Introduction
The Enduring Magic of Christmas at Graceland: Riley Keough’s 2023 Special
The spirit of Christmas at Graceland has always held a special place for the Presley family, and that tradition was profoundly honored when Riley Keough hosted and produced the first-ever Elvis Christmas special, Christmas at Graceland, in November 2023. This event not only offered fans a festive look inside the famous grounds but also cemented Riley’s commitment to preserving her grandfather’s legacy.
The special, which was later re-aired due to its solid ratings, was a beautifully cinematographic tribute to Elvis, featuring great aerial shots of the decorated estate. Riley welcomed an array of contemporary singers to perform Elvis classics. Laney Wilson, for instance, drove up in a pink Cadillac and performed at the front door, a setting later used by Kacey Musgraves. C. Brown sang at the Graceland Stables, while John Legend performed in the Graceland Chapel. Notably, Lana Del Rey was the only artist to perform inside the Mansion itself, choosing the iconic Jungle Room for her segment, a rare sight for viewers. Post Malone even jumped into the pool after his performance there, adding a memorable, playful touch.
Beyond the star-studded 2023 event, the tradition of Christmas at Graceland stretches back to Elvis’s own time there. Elvis began purchasing holiday decorations in 1957, setting a standard for the extravagant yet personal displays fans still cherish today. The classic Santa sleigh and eight reindeer outdoor figures, purchased for $300 from Bane Sign Company, are displayed annually on the lawn, along with the distinctive metallic gold Christmas trees introduced in the mid-1960s. Fans can still experience these historical decorations through the annual VIP Christmas tour.
Interestingly, Elvis’s first Christmas at Graceland in 1957 was marked by the unsettling news of his impending draft. He spent the holiday with girlfriend Anita Wood, but just two days later, he hosted two beauty queens, Hannelore Melcher and Kathy Gabriel, supposedly as a publicity stunt to announce his delayed Army induction. Hannelore recalled the mansion being a hub of activity during their unexpected eight-day stay, with nightly “live concerts” around the famed white piano.
Perhaps the most surprising anecdote from that holiday concerns Elvis testing the loyalty of his inner circle. He acquired $15,000 in $1,000 bills and fanned them out on his bed, leaving family and friends alone with the cash. When he checked, he discovered one bill missing, confronting and subsequently excluding the cousin who had taken it.
From Elvis’s private holiday moments to Riley Keough’s modern, televised tribute, Christmas at Graceland remains a powerful symbol of music, family, and enduring legacy. With the release of the official Christmas at Graceland from the Graceland Archives book and the success of the 2023 special, fans are hoping Riley will continue this new tradition in the near future.