Holiday 2019 Travel: Graceland Celebrates the Christmas Season with Annual Holiday Lighting, Holiday Concert Weekend

There’s no place more magical than Elvis Presley’s Graceland® in Memphis at Christmastime. Recently nominated as one the Best Holiday Historic Home Tours in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Graceland celebrates the Christmas season this year with two festive holiday events.

Elvis Presley’s Graceland®logo

The holiday season kicks-off on November 21 with the time-honored tradition of Graceland’s annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony. This year’s ceremony features a special performance from country music star Chase Bryant, who will be joined by cast members from Hallmark Channel’s new movie “Christmas at Graceland: Home for the Holidays” to help light Graceland Mansion for the holidays. Cast members expected to appear include Lori Beth Sikes, Alan Wells, Nina Thurmond, Trace Masters, Laney Malone, Hailey Harris, Anniston Almond, and Shaleen Cholera. This year’s holiday celebration features a 100 percent chance of snow, a special visit from Santa Claus, kids crafts and fun for the entire family.

Following the lighting ceremony, the festivities continue into the night with the world premiere of Hallmark Channel’s all-new holiday film at the Soundstage at Graceland – “Christmas at Graceland: Home for the Holidays.” Shot on location at Graceland and other locations throughout Memphis, the film stars Adrian Grenier (“Entourage”) and Kaitlin Doubleday (“Empire,” “Nashville”), as well as a special appearance by Priscilla Presley. “Christmas at Graceland: Home for the Holidays” premieres Saturday, November 23 at 8 PM EST (7 PM CST), as part of Hallmark Channel’s annual “Countdown to Christmas.”

Graceland’s Lighting Ceremony is free and open to the public. The premiere event for “Christmas At Graceland: Home for the Holidays” is a ticketed event, however complimentary tickets will be made available that night at the door, based on availability. A limited number of reserved seats are also available to anyone who purchases advanced tickets to any Graceland attraction for November 21, subject to availability. Tickets must be reserved by calling 901-332-3322 or 800-238-2000. For additional information visit Graceland.com/Christmas.

Graceland’s celebrations continue into the holiday season when the annual Holiday Concert Weekend returns December 13-14, and for the third year, fans and visitors can enjoy a festive weekend filled with two incredible concerts, holiday-themed evening tours of Graceland Mansion, carolers, a holiday brunch and more.

The Home for the Holidays with Elvis Concert on Friday night is an unforgettable concert experience conducted by Robin Smith of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra. Enjoy Elvis’ holiday favorites performed live on stage with Elvis’ vocals, backed by the full, rich sound of a 32-piece orchestra, featuring local Memphis musicians, plus vocalists, a choir and dancers.

Walker Art Center Presents the 33rd British Arrows Awards this Holiday Season

BRITISH ARROWS AWARDS 2019
Friday, November 29–Sunday, December 29
Walker Cinema
Program length: 72 Minutes
Total screenings: 95

Celebrate the UK’s most innovative and daring commercials from the creative world of British advertising. One of the Walker’s most popular traditions back for the 33rd year, the British Arrows Awards showcases an eclectic mix of riveting mini-dramas, high-tech extravaganzas, wacky comedy, and vital public service announcements.

The British Arrows is a much-loved program in the Twin Cities with many people attending year after year. The audiences are moved by the program, which can be a unique cross-cultural experience, as they try to figure out brands and products that are not available in the U.S., but are cleverly conveyed. It’s a unique experience for American audiences to view ads that are not invested in the hard sell; rather, gaining interest in products and services through humor, pathos and a dynamic cinematography. Although there are 95 screenings this year, they are sure to sell out quickly.

Megaforce’s Nothing Beats a Londoner for Nike. Photo courtesy British Arrows 2019.

BRITS NIGHT, Friday, December 6, 7 and 9 pm

Come early and celebrate with a cash bar, plus music by DJ Simon Husbands of KFAI’s True Brit Radio. Introduced by Clare Donald and Jani Guest, British Arrows board co-chairs, and Lisa Lavender, operations director.

Megaforce’s Nothing Beats a Londoner for Nike. Photo courtesy of British Arrows 2019.

