Graceland hosts over 500,000 visitors each year in Memphis, Tennessee. Elvis fans come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the house that the Kind of Rock n Roll called home. Visiting Graceland at Christmas feels like stepping into a holiday storybook—one with rhinestones, gospel music, and a whole lot of Elvis magic.
During the most festive time of year, Elvis Presley’s Memphis home is transformed with classic Christmas décor, warm lights, and seasonal touches that feel both elegant and deeply personal. Pair that with The Elvis Experience and the Elvis Presley’s Airplanes Tour, and you have a must-do holiday experience for music lovers and travelers alike.
Christmas at Graceland: A Holiday Like No Other
From the moment you arrive, Graceland is wrapped in Christmas spirit. The tours start in the main museum building where you take a shuttle bus to the historic house where Elvis and his family lived.
The mansion is decorated much like it was during Elvis’s lifetime, featuring traditional garlands, wreaths, red bows, and a stunning Christmas tree that anchors the living room. Rather than feeling over-the-top, the décor feels intimate and nostalgic—more like visiting a family home than a museum.
As you move through the rooms, you get a sense of how Elvis celebrated the holidays with family and friends. There’s something especially moving about seeing Graceland dressed for Christmas, knowing how important home, faith, and togetherness were to him. Seasonal music plays softly, adding to the emotional weight of the visit.
The Elvis Experience: Immersive and Unforgettable
The Elvis Experience Tour elevates a Graceland visit by offering a deeper, more immersive look into Elvis’s life and legacy. Beyond the mansion, the experience includes access to Elvis’s car museum, gold records, jumpsuits, movie memorabilia, and personal artifacts that bring his story to life.
One of the highlights of a visit to Graceland is the Automobile Museum, where Elvis Presley’s legendary love of cars is on full display. The collection showcases an impressive lineup of vehicles personally owned by Elvis, reflecting both his evolving style and larger-than-life personality. A sign on the wall reads “Life is too short to drive boring cars,” which appeared to be very true for Elvis based on the car collection.
Standouts include his iconic 1955 pink Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60, a symbol forever tied to his rise to fame, along with luxury favorites like his 1973 Stutz Blackhawk that was the last car Elvis drove. You’ll also see custom details Elvis loved—plush interiors, bold colors, and powerful engines—each car telling a story of his success, generosity, and passion for the open road. Together, the collection offers an intimate look at Elvis beyond the stage, capturing how his taste for speed, style, and craftsmanship matched the superstar he became.
Elvis In The Military
One of the most powerful sections of the Graceland museum highlights Elvis Presley’s military service, offering a deeper look at a side of the icon that often gets overlooked. In 1958, at the height of his fame, Elvis was drafted into the U.S. Army and chose to serve as a regular soldier rather than accept special treatment. The exhibit features personal photographs, letters, uniforms, and memorabilia from his time stationed at Fort Hood and later in Germany, capturing a pivotal chapter that shaped him both personally and artistically. Seeing Elvis in uniform—away from the stage and spotlight—adds a humbling perspective to his legacy, underscoring his sense of duty, discipline, and respect for service that remained with him throughout his life.
At Christmas, this experience feels even more powerful. Elvis’s love of gospel music and holiday traditions is woven throughout the exhibits. Interactive displays and curated exhibits make it easy to spend hours exploring, whether you’re a lifelong fan or visiting Graceland for the first time.
Before taking the tour at Graceland and Sun Records I had met Elvis super fans over the years but never truly understood all the hype surrounding him and his music. After visiting the tours, I now am obsessed and left wanting to see every Elvis music and listen to every Elvis tune starting with the Christmas hits.
Elvis Presley’s Airplanes Tour: A Peek Into Life on the Road
No visit to Graceland is complete without the Elvis Presley’s Airplanes Tour, which offers a fascinating look at how Elvis traveled in style. Parked just steps from the mansion are his iconic customized jets, including the Lisa Marie and the Hound Dog II.
Stepping inside the planes is like entering a time capsule. Plush leather seating, gold accents, and retro design details reflect Elvis’s larger-than-life personality, while still feeling surprisingly cozy. The tour gives insight into Elvis’s life on tour and his desire for comfort and privacy while traveling. It’s an unexpected highlight that adds another layer to understanding his world beyond the stage.
Why Christmas Is the Best Time to Visit
Visiting Graceland during the holidays offers a quieter, more reflective experience than other times of year. The decorations, music, and seasonal storytelling add emotional depth to every room and exhibit. It feels less like a standard attraction and more like a heartfelt tribute.
Whether you’re an Elvis fan, a history lover, or simply looking for a unique Christmas travel experience, Graceland delivers something truly special. The combination of holiday décor, the Elvis Experience, and the airplane tour creates a full, immersive day that’s equal parts festive, fascinating, and moving.
Walking away from Graceland at Christmas, you don’t just leave with photos—you leave with a deeper appreciation for Elvis’s legacy and a holiday memory that feels genuinely meaningful.