All Shook Up: Epsom’s Rockabilly Christmas

Epsom Village has raised the bar with Christmas parties that are anything but ordinary.

In 2022, they dazzled with a Hollywood Christmas party, complete with glamour, glitz, and even an Oscar-style awards ceremony.

In 2023, they intrigued guests with a Mystery Christmas party, featuring Sherlock Holmes and Watson as special guests and a few deceptive villains hiding in plain sight among the crowd.

Just when it seemed they couldn’t outdo themselves, 2024 delivered an unforgettable celebration that had everyone buzzing with excitement.

The village decided to host a Rockabilly Christmas Party featuring the incredible Johnny Angel, also known as Pacific Elvis, New Zealand's premier Elvis Presley tribute artist. From the moment he stepped into the Lounge, Johnny Angel captivated the residents with his dazzling performance, charismatic personality, and sharp sense of humor.

Adding to the festive spirit, each table was named after a famous Elvis Presley song, and Johnny Angel used this opportunity to serenade the crowd with the King’s most iconic hits. Time and again, residents couldn’t resist the urge to leave their tables and hit the dance floor, where Elvis himself joined in, delighting everyone with his signature moves.

The Christmas party is one of the most eagerly awaited events at Epsom Village, where residents gather to enjoy a delicious Christmas menu. This year’s feast included a choice of shrimp cocktail or Christmas-spiced pumpkin soup; mains of ham, sliced manuka-smoked loin, or turkey breast with stuffing; and a decadent lemon meringue tart with strawberries and cream for dessert. While the food was as delightful as ever, it was Elvis who truly stole the show, lifting everyone’s spirits with timeless songs that kept the energy high and smiles wide.

The performance paused briefly for spot prizes, rewarding a few lucky winners before the fun resumed. While the Christmas party is always centered around the residents, the staff play an essential role in making it memorable. Many contribute by taking on fun roles—our maintenance officer, Les, for example, doubled as a highly efficient Santa Claus waiter—and by joining in the festivities themselves.

At the end of the show, there was a photo opportunity with Elvis, and many staff members eagerly joined the residents to snap a picture with the star of the event.

When the party finally came to an end, the excitement was far from over. Residents were raving about the incredible evening, sharing their favorite moments and reminiscing about the joy, laughter, and dancing. From the unforgettable performance by Pacific Elvis to the delicious feast and lively atmosphere, the 2024 Rockabilly Christmas Party left everyone with hearts full of holiday cheer and smiles that lasted well beyond the final song.

If you’d like to know more about joining our community contact Lyn on 021 845 524 or email Lyn.Ellis@realliving.co.nz