SCREENING SCHEDULE

• Friday, November 29: 3, 5, and 7 pm
• Saturday, November 30: 3, 5, and 7:30 pm
• Sunday, December 1: 3, 5, and 7 pm
• Friday, December 6: 7 and 9 pm: Brits Night. Introduced by Clare Donald and Jani Guest, British Arrows board co-chairs, and Lisa Lavender, operations director.
• Saturday, December 7: 5 and 7 pm
• Sunday, December 8: 1, 3, and 5 pm
• Thursday, December 12: 6, 7, and 8 pm
• Friday, December 13: 6, 7, and 8 pm
• Saturday, December 14: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 pm
• Sunday, December 15: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 pm
• Tuesday, December 17: 6, 7, and 8 pm
• Wednesday, December 18: 6, 7, and 8 pm
• Thursday, December 19: 6, 7, and 8 pm
• Friday, December 20: 6, 7, and 8 pm
• Saturday, December 21: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 pm
• Sunday, December 22: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 pm
• Thursday, December 26: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 pm
• Friday, December 27: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 pm
• Saturday, December 28: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 pm
• Sunday, December 29: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 pm

Sam Brown and Tom Barbor’s The Dragon Challenge for Jaguar Land Rover. Photo courtesy of British Arrows 2019.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra With Wynton Marsalis Announces 2019 ‘Big Band Holidays at Jazz at Lincoln Center’ Concert Schedule

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra With Wynton Marsalis To Share the Stage with Vocalists Denzal Sinclaire And Alexis Morrast

Big Band Holidays at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater, December 18–22, with Relaxed Performance on December 22 at 2:00 p.m.

Blue Engine Records Big Band Holidays II Available Digitally Now; In Stores Soon On Cd And Vinyl

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and guest vocalists Denzal Sinclaire and Alexis Morrast will spread good cheer this holiday season with five performances of Big Band Holidays in Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater on December 18-21 at 8:00 p.m. and December 22 at 2:00 p.m. The performance on Sunday, December 22 at 2:00 p.m., will be a Relaxed Performance, designed to provide an opportunity for children or adults with autism, learning difficulties, or other sensory and communication needs to enjoy our performances with their families in a more relaxed environment.

The Jazz at Lincoln Center

The mission of Jazz at Lincoln Center is to entertain, enrich and expand a global community for Jazz through performance, education and advocacy. With the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and guest artists spanning genres and generations, Jazz at Lincoln Center produces thousands of performance, education, and broadcast events each season in its home in New York City (Frederick P. Rose Hall, “The House of Swing”) and around the world, for people of all ages. Jazz at Lincoln Center is led by Chairman Robert J. Appel, Managing and Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis, and Executive Director Greg Scholl. (Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater at Frederick P. Rose Hall is located at Broadway at 60th Street in New York, New York. )

Featuring soulful, big band versions of classics such as “Jingle Bells,” “Joy to the World,” and “Brazilian Sleigh Ride,” Big Band Holidays is an uplifting holiday program that plays to sold-out audiences every December. The beloved New York tradition is renowned for showcasing some of the most exciting and charismatic vocalists on the scene, with recent editions including Cécile McLorin Salvant, Gregory Porter, René Marie, Vuyo Sotashe, Veronica Swift, and Catherine Russell. This year Jazz at Lincoln Center welcomes back an old favorite, the smooth-as-silk baritone vocalist Denzal Sinclaire and presents a Big Band Holidays first-timer: local teenage phenomenon Alexis Morrast, first-place winner of the nationally broadcast Showtime at the Apollo.

2019 Holiday Gift Guide: Nintendo Switch Bundle With Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Highlights Nintendo’s Black Friday Offers

Offers on Nintendo Switch, Games and Accessories are a Great Value for Families

As the holiday season approaches, families are looking for ways to spend more time together – shared experiences that create long-lasting memories. This Black Friday, Nintendo is offering a bundle that will provide those memories right out of the box! Starting on Nov. 28, select retailers will offer the bundle, which includes a Nintendo Switch system and a download code for the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game, at a suggested retail price of only $299.99*. That’s the price of a Nintendo Switch system with a game for no extra cost!

With the multiplayer fun of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and two Joy-Con controllers included with the Nintendo Switch system, families can open the bundle and start playing together right away.

