Graceland will officially begin the holiday season on Friday, November 20 at 6:00 p.m., when the switch is flipped on the holiday lights during the annual Graceland Lighting Ceremony.

This year, joining a group of children from St. Jude to "flip the switch" will be GRAMMY Award winner Richard Marx, an Elvis fan and supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.

Marx has made his mark on the music industry for more than 20 years. In addition to selling over 30 million records, and writing, as of 2009, thirteen #1 songs, he has remained a fixture on pop and adult contemporary radio, and has produced some of the biggest names in the music business. Richard is honored to be sharing the stage at Graceland with patients from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

St. Jude is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. No family ever pays for treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization.

The interior of Graceland mansion will also be decked in Elvis’ Christmas décor for the holiday season. This includes his traditional red velvet drapes and Presley family Christmas artifacts displayed around several Christmas trees throughout the home, including the famous Jungle Room.

The public is welcome to attend the free lighting event. Santa will be available for pictures with children throughout the evening’s festivities. Regular tours of Graceland will operate the day of the lighting ceremony from 10:00 a.m  to 6:00 p.m., with mansion only tours available from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Not able to be in Memphis for the lighting ceremony? You can still be part of the fun by watching the lighting ceremony live on Elvis.com on November 20. Click here for details.