple venues to try delicious craft beer on tap.
And did we mention that entry is free?
Watch the Local Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Downtown & Soulsville
Nothing says Memphis like soul music, and the best way to experience the classic yearly Christmas Tree lighting ceremony is right here in Soulsville, USA. This 30-foot Christmas tree will shine brightly for everyone to see until the holidays are over, and you and your family will love the free hot chocolate, live music, and pictures with Santa Claus.
If you can’t make it to Soulsville, you can also attend the Downtown Memphis tree lighting ceremony as well. You’ll get free photos with Santa, hot chocolate, and musical performances on the corner of Peabody Place and Main Street.
Enjoy the Memphis Holiday Parade
December 9, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.
Another excellent family event is the annual Memphis Holiday Parade hosted on Memphis’s most famous avenue – Beale Street. With popular sightings from local high school bands and even the Redbird’s mascot, you and your kids will love the dancing, singing, and merrymaking for the whole evening.
And if you’re looking to get a little more involved, you can also register to march in the parade!
Cross Off Your To-Buy List at Saddle Creek
For all your holiday shopping, we suggest coming to the Saddle Creek Outdoor Mall to check everything off your list – and not just because we share the same name (although that is a perk)! Saddle Creek has a laundry list of top stores, including LuLu Lemon, Tecovas, and the brand-new Lush, among many others.
Plus, with local favorites like City Cilo and Rise, you can take a break to eat between hauls.
Take the Family to Watch The Nutcracker
December 9 & 10, 15 & 17, 2023
Year after year, families across the globe pour into theaters to watch the most famous ballet of the season, The Nutcracker. Ballet Memphis’s performance of the holiday classic is something to see, and this family-friendly fun is an excellent way to introduce your kids to the Orpheum!
Whether you are looking for an evening showing or a matinee, it’s best to book your tickets early so they don’t sell out!
Bond with the Family & Escape the “Christmasverse”
Looking for an alternative to the traditional holiday experience? Try your luck at Escape the Christmasverse hosted by Memphis Escape Rooms! MER describes how you and your family will be dropped into a normal holiday living room, with the scene set for watching Christmas movies – and then, just as you’re reaching for the eggnog, you’ll get transported to the “Christmasverse” and you have to find your way out!
Take Photos at Starry Nights
Opening Day: November 14, 2023
One of Memphis’s local favorite holiday events is Starry Nights at Shelby Farms. This drive-through light show benefits the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy and features literally millions of twinkling lights in beautiful displays across the park. This is truly an unforgettable experience and one that you will want to return to year after year!
Book your tickets here!
Support LeBonheur at The Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees
November 18 – December 31, 2023
Looking to celebrate with your family and support a good cause at the same time? Then The Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees is just right for you! Held at the Pink Palace (now the Museum of Science & History), this light festival features a walkway through fully decorated trees, snowy scenes, and photos with Santa.
Tickets sell out fast, so be sure to reserve your space before they run out!
Walk Through the Zoo Lights
November 24 – January 6, 2023
Another Memphis holiday tradition is a walk through the Memphis Zoo Lights. Once the animals are in bed, the zoo turns on a maze of beautiful light sculptures and decorations – plus, you can bring the family to the Teton Trek for ice skating and hot chocolate!
Witness the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the FedEx Forum
December 14, 2023
Guess who’s coming to the FedEx Forum? That’s right, the quintessential holiday rock band is on its way to Memphis for their “Ghosts of Christmas Eve” tour. This powerful laser light show and musical production is sure to be a core memory for you and your kids, so visit the forum to enjoy the season’s classics come to life.
Happy Holidays from Saddle Creek Orthodontics
Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa – you name it, we’re happy to help you celebrate it! We hope you enjoy this holiday guide for all things hip and happening in the Memphis area this season, and we encourage you to come and tell us what you’ve tried at your next orthodontic check-up!
Until then, see you soon!