Starting on Nov. 28, select retailers will offer a bundle, which includes a Nintendo Switch system and a download code for the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game, at a suggested retail price of only $299.99. (Photo: Business Wire)

In addition to the bundle, several Nintendo Switch games will be available at a suggested retail price of only $39.99 each – that’s $20 off their regular suggested price. This software offer begins on Nov. 27 at participating retailers. Players looking to explore fantastic worlds or engage in some friendly competition with family and friends can take advantage of the $20 discount on games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Super Mario Party, Splatoon 2, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Mario Tennis Aces and Kirby Star Allies, among others.

“With Nintendo Switch, parents are not just giving a gift to their kids – they are providing fun for the whole family who loves to play together,” said Nick Chavez, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Families who have been waiting to pick up a Nintendo Switch system have the perfect opportunity on Black Friday to take advantage of one of our many offers and add some Nintendo fun to their holiday plans.”

Additional Black Friday offers include a pair of Joy-Con controllers (Gray or Neon Red & Neon Blue) at a suggested retail price of $59.99 ($20 off), and the Poké Ball Plus accessory to use with the Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! And Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! games (sold separately) at a suggested retail price of only $19.99 ($30 off). The Joy-Con offer starts on Nov. 27, with the Poké Ball Plus promotion beginning on Nov. 28 at participating retailers. For a full list of offers and participating retailers, visit https://happyholidays.nintendo.com/deals/.

Best Buy’s Black Friday Ad Is Here! Hundreds of Deals, Including Apple Doorbusters, Available Now

Every Day From Nov. 11-20, One Doorbuster From The Ad Will Be Available Early, For One Day Only

For The 6th Consecutive Year, Best Buy Stores Will Open At 5 P.M. Local Time On Thanksgiving Day

Black Friday starts now. Best Buy’s Black Friday ad is here, full of thousands of deals on the hottest tech, and this year there are even more opportunities than ever to get your hands on these deals and doorbusters before Thanksgiving Day.

Hundreds of deals from the ad – including Apple doorbusters – are available now through Sunday, Nov. 10.

And the savings don’t freeze there. Starting Monday, Nov. 11, Best Buy will kick off Daily Doorbusters, where shoppers can get access to 10 of the ad’s “doorbusters” (the very best deals in the ad) early. Each day between Nov. 11 and Nov. 20, a new doorbuster from the ad will be unveiled. The first Daily Doorbuster, which will go live on Nov. 11 is an LG 55-inch 4K Smart TV with HDR for just $299.99.

Worried about being left out in the cold? Sign up on www.BestBuy.com for daily text alerts to remind you of each doorbuster. 1

(Texts are automated and consent is optional, not a condition of purchase. Message and data rates may apply. Get a message for each day you select. Terms and Privacy Policy at www.BestBuy.com/mobilefaqs apply. For help, text HELP to 22891. To opt out, text STOP to 22891. If you opt in again after replying STOP to 22891, you’ll receive the new days you select plus the days you selected in previous opt-ins.)

Some of Best Buy’s Hottest Black Friday Deals – and Available Now! – include:

• Save $350 on 75-inch Samsung 4K UHD Smart TV with HDR (sale price: $749.99)
• Save $70 on 65-inch Samsung 4K UHD Smart TV with HDR (sale price: $479.99)
• Save up to $500 on iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro (with qualified activation and Trade-In)
• Save up to $300 on select models of MacBook Pro
• Save up to $300 on Apple Watch Series 4
• Save $200 on latest models of iMac or MacBook Air
• Save $360 on Microsoft Surface Pro 7 with Type Cover (sale price: $599)
• Save $100 on Samsung 11.6-inch Chromebook (sale price: $89)
• Save $250 on Dell 15.6-inch Laptop (sale price: $349.99)
• Save $200 on Dyson Cyclone V10 models (Only available at Best Buy)
• Save $270 on KitchenAid Professional 500 Series Stand Mixer (sale price: $229.99)
• Save $70 on Sony Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones with Google Assistant (sale price: $279.99)

Stamp with text big holiday sale inside, vector illustration

Even More Black Friday Deals Available On Thanksgiving:

• 58-inch Insignia 4K UHD Smart TV with HDR Fire TV Edition with free Amazon Echo Dot for $199.99 (save $280)
• Save $350 on 70-inch Samsung 4K UHD Smart TV with HDR (sale price: $549.99)
• Save up to $250 on iPad Pro
• Save up to $100 on iPad 10.2”
• Save $400-$500 on the Note 10 Series (with qualified activation)
• 20% off haircare for My Best Buy® members
• Save $80 on Google Nest Hello Video Doorbell (sale price: $149.99)
• Save $1,000 on Hydrow Connected Rower (sale price: $1199)

