photograph courtesy MOSH
Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees
Museum of Science & History, 3050 Central
Through Friday, December 31st, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Before marching into 2022, take in the last few notes of the holiday spirit at the Pink Palace — ah, I mean MoSH. I gotta add that to my New Year’s resolutions: Stop calling MoSH the Pink Palace. Okay, now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk about the Enchanted Forest, a tradition with a history dating back to 1963, when it debuted at a Downtown department store in Memphis. Originally modeled after Disney’s “It’s a Small World,” rows of trees upon sparkling trees, each one uniquely decorated, will — dare I say it — enchant you (as will the model trains and the snow-covered village of scrumptious creations). You can also check out one of the holiday movies (The Year Without a Santa Claus and The Light Before Christmas) or one of the planetarium shows (Season of Light and Laser Holidays).
Tickets can be purchased here. Proceeds benefit Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.
photograph by joan marcus
Hamilton
Orpheum Theatre, 203 S. Main
Performances run through Sunday, January, 2nd
If you don’t go to Days of Our Lives for quotes to inspire you to embrace the new year, Hamilton — you know, that Tony-winning musical — has some equally fatalistic quotes to turn to, like “Dying is easy, young man, but living is harder,” set to a catchy set of songs with hip hop, R&B, and Broadway influences. You won’t want to throw away your shot to catch this founding father of $10 bill fame on stage.
For a schedule of performances or to purchase tickets, visit the Orpheum’s website.
photograph courtesy grind city brewing
New Year’s Eve Celebration
Grind City Brewing Co., 76 Waterworks
Friday, December 31st, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
In the words of Taylor Swift (well, kinda), I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for ’22 (again, kinda). But I’m definitely ready to celebrate anything, as are you, I’m sure, and Grind City Brewing Co.’s New Year’s Eve Celebration is up for the task. For $60, you can drink from an open beer and wine bar, toast to the new year with champagne, nibble on some hor d’oeuvres and Nothing Bundt Cakes, and groove to some live music.
Tickets can be purchased online.
photograph courtesy rebeccah dailey / shelby farms park
BuffaGLO Run
Shelby Farms Park, 6903 Great View
Sunday, January 2nd, 7 p.m.
Are you ready for a brighter new year but not ready to get your hopes up just yet? Well, the BuffaGLO Run might just be the perfect way to dip your toes into the new year. The run will go through Shelby Farms Park’s Starry Nights, so bright clothing from neon pants to glow sticks is recommended to match the glowy ambiance. Plus, the 2.25-mile race is untimed, so you can kick off 2022 at a pace that makes you comfortable.
Tickets ($25) can be purchased online. Proceeds go maintaining Shelby Farms Park. Strollers and dogs are welcome.
