Sometimes films take us to iconic venues and give the venue new life with a charming story. This is the case with Hallmark’s Christmas at Graceland, a sweet and festive romance that’s full of  Nashville rich culture and music.

Christmas At Graceland (2018) Hallmark Review

Life in Chicago is good for Laurel Cooper (Kellie Pickler). She works at a successful banking institution, and has a beautiful daughter. Trouble is, her boss keeps her so busy, she doesn’t spend enough time with Emma. Then days before Christmas, she’s tasked with closing a big deal for her company. The upside? It’s in her home town, Memphis Tennessee.

Once home, Laurel reconnects with her old friends, including Clay (Wes Brown). Not only is Clay her former music partner, he’s also her former sweetheart. This Christmas as Laurel reconnects with the people of Nashville, she also reconnects with her past… and everything she thought she’d lost.

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Anyone who is a country music fan will likely recognize the name Kellie Pickler. She has radio hits like ‘Red High Heels,’ but Christmas at Graceland marks her film debut. (A song that ironically just cycled on my shuffle feature as I edit this!) To be honest, she’s not as at ease as some of the leading ladies you’ll see in the Countdown to Christmas movies, but she suits this role, and is 100% at ease when she’s in her element (on a music stage). Since I’d only just seen Wes Brown in Under the Autumn Moon, it’s fun to see him step into the leading man’s shoes with this turnaround, but he too is perfect in this role.

The plot for this film is quite familiar. It’s got all the typical tropes (a promotion, small town reunion, snowball fight), but what makes it special is its setting. There hasn’t been any film that centers on Graceland at Christmas or otherwise in my viewing experience, so it’s unique to see the backdrop. It’s made even prettier with its many twinkle lights and the gentle snowfall that falls in a few of the scenes. Though of course, it is Memphis, so snowfall isn’t in any great abundance.

Those of you who can sit back, unplug and wish for some holiday cheer will appreciate this romance. It is, yet again, another sweet addition to Hallmark Channel’s ‘Countdown to Christmas’ originals.

Photos: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Katherine Bomboy