13 Memphis food events you shouldn't miss, from festive cocktail bars to brunch with Santa
It's time to get festive! From wine and champagne dinners to holiday markets to holiday-themed cocktail bars, here are 13 food events in Memphis that need to be on your holiday calendar this December.
Miracle Pop-Up at The Liquor Store on Broad
It’s about to get a lot more festive on Broad Avenue.
The Liquor Store restaurant has once again partnered with New York-based Christmas pop-up bar Miracle to host “Miracle at The Liquor Store” for the holiday season. It will be the fourth time for the holiday pop-up.
Through Jan. 1, The Liquor Store will be transformed into a holiday wonderland.
Miracle is a global pop-up concept that started in New York in 2014; it partners with bars and restaurants around the world to offer masterfully crafted Christmas cocktails in cheery holiday-themed settings. Miracle provides the festive cocktail recipes and festive barware.
Over-the-top, nostalgic holiday decorations have been designed by Memphis artist Lindsay Julien of She. Builds. Things.
When: Through Jan. 1
Where: The Liquor Store, 2655 Broad Ave.
Online: theliquorstorediner.com
Magnolia and Mistletoe
East Memphis restaurant Magnolia & May is turning into a Holiday Wonderland. The holiday-themed festivities kicked off Nov. 24 and run through the end of the year.
Expect a holiday-themed cocktail list with holiday glassware. Magnolia & May chef and owner Chip Dunham said the restaurant will be decorated for the holidays as well.
Reservations will be taken for the dining room, and the bar will be first-come first-serve seating.
When: Through Dec. 31
Where: Magnolia & May, 718 Mt. Moriah Road
Online: magnoliamay.com
Belltower Coffee: Hot Cocoa, Handprint Ornaments and Santa
On Dec. 2, Belltower Coffee will host a day full of holiday festivities. Each ticket includes one cup of piping hot cocoa, a snap-worthy moment with Santa and a keepsake ornament with your child’s handprint.
The fun will happen at Bellower Coffee’s original location at 525 S. Highland St. from 9 a.m.-noon and the new Shelby Farms location in the Park Visitor Center from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
When: Dec. 2
Where: Belltower Coffee, two locations: 525 S. Highland St. and 6903 Great View Drive
Cost: $22
Tickets: resy.com
Agricenter Farmers Market Christmas Craft Show
The Agricenter Farmers Market will host its annual Christmas Craft Show on Dec. 2 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. The big red barn will be full of crafters, makers and bakers. Snag last-minute stocking stuffers, homemade baked goods or find a unique gift for yourself.
When: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 2
Where: Agricenter Farmers Market, 7777 Walnut Grove Road
Cost: Free
Online: agricenter.org
'Nutcracker' Tea Party at Primas Bakery
Primas Bakery will host a unique Nutcracker-themed tea party experience on Dec. 3. Each ticket admits two guests and includes a savory and sweet selection of holiday goodies along with tea, hot chocolate, coffee or punch.
Savory bites include Charcuterie Skewers, Goat Cheese Truffles, Deviled Eggs, Lemon Rosemary Shortbread and Parmesan Herb Scones. Sweet treats include French Macarons (flavors include Hot Chocolate and Gingerbread), Almond Frangipane Petit Fours, Red Velvet Cake Truffles, Chocolate Eclairs, Candy Cane Meringues and Christmas Tree Cookies.
When: 12:30 p.m. Dec. 3
Where: Primas Bakery, 734 Mt. Moriah
Cost: $90 (each ticket admits two guests)
Reservations: primasbakerymenu.com
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Repeal Day Speakeasy Soiree at Old Dominick Distillery
Repeal Day Speakeasy Soiree is a celebration of the historic day when prohibition was lifted. The event is hosted by Old Dominick Distillery and Glass Half Full Charitable Fund and will be held at the distillery on Dec. 5
The evening will be filled with live music, food trucks, offerings from local breweries and an exclusive opportunity to purchase a signed bottle of Old Dominick’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey before its public release. General admission tickets are $15 and include one free drink. There is also a $50 VIP ticket that will grant you access to the Secret Sip VIP longue, offering prohibition-era cocktails, small bites, tasting bars and a meet-and-greet with Master Distiller Alex Castle.
When: 6-9 p.m. Dec. 5
Where: Old Dominick Distillery, 305 S. Front St.
Cost: $15 for general admission; $50 for VIP admission
Tickets: oldominick.com
Wine Dinner at Restaurant Iris
Restaurant Iris is hosting a wine dinner featuring wines from locally owned winery Rockmere Vineyards.
