Zoo Lights vs. Starry Nights

The battle begins for the best Christmas lights in town. Christmas lights are one of the unique things that you never get too old for. Whether it’s a huge light display, or a simple row of lights on someone’s home, everyone appreciates the work and beauty of well-placed Christmas lights. Luckily for Memphians we have two major options when looking to get in the holiday spirit via light show. Starry Nights is held in Shelby Farms and Zoo Lights in Overton Park. Channel your inner Griswold, because here are the results:

Round 1: Weather 

Winner: Starry Nights

My favorite saying about Memphis weather is, “If you don’t like it, wait 20 minutes, it’ll change.” With our notoriously unpredictable weather (ask Dave Brown) and unusually cold temperatures this year, the safety of your heated car at the drive-through attraction Starry Nights is the best bet. You can even buy tickets online, which will save you time and gas, something everyone is short on these days!

Round 2: Attractions
Winner: Zoo Lights

Zoo Lights seems to only be getting better and better with age. This year includes a 90-foot LED Ferris Wheel, a 200-foot-long tunnel of lights, live reindeer, a new Courtyard light display, ice-skating and camel rides. There’s also something to be said about being in the zoo at night. It’s an exciting combination somewhere between Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and Night at the Museum!

Round 3: Food
Winner: Starry Nights

This round was very close. Zoo Lights has funnel cake and hot chocolate, a classic. The edge however, goes to Starry Nights. Since you’re in the car you can bring dinner or snacks of your choosing. You want to eat fruitcake and drink eggnog? Go to it. Better yet, save money and pack a cooler with things guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.

Round 4: Animals
Winner: Zoo Lights

Another hotly contested round, but this time the winner is Zoo Lights. The Animals of the Night, the Herpetarium, the Farm and the Aquarium will all be open during Zoo Light Hours. They will also have live reindeer at the Northwest Passage, but the reindeer’s ability to fly remains untested. Last but not least, they have camel rides for $3 for members and $4 for non-members.

Round 5: Prices
Winner: Tie

Depending on how many people are going either option can be cheaper. Starry Nights is $20 per car and is open from 6pm-9pm, 10pm on Friday and Saturdays. Get there as close to opening as possible, as traffic does get congested around the area. Zoo Lights is $6 for members of the Zoo and $8 for non-members. Their operating hours are from 5:30pm-9:30pm. Try to get their as soon as the sun sets; it’s a little warmer and the lines are shorter for attractions like ice skating.

Overall Winner: Tie

With each event having its pros and cons, there is no way to decide which one is the best. In the end the real winner is you. Not every town has two amazing light shows, so go forth and enjoy! Happy Holidays!

For more information here are the links to each event.
http://www.shelbyfarmspark.org/starrynights

http://memphiszoo.org/zoolights

Christmas Parties Memphis Style

What’s that I hear? Christmas music already?! Yes, folks, the season is upon us. Even though Christmas itself is still over a month away, it’s already taken over store-fronts and shopping malls. I know many of you are already thinking about getting that fabled head start on buying gifts for the family and looking forward to decorating your own houses.

With all the excitement that this season brings, many businesses and offices around town are bound to be dreading the annual office Christmas party. You know the drill: co-workers huddled into small groups around the office, pilfering from a meat and cheese tray (probably purchased that same morning at Wal-Mart); everyone is attempting to make small talk, but all anyone can really talk about is... work.

This year, I’m here to help. I’ve searched high and low to come up with a list of fun, interactive alternatives to that boring, same-old-same-old Christmas party.

Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park: November 29-December 27. Starry Nights is the Mid-South’s largest holiday light show, featuring over 2 million lights! Take goofy photos with Santa (to hang in the office break room, or course), visit the Petting Zoo, then roast s’mores and drink hot chocolate around the campfire. But how to do it as a group? Charter the Backbeat bus, of course! Everything you can do in the office, you can do on the bus—drink, gab, even share Wal-Mart appetizers (if you must), but you’ll finally have something to talk about besides work. Call us at (901) 527-9415 or visit this website for more information.

Enchanted Forest at Pink Palace Museum: November 23-December 31. What could be better than walking through this winter wonderland complete with animated animals, an elves’ workshop, and penguins frolicking in the snow?! The Pink Palace’s halls are lined with Christmas trees donated and decorated by local businesses and individuals; you could even up the ante of your Christmas spirit by having your business sponsor a tree with your moniker and really show off your office teamwork! Check out all the different events that make up one big, happy Enchanted Forest here. 

Volunteer: Want to show just how well your office works as a team while also giving to the community? Why not become a designated drop-site for the Memphis chapter of Toys for Tots! To become an official Toys for Tots drop-site, fill out your company’s information here. Office not quite set up for easy toy-drop access? Host a clothing drive party! Have every one clean out their closets, then donate the items to the local Salvation Army (hello, tax deduction!) or even a homeless shelter. Perhaps your staff would like to spend time making gifts that make a huge difference? In that case, a care package assembly line might be right for you. Make care packages (snacks, drinks, puzzle books, magazines, etc.) for family members of hospice patients at Mid-South hospitals or for our troops overseas! Click Here for more great volunteering ideas.

Caroling: anytime, anywhere: What ever happened to good, old-fashioned, door-to-door Christmas caroling? Personally, I’ve always dreamed of opening my door at Christmas time to be greeted by a group of men and women dressed in Victorian clothes (but I suppose modern attire would be just as good) serenading me with holiday songs. In tune, out of tune, either way, it’s just fun! If that’s a bit too up close and personal for your group, then let Backbeat plan a caroling party for you! We’ll set up times for your group to sing at local retirement homes, hospitals, or even one of the parks around town (think: Court Square by the fountain!). If you’re feeling really brave, you could even schedule to make a record of your group at Sun Studio. Call us at (901) 527-9415 for details.

Beer-tasting parties: With the four new microbreweries in town, there are plenty of opportunities to let your inner elf shine through! Take your colleagues on a trip to any of these popular spots where they can learn about the process, recipes, and even taste some of those home-grown beers y’all want to try. If you like, we can combine them all into one single tour for you, accompanied by some of the best Memphis music you’ve ever heard! Memphis Made Brewery, High Cotton Brewing, Wiseacre Brewing Co. & Ghost River Brewery

Now that you’ve got some fresh, new ideas, get out there and start changing the face of your Annual Office Christmas Party. Do your party up Memphis style: with flare, with finesse, and most importantly—with FUN! 

Meagan May, Backbeat Guide and Party Planner Extraordinaire