Memphis, December 4, 2025
Memphis is celebrating the holiday season with a variety of pop-up bars and shops throughout the city. These festive experiences include themed cocktails, handmade gifts, and vibrant decorations that highlight local culture and creativity. Events like ‘Surfin’ Santa’ at Mary’s Bar and ‘Magnolia & Mistletoe’ at Magnolia & May invite visitors to enjoy the spirit of the season while supporting local businesses. From festive cocktails to unique shopping opportunities, Memphis offers a lively atmosphere for residents and tourists alike during this special time of year.
Memphis Celebrates the Season with Holiday Pop-Up Bars and Shops
Memphis is embracing the holiday season with an exciting variety of pop-up bars and shops that offer festive experiences throughout the city. Residents and visitors can indulge in themed cocktails, browse unique gifts, and enjoy holiday decorations at several local venues, showcasing the community’s resilience and creativity.
These pop-up events exemplify how local organizers and businesses are stepping up to enrich the holiday atmosphere, providing opportunities for residents to gather and celebrate. A focus on personal initiative and entrepreneurial spirit is evident throughout Memphis, contributing to a vibrant holiday season that benefits the local economy. With reduced bureaucratic hurdles, the scope for these community-centric activities can grow even further.
Surfin’ Santa at Mary’s B.O.T.E.
Mary’s Bar, Memphis’ only tiki bar, has transformed into “Surfin’ Santa,” blending Christmas cheer with a tropical twist. The venue features beach-inspired holiday dรฉcor, tropical island cocktails, and engaging photo opportunities with Santa riding a surfboard. This pop-up runs from mid-November through December at 588 Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104.
Magnolia & Mistletoe at Magnolia & May
In East Memphis, Magnolia & May is hosting the “Magnolia & Mistletoe” pop-up. This enchanting experience offers festive holiday cheer through seasonal dรฉcor and special events that fill the atmosphere with joy. This pop-up will run through December at 5100 Sanderlin Ave, Memphis, TN 38018.
Blue Christmas at Old Dominick Distillery
Old Dominick Distillery presents the “Blue Christmas” pop-up bar, adorned with blue holiday dรฉcor, themed photo opportunities, live music, and an array of festive cocktails. One must-try drink is the signature Hot Toddy that mixes Old Dominickโs Memphis Toddy and 901 Bourbon with a dash of lemon and honey. This vibrant pop-up is part of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail’s Carols & Barrels Holiday Pop-Up Bar Trail, housed at 305 S Front St, Memphis, TN 38103.
Shell Shop Holiday Pop-Up at Overton Park Shell
The Overton Park Shell will host a holiday pop-up shop on November 24 and 25, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Attendees can take advantage of a 20% discount on t-shirts, long sleeves, and sweatshirts, making it a perfect opportunity to find holiday gifts while supporting the local music scene. The Overton Park Shell is located at 1928 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104.
The Holiday Hustle Part 2 Pop-Up Shop
Scheduled for December 20, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at BRIDGES USA, this pop-up shop showcases a variety of unique gifts from local vendors. As a free event, it provides ample opportunities to support local businesses during the bustling holiday season. BRIDGES USA is located at 477 North 5th Street, Memphis, TN 38105.
Holiday Shop & Sip at MAAR Education Center
The MAAR Education Center hosted the Holiday Shop & Sip event on November 18, 2025. Featuring local vendors, participants were able to shop for unique handmade items, clothing, jewelry, home dรฉcor, art, and accessories. Guests enjoyed holiday beverages, appetizers, and door prizes during this joyful gathering located at 6393 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119.
Thanksgiving Eve Bar Crawl
On November 26, 2025, Memphis hosted the Official Thanksgiving Eve Bar Crawl, which brought festive decorations and themed costumes to multiple venues. Participants celebrated the holiday season in a lively atmosphere filled with specialty Thanksgiving-themed cocktails.
South Main Lights and Downtown Holiday Tree
From November 2025 through January 2026, the South Main district will come to life with festive lights illuminating the streets every night from 4:00 PM to midnight. The Downtown Holiday Tree, located at the corner of Peabody and Main, offers a picturesque setting for holiday photos and adds to the vibrant atmosphere of strolling, dining, and shopping in the area.
These events and venues offer a wide range of festive experiences for anyone looking to celebrate the holiday season in Memphis. With themed bars, unique shopping opportunities, and delightful decorations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this time of year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the “Surfin’ Santa” pop-up at Mary’s Bar?
