Amazing Graceland: Elvis’ home is decked out for the holidays until his January birthday
Some may agree with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley, that this year we’ll have a Blue Christmas. However in Memphis, Tennessee, at the Presley home, Graceland, the holidays continue to be bright.
This mansion offers holiday visitors a special Christmas-decorated look at what was the Presley private residence. Elvis bought the property for $102,500 when he was 22 years old.
This is a great year to experience the spirit of Graceland. The home is decorated from now until Elvis’ birthday, Jan. 8. Daily tours are offered at this special time with tour guides leading the way and offering stories of what it was like to spend Christmas at Graceland. These tours are limited and tickets can be purchased at graceland.com.
While traveling along Elvis Presley Boulevard, you will know when you arrive at the famed mansion because you cannot miss the iconic gates. Decorated with musical notes, thought to be from the sheet music of “Jailhouse Rock,” they were installed along the walls surrounding Graceland in 1957, Behind the gates visitors will find what life was like when Elvis lived at this home during the holiday season. Blue lights line the driveway, and a large nativity scene sits at the front of the home.
The drapes in the living area are normally blue but at Christmas are changed to red, just as Elvis did. The ornaments on the Christmas trees are those that Elvis had on the trees. The tinsel is also taken down each year and reused as it is original to the Elvis trees.
The staircase is lined with bright red poinsettias that stand out against the beautiful white carpet. The first Christmas Elvis spent at Graceland he purchased lawn art that continues to be displayed today; it reads “Merry Christmas to All — Elvis.” As time went on, he added the nativity scene that is still there.
Throughout the house are gifts he received from fans and friends.
Due to COVID-19 the capacity of the mansion has been decreased, but there are still many opportunities to walk where Elvis once did. Virtual and augmented reality activities are now included while visiting.
Take plenty of time to explore what is behind those famous gates of Graceland. Many visitors enjoy the John Stamos-narrated self-guided tour. You will see the famous Jungle Room, pool room, meditation garden and much more. Stamos named his character on “Full House” Jesse as a tribute to the life Elvis’ stillborn twin Jesse never got to live, as a way to honor his favorite musician.
An overnight stay in the guest house at Graceland gives visitors a taste of Southern hospitality much like Elvis provided for his guests. Today the property has expanded to include museums that hold memorabilia including Elvis’ cars and airplanes, and an entertainment complex. Visitors will find exhibits of Elvis’ early years in his hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi. His gold and platinum records are displayed as well as his jumpsuits, movie memorabilia and more at the Entertainer Career Museum. This complex offers Elvis fans a chance to watch the King’s movies on the sound stage, and there are two restaurants.
Plan on spending the day at Graceland. There are a variety of tours and things to do and see, even for those who are not Elvis fans all year round.
Graceland holds events throughout the year, and a list is available on the website.
Bring a permanent marker to sign the famous Graceland wall before you leave the King’s home.
Be sure to check out the ticket options before purchasing, as there is a variety of things to do.
Review the protocols set in place to provide a safe experience at Graceland at graceland.com.
Contact CR at crraetravel@gmail.com.
