The Museum of Science and History has been transformed into a snow-covered holiday village, where visitors — children and adults alike — can see classic animatronic characters, view miniature train sets and gingerbread houses, partake in an elf scavenger hunt and take a picture with Santa. 

On Saturday, Nov. 18, the 60th annual Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees opened inside the museum. The Enchanted Forest has been held at MoSH since 2002.

More than 50 decorated trees are displayed inside the Bodine Exhibit Hall from schools, local organizations, professional artists and others.

“There’s a Golden Girls Tree, there’s a Batman Tree, there’s a Barbie Tree ... that part is amazing,” Sheila Noone, communications manager at MoSH, said.

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With two newly adopted kids in their family, Brookland, Arkansas, natives Debra and Virgina Langston made a stop at the Enchanted Forest — a first for the kids and one of the adults. 

“I’m a kid, and I’m with the kids,” Virgina Langston said.

Proceeds from the Enchanted Forest benefit Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, with a special “Penguin Pond” decorated with hundreds of stuffed penguins, each representing a donation to the hospital. 

“I would recommend everybody that can come, come,” Debra Langston said.

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With the holiday season nearly in full gear, there are plenty of events and lights in Memphis to enjoy. Here’s a list — don’t forget to check it twice!

Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees at Museum of Science and History

MoSH will host the Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees through Dec. 31. Visit the website for hours and ticket information.

Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park

On Friday, Nov. 24, one of the area’s largest light shows makes its return.

Starry Nights uses millions of lights to create a holiday experience that doesn’t even require visitors to leave their cars. 

Residents can drive through Shelby Farms and enjoy the twinkling displays, make pit spots at the hot chocolate concession bar or take a selfie at the selfie stations. 

Pricing varies depending on dates and time, with discounted admission available during off-peak days. 

There will also be car-free nights on Tuesday, Nov. 28, and Thursday, Dec. 28, when guests can walk or ride their bike along the paved pathways through the display.

All proceeds go to Shelby Farms Park and the Shelby Farms Greenline. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.

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Holiday Wonders at the Garden

The Memphis Botanic Garden’s annual Holiday Wonders At the Garden seasonal lighting exhibition returns Friday, Nov. 24, and is open through Dec. 30.

The weeks are jam-packed with themed nights, from ugly sweater parties to appearances from Saint Nick himself. 

For a look at the schedule, ticket prices and hours, click here. 

Deck The Diamond Holiday Spectacular at AutoZone Park

New for 2023, the Memphis Redbirds will light up Downtown with their inaugural Deck the Diamond Holiday Spectacular at AutoZone Park starting Friday, Nov. 24.

The stadium will be transformed with more than 190 light displays, from presents to animals and even an interactive archway, a 60-foot Christmas tree, an ice skating rink and more.

“We are excited to bring this unique, one-of-a-kind event to Downtown Memphis,” said Craig Unger, president and general manager of the Memphis Redbirds, in a press release.

“We hope this is an event that people can build their holiday traditions around for years to come as we continue to make AutoZone Park a year-round destination.” 

What’s open on Thanksgiving in Memphis

There will be an array of family-friendly activities, from musical entertainment, appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus and a Saturday night firework show.

Deck the Diamond will run on weekends and select weekdays through Sunday, Dec. 31. The full schedule is available here.

Memphis Zoo Lights

Truist Zoo Lights is a classic Memphis holiday event, and the beloved light tunnel and ice skating rink return again this year to the Memphis Zoo. Expect musical performances from Magic Mr. Nick, plus a Gingerbread Forest, Chinese lanterns, Alice’s Tea Party, a visit with Santa Claus and more.

The event opens Friday, Nov. 24, and runs through Saturday, Jan. 6, on select nights from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. 

Pricing is as follows: Tickets for members is $14 per person and $19 for non-members. Tickets can only be purchased in advance.