While Little Rock residents have several options for celebrating the holidays at home, many also choose to take the short trek east to Memphis this time of year to shop and take weekend vacations in a bustling city.
For the 2013-14 holiday season, Memphis is offering several festive family-friendly events for locals (and semi-locals) to enjoy.
On Nov. 22, Elvis Presley's Graceland will feature a free holiday lighting event that will include original Christmas decorations displayed by Elvis and the Presley family both outside and inside the home, according to a statement from the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau. A “King of Rock 'n' Roll” Santa Claus will be also be available for photos, the news release states. The decorations will remain on display through Elvis' birthday celebration on Jan. 8.
The Memphis Zoo will also debut its Zoo Lights Nov. 22, which will coincide with ZOOper Hero Weekend featuring Marvel's Avengers, according to the release. From 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Zoo Lights will include live reindeer, Santa in the courtyard, singing Christmas trees and more through Dec. 30. Admission is $6 for members and $8 for nonmembers.
Other holiday events will include:
• Holidays at the Pink Palace
Nov. 23 to Dec. 31
IMAX Films - Santa vs. the Snowman and The Light Before Christmas - $8.25 per adult, $7.50 per senior, $6.50 per child
Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees - $6 per adult, $5 per senior and child (ages 3 to 12)
More information: www.memphismuseums.org
• Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park
Nov. 28 to Dec. 27
Sunday to Thursday, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday to Saturday, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Mondays are closed to cars for Run, Walk, Ride Nights - a chance to see the lights by foot or bicycle, $5 per person, $20 per family
$20 per car, $50 per limo/large van, $150 per charter bus
More information: www.shelbyfarmspark.org
• Snowy Nights in My Big Backyard at Memphis Botanic Garden
Nov. 29 to Dec. 14
Dec. 17-30 (open nightly)
5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
More information: www.memphisbotanicgarden.com
• Peabody Holiday Tree Lighting
Nov. 29
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More information: www.peabodymemphis.com