Holiday Guide: What's Happening in Memphis

The temperature is going down and decorations are going up. The holidays are fast approaching and Memphis has plenty of opportunities for you and your family to get out of the house and enjoy the season. So bundle up the little ones and head out to enjoy some of the events in and around town.

Though the lights will not be turned on until the day after Thanksgiving, they have already begun construction on this year's Christmas at Graceland. Located on Elvis Presley Blvd., Graceland still does Christmas big. On Friday, November 24, special tours will be given from 5-8 pm. Guests will be able to see the lights turned on at dusk (approximately 5:45pm). All decorations, inside and out, will remain on each evening until the Elvis Birthday Celebration in January. Can't make it to Graceland, but don't want to miss the sights? You can see the lights 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via the GracelandCam. For more information on tours and to check out the webcam, you can visit Graceland's website at http://www.elvis.com/graceland/calendar/elvis_christmas.asp.

Just a short drive outside of Memphis, the city of Southaven will hold their annual Southern Lights. Visitors will be able to drive through more than a mile of lighted exhibits in Central Park, Southaven. A portion of Southern Lights proceeds will go to benefit local charities. For more information, call 662-890-7275.

Zoo Lights at the Memphis Zoo is always a treat with the younger crowd. With light displays, holiday-themed activities, Santa, reindeer, and horse-drawn carriage rides, what more could a kid ask for? This annual event will be held from November 24 through December 31. And, if your kids can't get enough of the zoo, check out Zoo Snooze. The little ones can countdown to 2007 in a wild adult-free way by spending the night with the animals. For more information visit www.memphiszoo.org

The Collierville Christmas Parade will take place on December 1. Local and regional organizations will show off their floats and musical talent, followed by an appearance from Santa. You can join the excitement as the parade follows Byhalia Road through Collierville.

Not really into Elvis? Prefer something indoors? Don't fret, there is plenty for you to see and do.

In answer to the public's demand, The Santaland Diaries will once again be performed at the Circuit Playhouse. The play will run from November 17th through December 23rd. Over at Circuit Playhouse's sister theatre, you can see It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. The play will be performed as though it is live over 1940s airwaves with five actors portraying all of Bedford Falls's characters. Times will vary. For tickets or additional information, visit www.playhouseonthesquare.org.

Not to be outdone, Theatre Memphis will also hold two holiday-themed productions this year. Ring Them Bells: A Holiday Cabaret will run from November 30 through December 17. The show will feature old favorites, new songs, and plenty of extras. The Christmas classic, A Christmas Carol, will run from December 1 through December 23. For tickets or information, call Theatre Memphis at 901-682-8323.

For over 50 years, the Enchanted Forest has been a Memphis staple. The Pink Palace will be filled with all sorts of animation and dozens of beautiful trees. Santa will arrive at 9am on November 18 to kick off this year's holiday season. For more information, visit www.memphismuseums.org.

The Peabody Hotel will officially kick off the holiday season on November 24. Local choirs will sing holiday classics from 11am-5pm. Santa will be on hand, along with his elves that will be passing out holiday candy. Be sure to check out the gingerbread house display. In addition, cookies, hot chocolate, and gift baskets will be available for purchase. The march of the Peabody Ducks, followed by Santa and the tree lighting ceremony will take place at 5 pm. Contact The Peabody Hotel at 901-529-4179 for more information.

I'm sure that there will be many other events and activities to look forward to throughout the holidays. My advice would be to check out those that interest you most, but save up your energy. You'll need it to fight the crowds at the malls. Just remember to take some time out for a cup of hot chocolate, a warm fire, and your favorite rendition of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.

Happy Holidays