December 1, 2025
There’s a moment in the Mid-South when fall finally exhales, the nights turn crisp, and you start to see it — that first warm flicker of Christmas lights glowing against the dark. One by one, courthouse squares, farms, neighborhoods, and river towns come alive with twinkling magic. Out here along the Blues Backroads, holiday lights aren’t just décor. They are tradition, memory, belonging. They are the kind of simple beauty that makes you slow down, breathe deeper, and wander without rushing.
If you’re ready to trade your to-do list for a slow holiday drive, this five-night itinerary takes you through the brightest and most charming Christmas light displays across Shelby, Tipton, Fayette, Lauderdale, DeSoto, and Crittenden counties. From the glow of Memphis to the quiet sparkle of Ripley’s courthouse square, these are the routes that make the season feel like home.
Pour some cocoa, hop in the car, and let the lights lead the way.
Collierville’s historic square is one of the most photographed holiday scenes in Tennessee. The depot, the gazebo, the canopy of warm lights overhead — everything feels like a Christmas card come to life. Stroll, sip, breathe, stay awhile.
A gentle, peaceful stop with beautifully lit trees, glowing lawn displays, and a quiet walking path perfect for families.
Lantern forests, light tunnels, holiday music, snow zones, and cocoa. A winter wonderland tucked right into Midtown.
End your first night under millions of shimmering lights stretched across fields, lakes, and forests. Drive slowly, windows cracked, holiday playlist on. It really is magic.
Southaven’s drive-through boasts more than half a million lights. Perfect for kids, date nights, and anyone wanting a big, bright show.
Victorian-themed displays wrap the courthouse in timeless romance. If you visit during Dickens of a Christmas weekend, the entire town becomes a living storybook.
A country Christmas with wagon rides, synchronized LED shows, bonfires, and Santa. Warm, joyful, and wonderfully nostalgic.
A cozy, classic small-town square framed with glowing trees and garlands.
Stroll among the park’s lit pathways and towering tree. Families gather here year after year — it’s simple and sweet.
The lake glows with reflections from decorated docks and shoreline homes. It’s not an official event — but that makes it even better. Enjoy the quiet, the water, the stillness.
The courthouse square glimmers with traditional Southern holiday charm. Stop for photos — it’s beautiful.
During festival weekend, Ripley turns into a full Christmas village. Even outside event dates, the square glows with bright, colorful lights that feel straight out of a small-town movie.
Sweet, simple, and sincere — this is the kind of display that reminds you why small-town Christmases matter.
White lights, classic décor, and a small-town warmth that you can feel as soon as you roll in.
Families drive from neighboring counties just to see Oakland’s lights each year. Photogenic and inviting.
A gentle, quaint stop with twinkle lights and community charm.
Loop through Avon Road, Colonial Acres, or the pockets near Tanglewood. Every night, someone’s adding another string of lights. It’s that kind of place.
These aren’t official events — just beloved community traditions.
The best thing about traveling the Blues Backroads during the holidays is how suddenly the world feels softer. Town squares glow. Small farms feel like snow globes. And no matter which direction you drive, there’s always another community ready to welcome you with a warm cup of cocoa and a bright winter sky.
Here’s to taking the long way home this season. And here’s to discovering the holiday magic waiting around every corner of the Mid-South.
Share Backroad Memories
