It is that time of year when people want to sip hot cocoa and enjoy the festivities around town. Take the Soul Train to Christmas, Phantom of the Opera, and Ballet Memphis’ Nutcracker are just a few events occurring in Memphis during this holiday season.

Plays, concerts, and musical performances are coming up right in the local area.

“I like Memphis and being involved in my community,” Troy Lurie (11) said. “This includes going to different events during the break.”.

Hattiloo Theatre, located in Overton Square, produces various plays and musicals throughout the year. “Take the Soul Train to Christmas” will make a return to Hattiloo Theatre, but only from November 24 to December 17. People can come and enjoy performers sing and dance through different time periods like the Harlem Renaissance. Costs range from $26 to $35 per person.

Coming to Memphis from November 29 to December 10, “Phantom of the Opera” makes its debut at the Orpheum. With 52 cast members, it is one of the biggest Phantom productions now on tour. The show incorporates scenic designs, original choreography, and even a chandelier. Tickets range from $26 to $139. Following the Phantom of the Opera, the Orpheum Theatre also hosts a three-day weekend performance that includes local dancers and music: the Nutcracker.

Ballet Memphis’ Nutcracker will involve over 100 dancers from the Memphis area and will include performers from the Memphis Symphony as well. Located at the Orpheum, the Nutcracker will be showing December 15 to 17. Tickets start at $10 and go up to $78. With glittery snowflakes and life-size dolls, Ballet Memphis’ Nutcracker is a rarity during this holiday season. Throughout the month of December, multiple events are heightening the holiday spirit and encouraging Memphians to explore the talent in town.

“It opens up your horizons when it comes to music because you’re not really listening to stuff that you would normally listen to,” Allyson Smith (11) said.