Fire Pit Friday
Tom Lee Park, Visionary Grove
Friday, December 6, 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, starting this Friday (how many times can I say Friday in one sentence?). Each week will feature a fun new twist; this week is story time and photos with Santa! 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, December 6th, 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.
Season of Delight
Crosstown Concourse
Friday, December 6, 5-8 p.m.
Deck the halls with boughs of holly! Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la! ’Tis the Season of Delight! Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la! Go we now to Crosstown Concourse! Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la! That’s right, you can kick off the holiday season at Crosstown with a night of festivities at the Crosstown Concourse’s annual atrium lighting complete with live music, hot chocolate, seasonal cocktails, holiday-themed games, crafts, family photos, and more. Plus Crosstown Arts will screen A Christmas Story for free and will open its residency studios for its Open Studio event. Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la!
Cabaret Noel 9
TheatreWorks @ The Square
Friday, December 6, 8 p.m. | Saturday, December 7, 8 p.m. | Sunday, December 8, 2 p.m.
Life is a cabaret, old chum, so head to the Cabaret Noel 9, presented by Emerald Theatre Company. Expect an evening of classic and modern Christmas- and winter-themed songs, hilarious slapstick humor, and the bringing together some of Memphis’ finest entertainers. Get your tickets here.
Holiday Sip + Shop
Metal Museum
Saturday, December 7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Last Christmas I gave you my heart, and I’m afraid I can’t top that this year. I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to find something at the Metal Museum’s Holiday Sip + Shop, where there’s a curated selection of handcrafted gifts and unique treasures from talented artisans. Even if I can’t find anything, I can enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbly cava and delicious cookies while I browse. (P.S. Don’t forget about the St. Jude Marathon that might affect your driving path. You’ll be able to access the museum via the highway and Crump Blvd.)
Raised by Sound Fest
Crosstown Concourse
Saturday, December 7, 1-11 p.m.
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. And there will be lots of singing — and just plain-old sound — at the Raised by Sound Fest this Saturday. Starting at 1 p.m., you can expect a lineup of free music from Blue Tom Records (revue), fosterfalls, HeartBreak Hill Trio, Cut Worms, and Hurray for the Riff Raff (solo). Then there’s the main event — J Spaceman & John Coxon of Spiritualized doing a live score to William Eggleston’s Stranded in Canton — but it’s sold out, so unless you already have tickets, you snooze, you lose, baby. There is a ticketed after-party with a DJ set by the Black Keys and performances by Lil Noid and Tommy Wright III. You can still get tix ($65.87) here.
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live On Stage
Orpheum Theatre
Saturday, December 7, 2 p.m., 5 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Christmas time is here. … I’m singing the song from A Charlie Brown Christmas if you can’t tell, not just making a statement. It’s also the only part of the song that I know. I usually just mumble the other lyrics. I never bothered to learn the song, or really most Christmas songs. Oh well. That’s not the point. The point is that A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live On Stage is coming to Memphis, bringing my mom’s second-favorite animated Christmas movie to the stage. Tickets ($30-$60) can be purchased here.
It’s a Bestie Silent Book Club Pajama Party!
Novel
Saturday, December 7, 2-5 p.m.
Already tired of holiday parties? Or, at the very least, tired of adding them to your calendar? Here’s one that just might relieve your stress because all it calls for is a book and silence (you don’t even have to bring a book; you can buy one at the store if you so please). And pajamas if you’re bold enough to wear them in public. This event is free — no registration required, with complimentary hot cocoa.
Autumn Art Party
Urevbu Contemporary
Saturday, December 7, 4-8 p.m.
Urevbu presents this evening filled with art, music, food, drinks, and connections. This is more than an event — it’s an experience. Expect an intimate evening surrounded by inspiring art and passionate people. Dress to impress and prepare for a night of memorable connections and culture. General admission (free) and VIP tickets ($25) are available online only.
Christmas Ghosts: A Victorian Tradition
Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum
Saturday, December 7, 4 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum welcomes ghosts of Christmas past — just past, no future and present; this isn’t A Christmas Carol (you can see that at Theatre Memphis now through December 23rd). In 19th century England, Christmas tradition was to huddle around the fire with the family and tell tales of spirits and spooks while celebrating the holiday season. Relive that tradition this weekend with Woodruff-Fontaine’s ghost experts. Refreshments, including warm cider and hot cocoa, will be served prior to storytelling and there will be a stroll through the mansion afterward to view all of her festive grandeur and trimmings of the season.
Stumbling Santa Holiday Pub Crawl
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
Saturday, December 7, 7-11 p.m.
You better watch out, you better not cry, better not pout, I’m telling you why: Stumbling Santas are comin’ Downtown. They’re donating toys, heading to bars, spreading lots of Christmas joy at all of their stops. Join the Stumbling Santas Downtown. All you have to do is bring an unwrapped toy donation appropriate for a preschool-age child under 5 or a cash donation for Porter-Leath, and dress in your best festive attire! Planned stops include Rum Boogie Café, King’s Palace Café Tap Room, Silky O’Sullivan’s, The Absinthe Room, Blues Hall Juke Joint, Alfred’s, Courtside Grill, and Tin Roof. Those who can’t make it to the Stumbling Santa event can still donate online or by dropping off toys at Poplar Plaza (corner of Highland and Poplar) on Thursday to Saturday, December 5th to 7th; WMC Action News 5 (1960 Union) on Friday to Saturday, December 13th to 14th; or IKEA (7900 IKEA Way) on Friday to Saturday, December 20th to 21st. For more information and to view Porter-Leath’s wish list, visit here.
Medical District Holiday Market
Memphis Made Brewing & Flyway Brewing Company (formerly High Cotton Brewing Company)
Sunday, December 8, noon-3 p.m.
Shop, shop, shop till you drop at this holiday market, presented by Memphis Medical District Collaborative at BOTH Flyway Brewing Company (formerly High Cotton Brewing Company) and Memphis Made Brewing Co. (For reference, the two venues are a three-or-so-minute walk from each other.) The full vendor list is here. I am far too lazy to type it all out; I hope you’re not too lazy to click on the link. But also I don’t care as long as you’re not too lazy to support local artists and businesses.
Sippin’ with Santa Paws benefiting Streetdog Foundation
Loflin Yard
Sunday, December 8, noon-4 p.m.
Santa Paws has made a list and all the good boys and girls are on it. They might not all know how to sit or stay. Some of them may lick you; some may drool; some may demand constant attention. But they’re all good boys and girls. That’s just how Streetdog Foundation rolls. Your $25 donation at this event will get you a picture with Santa Paws (featuring you and your 4-legged bestie and/or your human kiddos), a Santa Paws cup, access to the free dessert table, and a wristband to enjoy drinks discounted to $5 each. Plus, there will be live music, adoptable dogs, a silent auction, and a pup costume contest. Purchase tickets at the door (cash, card, or Venmo).
