Memphis City Night View

Visiting Memphis in December

by  Aleena Mehmood
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2024-11-22

Table of Contents

Memphis in December is an enchanting city filled with festive lights, holiday cheer, and cozy winter activities that highlight its Southern charm. Whether you're a fan of holiday parades, live music, or scenic outdoor adventures, Memphis has something for everyone. Let’s dive into some top attractions, seasonal events, and everything that makes December the perfect time to visit Memphis!

Is December a Good Time to Visit Memphis?

Absolutely! December introduces hospitality and warmth that is well known to Memphis citizens. Generally, temperate climates between 40°F and 55°F are good for outdoor activities and various cheerful holidays that cannot be held when it is hot. Not only is the weather comfortable for sightseeing, but the city’s holiday atmosphere also makes it feel like a winter wonderland.

Reasons to Visit Memphis in December?

Lights to the Blues musical festivals and beautiful holiday illuminations are presented in Memphis in December. That’s why when traveling in Memphis in December one can see Beale St all lit up for the holidays and Shelby Farms Park turned into a Christmas wonderland. Here are just a few reasons to make Memphis your December destination:

Holiday Events Galore

Memphis in December is typically filled with a number of special occasions, including a stunning light-emitting display of Shelby Farms Park known as the Starry Nights, and Christmas at Graceland Celebrations.

Photo Ops

Whether in Gaston’s Square or in front of the Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees, Memphis has magical lighting and lovely locations for the perfect holiday picture.

Music and Entertainment

Experience Memphis for its more famous live music venues and the shows during winter at Orpheum Theatre.

Memphis December Weather

December should be cool in Memphis with a chance of precipitation on some days. Day temperatures should average between 50°F so those who want to experience holiday strolls, ice-skating, or hot cocoa, will do so in comfortable temperatures. When choosing your outfits, it is advisable to consider wearing warm clothes at night as most people may be visiting outside light events such as light parades.

Make your Memphis December magical with our Best of Memphis Walking Tour – book now!

Things to Do in Memphis in December

If you're planning to visit Memphis in December, you won’t want to miss these must-do activities and attractions:

1. Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park

Of the countless light displays during the holidays, Shelby Farms Park shines with Starry Nights. This is a Memphis tradition of a drive-through light show that adds the glamour of Christmas to your car. Starry Nights has more than 3.5 million lights in the Mid-South and is ideal for families, friends, and couples who want to have a touch of winter magic.

2. Christmas at Graceland

Discover how our King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s home, Graceland, shines for the holiday season. The festive atmosphere at Graceland is always high during Christmas featuring the great Christmas trees, and the lights which are uniquely tailored toward the celebration of the Yuletide season as a favorite of Elvis Presley. So for Elvis fans the visit to Graceland in December is a dream come true and a wonderful combination of holidays and history.

3. Memphis Zoo Lights and Ice Skating

The Memphis Zoo becomes illuminated by stunning holiday features during the Zoo Lights event. Walk through the lights, ride the Ferris wheel, grab some hot cocoa, and enjoy the beautiful experience. Other activities that you can do include ice skating, which makes it an even-perfect place for a one-on-one winter date.

4. Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees at the Museum of Science & History

The enshrinement of the trees for the renewal of the forest in the festive mood can be observed in Memphis at the Museum of Science & History by organizing a special Festival of Trees during the holidays. It features twinkling trees, merry chaps, and superb winter scenes being displayed at this event. However for those chasing the holiday seasonal trappings and an abundance of photo opportunities then the Enchanted Forest cannot be missed. You can meet Santa Claus in person during the Santa Sundays!

5. Beale Street and Live Music

Beale Street is one of the bluesiest streets in Memphis and doesn’t become less bluesy in December. The street has done its best to put up Christmas decorations, and the bars and clubs bring music from various performances all over the season. It does not matter what kind of music you prefer: blues, jazz, or rock; all of Beale Street’s music clubs will provide you with the best mood in Memphis.

What is the Cheapest Time of Year to Visit Memphis?

Of course, Memphis is a tad cheaper in December, but the best time to travel is after the holidays in January, especially in February. December is still good for holiday events, but it is one of those perfect months to explore Memphis. It is also wise to book your trip ahead of time, as well as travel during weekdays in preference to the weekend as this too can help you save money whilst in Memphis.

More Festive Fun in Memphis

The holiday cheer doesn’t stop with just one event. Memphis goes all out for December, with a variety of themed events and displays:

Holiday Parade

Do not miss the opportunity to visit the holiday parade that is usually afloat on Beale Street. There are floats, people dancing, and absolutely a lot of people with Christmas vibes.

Memphis Botanic Garden

For instance, if you love nature, it is important that you do not miss the garden during the holiday season. The Memphis Botanic Garden has winter lights and holidays it offers which can turn it into a wonderland.

Orpheum Theatre

Gather the family to watch a holiday concert at the Orpheum Theatre, which presents holiday concerts every year in December to help spice up the Memphis holiday.

Discover the holiday charm of Memphis by night on our Scenic Night Tour!

Book Your Memphis Holiday Adventure with See Sight Tours!

If Memphis in December sounds like the perfect winter getaway, let See Sight Tours be your guide. Our Memphis tours capture the magic of Memphis with options like the Best of Memphis Walking Tour with Riverboat Cruise and the Memphis Scenic Night Tour. With See Sight Tours, you’ll experience Memphis like a local, discovering hidden gems and seasonal highlights in this vibrant city.

Memphis in December isn’t just a trip; it’s an experience filled with light displays, music, and Southern hospitality. So grab your coat, sip on some hot chocolate, and make this December in Memphis one to remember!

FAQs

1. Is December a Good Time to Visit Memphis?

Yes! December in Memphis is ideal for experiencing holiday events, enjoying festive light displays, and exploring cultural attractions without the usual summer crowds.

2. Reasons to Visit Memphis in December?

From Christmas at Graceland to Zoo Lights and Starry Nights at Shelby Farms, December brings a range of holiday-themed activities to the city.

3. Memphis December Weather?

Memphis in December is usually cool with daytime temperatures averaging around 50°F, making it comfortable for both indoor and outdoor holiday fun.

4. Things to Do in Memphis in December?

There are countless festive activities, including Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park, ice skating at the Memphis Zoo, and holiday performances at the Orpheum Theatre.

5. What is the Cheapest Time of Year to Visit Memphis?

The winter season, especially after the December holidays, tends to be more budget-friendly with deals on hotels and attractions.