UGG Black Friday 2019 Deals: List of Early UGG Boots & Slippers Deals by Consumer Walk

Stamp with text big holiday sale inside, vector illustration

Save On Ugg Boots & Slippers At The Black Friday 2019 Sale With Consumer Walk’s Round-Up Of The Best Early UGG Black Friday Deals

In search of the best Black Friday UGG deals for 2019? UGG boots and slippers are popular footwear choices across the globe, with several lines available for men, women, and kids. Many of the models in their Classic series are instantly recognizable designs that utilize sheepskin for unparalleled foot comfort. Ever since its inclusion into Oprah’s list of “Favorite Things” the brand has enjoyed continued success reaching all the way up to the high fashion scene. The online sales specialists at Consumer Walk have reviewed the top early UGG boots & slippers Black Friday deals and are sharing their top picks below.

Best UGG deals:

• Save on a wide range of UGGs boots & slippers at Amazon – UGGs’ signature grade-A sheepskin shoes & UGG pure wool liners are available in an array of styles for men, women & kids
• Save up to 36% on snow & ankle boots, slippers & slip-ons from UGG – save on an array of top-rated shoes & slippers for men, women & kids at Walmart
• Save $69 on the UGG Mens Classic Mini Chestnut Snow Boots– at Walmart
• Save up to 25% on UGG boots and slippers for men, women & kids at Macy’s
• Save on UGG boots, sandals, slippers & shoes at the Zappos online store

November 29th and December 2nd mark this year’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales events.

Amazon’s Black Friday deals run longer than the four-day holiday weekend. Deals start appearing on the retailer’s website in early November, with more being added hourly once the Black Friday sales week event begins. Shoppers can also take advantage of early holiday sales at Walmart this year with the mega retailer havinf begun its sales on October 25. Walmart normally starts rolling out Black Friday deals online on November 27th, followed by in-store sales on Thanksgiving Day, November 28th.

The majority of online retailers typically run deals until Cyber Monday, but shoppers should be on the lookout for more discounts this year lasting for the entire week. Amazon is particularly known for offering discounts on electronics, gifts, and top holiday products during its Cyber Monday Deals Week.

Visit Amazon’s Black Friday page and Walmart’s Deal Drop page for their latest deals. Consumer Walk earns commissions from purchases made using the links provided. As an Amazon Associate, Consumer Walk earns from qualifying purchases.

2019 Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence Winners Announced

Historic Hotels and Recipients Honored at the Awards Ceremony and Gala at Pinehurst Resort (1895)

Historic Hotels of America® logo

Historic Hotels of America® and Historic Hotels Worldwide® are pleased to announce the winners of the 2019 Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence. Recipients were honored at a special ceremony and gala at Pinehurst Resort (1895) on Thursday, November 7. Awards were presented before an audience of more than 200 industry leaders, owners, senior management, and representatives of the finest historic hotels from across the United States of America and from around the world. Honors were given in multiple categories ranging from Hotelier of the Year and Hotel Historian of the Year to Best Historic Resort, Historic Hotelier of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, and others.

“These 2019 winners represent more nearly 500 years of history and include the finest legendary and iconic historic hotels from across the United States of America and from around the world” —Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Director, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide.

From more than 200 nominees, the following Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide hotels and hoteliers were honored with these prestigious annual awards for 2019:

Blackburn Inn (1828) Staunton, Virginia (Photo: Business Wire)

Historic Hotels of America New Member of the Year: Blackburn Inn (1828) Staunton, Virginia

Hotel Bethlehem, Historic Hotel Bethlehem (1922) Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (Photo: Business Wire)

Best Historic Hotel (76-200 Guestrooms): Historic Hotel Bethlehem (1922) Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

The Wigwam (1929) Litchfield Park, Arizona (Photo: Business Wire)

Best Historic Hotel (201-400 Guestrooms): The Wigwam (1929) Litchfield Park, Arizona

The Hermitage Lobby, The Hermitage Hotel (1910) Nashville, Tennessee (Photo: Business Wire)

Best City Center Historic Hotel: The Hermitage Hotel (1910) Nashville, Tennessee

Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa (1847) Point Clear, Alabama (Photo: Business Wire)

Best Historic Hotel (Over 400 Guestrooms): Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa (1847) Point Clear, Alabama