It’s a unique opportunity to taste some of the new Cabernet Sauvignons from Napa Valley and hear from proprietor and Memphis native Bailey Pinckernell.
Chef Kelly English has created a menu to complement the featured wines.
When: Dec. 6
Where: Restaurant Iris, 4550 Poplar Ave.
Cost: $125 (not including tax and gratuity)
Reservations: Call (901) 590-2828 to book your seat.
Bubbles Around the World: A Peabody Spirits Dinner Series Event
Cheers to the season of celebrations with bubbles, from champagne to shiraz, rose to Prosecco. Enjoy a curated selection of sparkling wines served alongside an elegant dinner in Chez Philippe in The Peabody hotel.
The evening will begin with a welcome reception and cocktail. The evening will progress to the dining room with a with a four-course menu created by Chef Keith Clinton and Executive Pastry Chef Konrad Spitzbart, each paired with a sparkling wine from around the world. Attendees must be 21 or older.
When: 6 p.m. Dec. 7
Where: Chez Philippe, 149 Union Ave.
Cost: $200 per person (includes tax, service charge and valet parking)
Reservations: peabodyevents.com
A Creole Fest for Haiti
A Creole Feast to benefit students of St. Jules Elementary in Petit Bourg du Borgne, Haiti is set for 5:30-8 p.m. Dec. 7 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in the outreach center.
The annual dine-in or takeout dinner is back for the first time since the pandemic. The cost is $200, which provides a scholarship for one student. Cost is payable by cash, check or credit card at the door.
Featured cuisine includes seafood gumbo, dirty rice, jambalaya, spiced pork, smothered okra and shrimp, coleslaw and a selection of desserts. There will also be live music.
When: 5:30-8 p.m. Dec. 7
Where: St. Patrick’s Church, 277 S. Fourth St.
Cost: $200
Memphis Farmers Market Annual Holiday Market
Memphis Farmers Market will host its annual Holiday Market on Dec. 9. It’s the perfect time to stock up on locally made gifts and foods.
The market will host a gift wrapping fundraiser at the information table (price range of $3-$7) to assist with all your holiday wrapping needs.
Where: Memphis Farmers Market, GE Patterson Avenue and South Front Street
When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 9
Cost: Free
Online: memphisfarmersmarket.org
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Holidays in da Haven: A Festive Time to Light Up the Season
The holiday spirit is set to take over as Kaye’s Pints & Scoops and Muggin Coffeehouse proudly present "Holidays in da Haven," an event that promises to bring joy, laughter and merriment to the Whitehaven community. This festive extravaganza on Dec. 9 will offer a delightful blend of entertainment, activities and the magic of the holidays. Bring the family to see Santa and enjoy coffee, cake and ice cream.
When: 3-5 p.m. Dec. 9
Where: Muggin Coffeehouse, 1139 Brownlee Road
Cost: $28.52
Tickets: Eventbrite.com
Clark’s Annual Christmas Party at The Majestic Grille
Clark’s Annual Christmas Party is back at The Majestic Grille on Dec. 12. “It’s the one day a year where we celebrate all things Griswold,” said Deni Reilly, The Majestic Grille co-owner.
The ticketed event includes a three-course meal, a showing of the movie "National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation," plus costume and tacky sweater contests.
A three-course special dinner includes Rickie’s Famous Fried Chicken, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Caesar Salad and Biscuits. The regular dinner menu will also be available.
When: Dec. 12, seatings at 6 and 6:30 p.m. and the movie starts at 7 p.m.
Where: The Majestic Grille, 145 S. Main St.
Reservations: Call (901) 522-8555
Brunch with Santa at The Majestic Grille
Brunch with Santa at The Majestic Grille is set for Dec. 16, with seatings at 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and noon. This is not your typical buffet and wait in line for Santa event. It’s more like a Disney breakfast — with mimosas, Bloody Marys and espresso martinis for mom and dad. The regular brunch menu — with a few specials — will be served.
It’s a seated brunch with a special kids' menu that includes hot chocolate, cookies and a special treat from Santa and the Grinch. Christmas characters visit all the tables throughout your meal. Characters included Bumble, the Grinch, Elvis Reindeer, Griz, Rockey, Pouncer, Santa and Mrs. Claus and all their Elves.
When: Dec. 16, with seatings at 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and noon
Where: The Majestic Grille, 145 S. Main St.
Reservations: Call (901) 522-8555
Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.
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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis food and drink events to attend in December 2023
