You may know that Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park is a treasured holiday tradition for thousands of Mid-South families. But did you know that this beloved drive-through light show has a history that goes back decades?
“I’ve been going to Starry Nights since I was a kid. Now I get to take my kids.”
The Origins of Starry Nights
In 1989, MIFA (Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association) gave Clark Griswold’s famous decorative house lights from Christmas Vacation a run for their money by producing the first-ever Starry Nights. This major fundraiser for MIFA lit up Shelby Farms Park every holiday season until the late 1990s, when they wrapped up the show.
In 2007, the nonprofit Shelby Farms Park Conservancy started managing and caring for Shelby Farms Park in partnership with Shelby County and on behalf of the public. Almost immediately, the Conservancy started getting calls about Starry Nights, asking when the show would start again.
A Holiday Tradition Reborn in 2009
So in 2009, the Conservancy was excited to answer the call and rekindle the magic by re-launching Starry Nights as its own event. The first light displays were handcrafted by Shelby Farms Park Rangers who worked with the care of Santa’s elves. Some of those displays are still part of today’s Starry Nights! For the last few years, the Conservancy has been proud to partner with ProductionOne, a local and family-owned business, to create the show’s beautiful one-of-a-kind light displays.
Now, in its 15th consecutive year, Starry Nights is enjoyed by thousands of Memphis and Mid-South families. In fact, Shelby Farms Park welcomes guests from all over the United States, representing more than 1,100 ZIP codes!
“A tradition for our family. We look forward to it every year!”
Supporting Shelby Farms Park: The Impact of Your Visit
Starry Nights is also the Conservancy’s largest and longest-running fundraiser. Funds raised by the event’s ticket sales and sponsorships directly support Shelby Farms Park and Greenline operations, helping provide critical outdoor spaces for recreation, fitness, leisure and community through millions of visits to the Park and Greenline every year.
Whether you are continuing a holiday tradition or wanting to start a new one, you won’t want to miss Starry Nights this year. The show is bigger, brighter and “better than ever!” (in the words of one recent guest). In addition to the drive-through options, the Conservancy is also excited to offer the Selfie Station again this year, where you can get out of your car to walk through some of the lights and post your best selfies with the displays.
Experience the Magic: Walk + Bike Nights and Selfie Station
The ever-popular Walk + Bike Nights are an opportunity to uniquely enjoy the 2.5-mile show on foot or people-powered wheels. Then, on select nights, come visit and do your holiday shopping at the new Mistletoe Village featuring local artisan vendors and pictures with Santa.
Tickets are on sale now. Visit shelbyfarmspark.org/starry-nights to see the full schedule and get your tickets today!