Mary’s Bar, Memphis’ only tiki bar, has transformed into “Surfin’ Santa,” blending Christmas cheer with a tropical twist. The venue features beach-inspired holiday dรฉcor, tropical island cocktails, and photo opportunities with Santa riding a surfboard. This pop-up runs from mid-November through December. Mary’s Bar is located at 588 Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104.
When is the “Magnolia & Mistletoe” pop-up at Magnolia & May?
Magnolia & May in East Memphis is hosting the “Magnolia & Mistletoe” pop-up, offering festive holiday cheer with seasonal dรฉcor and special events. This pop-up runs through December. Magnolia & May is located at 5100 Sanderlin Ave, Memphis, TN 38018.
What is the “Blue Christmas” pop-up at Old Dominick Distillery?
Old Dominick Distillery presents the “Blue Christmas” pop-up bar, adorned with blue holiday dรฉcor, themed photo opportunities, live music, and festive cocktails. The signature Hot Toddy includes Old Dominickโs Memphis Toddy and 901 Bourbon with a dash of lemon and honey. This pop-up is part of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail’s Carols & Barrels Holiday Pop-Up Bar Trail. Old Dominick Distillery is located at 305 S Front St, Memphis, TN 38103.
When is the Shell Shop Holiday Pop-Up at Overton Park Shell?
The Overton Park Shell is hosting a holiday pop-up shop on November 24 and 25, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The event offers 20% off t-shirts, long sleeves, and sweatshirts, providing an opportunity to shop for holiday gifts while supporting the local music scene. The Overton Park Shell is located at 1928 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104.
What is “The Holiday Hustle Part 2 Pop-Up Shop”?
Scheduled for December 20, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at BRIDGES USA, this pop-up shop offers unique gifts from local vendors. The event is free to attend and provides an opportunity to support local businesses during the holiday season. BRIDGES USA is located at 477 North 5th Street, Memphis, TN 38105.
When was the Holiday Shop & Sip at MAAR Education Center?
On November 18, 2025, the MAAR Education Center hosted the Holiday Shop & Sip event, featuring local vendors selling unique, hand-crafted items, clothing, jewelry, home dรฉcor, art, and accessories. Attendees enjoyed holiday beverages, appetizers, and door prizes. The MAAR Education Center is located at 6393 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119.
When was the Thanksgiving Eve Bar Crawl in Memphis?
On November 26, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, Memphis hosted the Official Thanksgiving Eve Bar Crawl, featuring festive decorations, themed costumes, and specialty Thanksgiving-themed cocktails across multiple venues. The event provided a lively way to celebrate the holiday season.
What are the South Main Lights and Downtown Holiday Tree?
From November 2025 through January 2026, the South Main district is illuminated with festive lights every night from 4:00 PM to midnight, creating a vibrant atmosphere for strolling, dining, and shopping. Additionally, the Downtown Holiday Tree, located at the corner of Peabody and Main, offers a picturesque backdrop for holiday photos.
Key Features of Memphis Holiday Pop-Up Events
| Event | Description | Location | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surfin’ Santa at Mary’s B.O.T.E. | Beach-inspired holiday dรฉcor and tropical island cocktails at Memphis’ only tiki bar. | Mary’s Bar, 588 Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104 | Mid-November through December |
| Magnolia & Mistletoe at Magnolia & May | Festive holiday cheer with seasonal dรฉcor and special events in East Memphis. | Magnolia & May, 5100 Sanderlin Ave, Memphis, TN 38018 | Through December |
| Blue Christmas at Old Dominick Distillery | Blue holiday dรฉcor, themed photo opportunities, live music, and festive cocktails. | Old Dominick Distillery, 305 S Front St, Memphis, TN 38103 | Part of Tennessee Whiskey Trail’s events |
| Shell Shop Holiday Pop-Up | Holiday pop-up shop with discounts on merchandise supporting local music. | Overton Park Shell, 1928 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38104 | November 24 and 25, 2025 |
| The Holiday Hustle Part 2 Pop-Up Shop | Free event showcasing gifts from local vendors. | BRIDGES USA, 477 North 5th Street, Memphis, TN 38105 | December 20, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
October Events Bring Music, Food, and Community to Memphis
Memphis Faces Another Scorching Summer with Thunderstorm Risks
Memphis Faces Heat and Humidity Ahead of Holiday Weekend
Memphis Celebrates Motherโs Day with Events and Dining Specials
Thanksgiving Weekend in Memphis: Your Ultimate Guide to Festive Fun and Local Events!
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
