The holidays are almost here and that means it’s time for seasonal musical celebrations, performances and productions to ramp up in Memphis and the Mid-South.
From classic Christmas concerts to a variety of interpretations of the Nutcracker, spiritual music celebrations to rock, soul and classical performances, the next few weeks offer a bonanza of sights and sounds to ring in the yuletide.
Here are some musical highlights that are sure to entertain this holiday season.
New Ballet Ensemble’s ‘NutRemix’
Nov. 23-24, Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, 255 N. Main St.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
“NutRemix” is an electrifying and innovative production that is set on Memphis’ iconic Beale Street. At the heart of “NutRemix” lies New Ballet’s mission: pushing artistic horizons and making dance accessible to all. Tickets: $29-$64. Go to Ticketmaster.com.
Visible Music College: ‘My Soul Will Glorify’ Christmas Concert
Dec. 6, Visible Music College, 200 Madison Ave.
“My Soul Will Glorify” is Visible Music College’s 2024 Christmas concert. This year’s show blends the creative talents of Visible’s staff and students, with the music reflecting the rich sounds of Memphis with genres ranging from jazz and blues to rock ‘n’ roll and worship. Audiences can expect a dynamic performance, presented by Visible’s gifted student body, following the release of its album, “My Soul Will Glorify: A Visible Christmas Vol. 12.” Tickets: $11.83. Go to Visible.edu.
‘A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage’
Dec. 7, Orpheum Theatre, 203 S. Main St.
Everyone’s favorite holiday classic comes to life in a spectacular new touring production of “A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage.” Join Charlie, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the whole Peanuts gang as they sing, dance and learn the true meaning of Christmas. The Orpheum will host three shows — at 2, 5 and 7:30 — on Dec. 7. Tickets: $30-$60. Go to Ticketamster.com.
Tennessee Ballet Theater’s ‘Clara & The Nutcracker’
Dec. 8, Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, 255 N. Main St.
The Cannon Center will host a performance of “Clara & The Nutcracker” on Dec. 8. This charming classical ballet rendition of the beloved holiday tale about young Clara and her adventures features beautiful costumes and lively, sometimes amusing, choreography transporting the audience to Clara’s world in the late 1700s. Tickets: $13-$57. Go to Ticketmaster.com.
‘The Very Merry Christmas Tour’
Dec. 12, Landers Center, 4560 Venture Drive, Southaven
Some of contemporary Christian music’s brightest stars come together to celebrate the spirit of the season as part of “The Very Merry Christmas Tour.” The lineup will feature Newsong, Katy Nichole and Micah Tyler. Tickets: $21-$37. Go to Ticketmaster.com.
Ballet Memphis’ ‘The Nutcracker’
Dec. 13-15, Orpheum Theatre, 203 S. Main St.
Ballet Memphis’ stunning new production of the beloved American holiday favorite “The Nutcracker” opened last season, building on its 40-year tradition. It’s a fantastical journey between reality and a “confectionary dreamland” with sets, costumes and music that create holiday magic. Tickets: $13-$78. Go to Ticketmaster.com.
Germantown Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert
Dec. 14, Germantown Performing Arts Center, 1801 Exeter Road
The Germantown Symphony Orchestra (GSO) returns to GPAC for its annual Holiday Concert featuring native Memphian and soprano soloist Tanisha Ward. Choruses from Houston and Germantown high schools will join the GSO for this concert. Tickets: $34. Go to GPACweb.com.
Lucero Family Christmas
Dec. 14, Minglewood Hall, 1555 Madison Ave.
The Lucero Family Christmas returns on Dec. 14, as the long-running Memphis roots rockers headline a show, along with special guests Slobberbone, Rattlesnake Milk and Dirty Streets. A portion from every ticket purchase will benefit 901Girls With Goals, an organization dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of girls in Memphis through soccer. Tickets: $41. Go to Ticketmaster.com.
HOLIDAY EVENTS IN MEMPHIS:These are the Memphis and Mid-South holiday events you won’t want to miss in 2024
Christmas with CoroRio
Dec. 14, Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, 255 S. Main St.
