It might still feel like summer, but Elvis Presley’s Graceland is already planning for the winter holidays.
Graceland has confirmed its Christmas celebrations will kick off Nov. 19-21 with the Holiday Lighting Weekend, “bringing fans and families together for three days of Christmas celebrations" and marking the start of the holiday season at Elvis' home.
On Nov. 19, Graceland’s annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony — a free event that will also be livestreamed for fans around the world — will see the lighting of the Graceland Mansion driveway Following the ceremony, families can enjoy photos with Santa and holiday crafts.
Also on Nov. 19, Graceland Unwrapped:
After Dark will debut. Described as a “limited, one-night experience” during which fans will be able to tour the mansion and enjoy the “sights, sounds and scents of the season, along with stories, artifacts and details shared by expert guides, the experience offers a glimpse into what the holidays were like when Elvis was home at Graceland.”
On Nov. 20, the Holiday Lighting Weekend continues with the Jingle Jam Holiday Party at The Guest House at Graceland. Hosted by Elvis Radio's DJ Argo, the party will feature 2026 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest winner Finley Watkins. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite holiday pajamas or festive attire.
On Nov. 21, the celebration continues with Elvis Unbuttoned: Archives Show & Tell, featuring Graceland’s Vice President of Archives and Exhibits, Angie Marchese. The program promises to take “guests beyond the spotlight to explore the personal side of Elvis through distinctive fashion, personal favorites and rarely seen items connected to his life at Graceland.”
Also on Nov. 21, Dean Z’s Rockin’ Christmas Show returns to the Graceland Soundstage. Dean Z, the 2013 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest champion, will perform Christmas classics made famous by legends like Elvis, Chuck Berry, Brenda Lee, Brian Setzer and The Ronettes, delivering the best in rock 'n' roll, rockabilly and swing holiday music.
Special packages for the Holiday Lighting Weekend are available and also include access to exclusive events and premium seating.
Individual tickets are available for Graceland Unwrapped: After Dark, the Jingle Jam Holiday Party, Elvis Unbuttoned: Archives Show & Tell, and Dean Z’s Rockin’ Christmas Show.
The Holiday Lighting Weekend Package and individual event tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 25, with an advance presale for Graceland Insiders beginning at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24.
For complete event details, schedules and ticket information, visit Graceland.com.
In addition to Holiday Lighting Weekend events, festivities continue at Graceland throughout November and December, with special Christmas Tours and VIP Tours.
For more information, go to Graceland.com.
Bob Mehr is the music writer at The Commercial Appeal. Contact him at bob.mehr@commercialappeal.com.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Elvis fans, start counting down. Christmas at Graceland begins Nov. 19
