When Does Elf on the Shelf Start and End?

Every family has their personal favorite Christmas traditions that they celebrate with each year—like kissing under the mistletoe, baking a Christmas ham, and caroling for the neighbors. In the Drummond household, the annual holiday activities include taking pictures in matching Christmas pajamas and enjoying homemade cinnamon rolls. But there's one tradition that's become increasingly popular with families in recent years: Elf on the Shelf!

The adorable idea is that a mischievous Elf comes to visit your home leading up to Christmas and reports back to Santa if the kids are being naughty or nice. Parents make it even more fun by setting up the Elf in funny scenes or hiding it around the house, waiting for the children to notice. There's even Elf on the Shelf clothes and accessories to give your kids' Christmas pal their own personality.

If you've never done it before, you probably have a lot of questions. You might be wondering when does Elf on the Shelf start and end? After all, you can't think of Elf on the Shelf names or come up with funny placement ideas until you know when they should arrive at your house. (And they have to head back to the North Pole sometime!) There's also a few "rules" the kiddos will need to follow throughout the Christmas season so that your elf doesn't lose their magic! Once you have that settled, you can check out the official website for videos, tips, and ideas for sending your kids' letters to Santa as well. Too cute!

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When does Elf on the Shelf come?

The Elf on the Shelf website recommends your Elf arrive between November 24 through December 1. This is also known as Scout Elf Return week, a.k.a. the time when Santa's little helpers flee the North Pole and head out to the houses they'll be staying at until Christmas. Make sure their entrance is a big one—after all, they remind your kids to be on their best behavior!

Once your Elf makes its first appearance, they'll report back to Santa each night to let him know if the kiddos were naughty or nice then come back before they awake the next day. This is where things get really fun. The Elf will land in a different spot every day so the little ones can wake up and excitedly dash around the house as they try to find them. A helpful hint? You might want to set a daily alarm on your phone to ensure your Elf doesn't forget to fly to Santa and back. 😉

When does Elf on the Shelf leave?

You'll want to make sure your Scout Elf leaves at the right time so as not to spoil the magic! It's suggested that Elf on the Shelf ends on the night of December 24, when they hitch a ride with Santa on his sleigh after he leaves presents at your house. Your kids can say their goodbyes to their new friend before going to bed, promising that they'll see them again next year. And, just in case your Elf doesn't leave on December 24 (it's okay if you forget!), you'll find some clever suggestions on the website as to why they had to stick around a little longer. 😆

What are the rules for Elf on a Shelf?

Once your family has adopted (and named) a Scout Elf, it's time to get the holiday magic started! But first, there are a few rules you and the kiddos will need to follow in order to make the season a success. These simple rules are written by Santa himself and mentioned in the book that comes with your Elf on a Shelf. You can also find them on the Elf on the Shelf site.

Don't touch your Elf! This is the most important rule, as touching a Scout Elf will cause them to lose their magic. In emergency situations (maybe the dog found their hiding spot or the Elf took a tumble off your mantel), a parent can quickly lend a helping hand. If the Elf needs assistance or is accidentally touched, tell the kiddos not to worry! There are a few ways to restore their magic such as writing a letter to Santa, sprinkling cinnamon next to them, or performing a Christmas carol to make them feel better.
Your Scout Elf can't talk, but they love to listen. That means your little ones are encouraged to share their wishes and messages for Santa with the Elves. They might even want to make a Christmas list for their Elf to take back to the North Pole.
You already know this one, but remember: Scout Elves should return to the North Pole on Christmas Eve so they can help jolly ol' Saint Nicholas prepare for next December 25.

Here's to plenty of festive fun... and your kiddos being on their best behavior this Christmastime! And don't forget to choose an adorable Elf on the Shelf return idea for your holiday houseguest's first day on the job!