The Cannon Center will host the annual Christmas with CoroRio, a true collaboration of the arts. The family-friendly concert will be centered on the musical “Elf!” But the fun starts well before the curtain goes up with activities for the kids and opportunities to take pictures with Santa in the lobby. Music will feature all the choirs of MidSouth Music Institute, as well as performances by LRP Studios and the Hernando High School Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Artist J. Rodney Leath will continue the tradition of creating a painted masterpiece on stage throughout the concert. Tickets: $29-$46. Go to Ticketmaster.com.
2024 ‘Concert to Protect Our Aquifer’
Dec. 15, First Congregational Church, 1000 Cooper St.
Though it’s not a Christmas concert per se, the annual “Concert to Protect Our Aquifer” has become a Memphis holiday season tradition over the past three decades. The 2024 version will feature legendary folk singer Tom Rush, celebrated singer-songwriter Steve Forbert, acclaimed Canadian blues singer Shakura S’aida, and Nashville based Americana songwriter, Tim Easton, along with special guests, Memphis’ own Marcella Simien and violinist Anne Harris, hailing from Chicago. This night of music will help support protection, conservation and management of the Memphis Sand Aquifer. Tickets: $55. Go to Protectouraquifer.org.
Lindsey Stirling’s ‘Snow Waltz’ Tour
Dec. 16, Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
Classical-pop music sensation Lindsey Stirling brings her holiday tour to the Cannon Center on Dec. 16. Taking its name from Stirling’s 2022 chart-topping “Snow Waltz” album, the show promises to be theatrical, eclectic, high-energy and at least a little bit whimsical. Stirling mixes dance and acrobatics into her unique interpretations of holiday staples such as “Sleigh Ride,” “Joy to the World” and “Deck the Halls,” plus a few originals. Tickets: $66-$293. Go to Ticketmaster.com.
Stax Museum’s Holiday Celebration: ‘In The Christmas Spirit’ with The MDs
Dec. 17, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, 926 E. McLemore
The Stax Museum’s annual holiday celebration and performance will feature local band The MDs performing the classic “In The Holiday Spirit” album by Booker T. & The MGs. The event will also feature holiday crafts for the kids, a visit from soulful Santa, refreshments and discounts at the Stax store. Admission is free, but patrons are encouraged donate a non-perishable food item for the Mid-South Food Bank. To reserve a spot for the event, go to Staxmuseum.org.
Drew and Ellie Holcomb’s Neighborly Christmas
Dec. 18, Orpheum Theatre, 203 S. Main
Staples of the Americana and Christian music scenes, married couple Drew and Ellie Holcomb return to Memphis and reunite at Downtown’s Orpheum for their annual holiday concert on Dec. 18. Tickets: $39.50-$99.50. Go to Ticketmaster.com.
MEMPHIS MUSIC:How IMAKEMADBEATS’ ‘crazy journey’ led to new album, continued growth for Unapologetic label
Memphis Symphony Orchestra ‘Magic of Memphis’
Dec. 21, Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, 255 N. Main St.
Experience one of the Bluff City’s most beloved holiday traditions: Memphis Symphony Orchestra’s annual “Magic of Memphis” show. The MSO will be joined by a continuous collage of local performing groups for a light and music show like you’ve never seen. The Cannon Center will host two performances, at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., on Dec. 21. Tickets: $5-$110. Go to Memphissymphony.org.
Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder Christmas
Dec. 21, Germantown Performing Arts Center, 1801 Exeter Road
“Christmas Time’s A Coming” as 15-time Grammy winner and Country Music Hall of Fame member Ricky Skaggs and his ace backing band Kentucky Thunder play all your favorite songs of the season in their refreshing, acoustic style. This show features a reason to listen to old and new Christmas classic as Skaggs and his band perform their own blend of tight harmony. Tickets: $39-$81. Go to GPACweb.com.
Manheim Steamroller Christmas
Dec. 22, Orpheum Theatre, 203 S. Main St.
Grammy winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Christmas classics delivered in the distinctive Mannheim Steamroller sound. The year’s program includes 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments against a backdrop of dazzling multimedia effects — capturing the spirit of the season in an immersive yet intimate setting at the Orpheum. Tickets: $45-$95. Go to Ticketmaster.com.