THE BIG PICTURE
Get ready to sparkle-jolly-twinkle-jinglefy as the 20th birthday bash for Buddy the Elf kicks off with a twinkling tribute via the Empire State Building and movie magic on its 80th deck.
Buddy’s escapades leap off the screen with an Elf-inspired trove of goodies—think sugary confections, holiday decor, playthings, apparel, and all that jazz.
The anniversary fiesta extends to tune-filled gatherings, Elf-centric spectacles, and interactive shenanigans, including a melodic rendition of Elf and a virtual dash in Buddy’s boots.

Strapping on his pointy shoes and belting out carols, Buddy the Elf marks a two-decade romp since ‘Elf’ bedazzled the big screen. Warner Brothers Discovery is orchestrating a grand soiree for this festive favorite, featuring Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel, James Caan, and Bob Newhart. The revelries commence with the Empire State Building donning a festive cloak of green and yellow on November 7, illuminating the night for those near and afar. Empire State’s own webcam will beam the spectacle to those camped out beyond the Big Apple. Sweetening the deal, an elfin cart on the 86th floor will dish out a sugar rush in line with the elf’s dietary staples—candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup—from 2:00 PM to the golden hour of 5:00 PM, till the last morsel vanishes.

From November 7 through the New Year, the Empire State Building’s Fifth Avenue Lobby Windows become a window into Buddy’s whimsical world, displaying a bounty of themed merch. A towering Buddy replica makes its grand entrance on November 10 for selfie enthusiasts on the 86th floor Observatory. To top it off, on the triad of Saturdays—December 3, 10, and 17—the building sets the stage for an exclusive cinematic experience on the 80th floor complete with complimentary nibbles and sips. Scout the Empire State Building’s digital home for the nitty-gritty, and snag those separate elfish screening passes here.

On November 17, audiences can bask in Buddy’s heartwarming quest to find his kin as ‘Elf’ shimmies back onto silver screens across North America and the UK. But why stop there? The festivities spill over onto TBS and TNT all November, with streaming stints on Max, and come December, on Max, Hulu, and AMC. The Food Network’s Christmas Cookie Challenge will whip up some Elf-inspired delights, serving a festive feast for the eyes on November 23.

‘Elf’ at 20: A Whirlwind of Whimsical Wares

In celebration, Warner Bros. Discovery unfurls a line-up of ‘Elf’-inspired wares in the WB Shop and allies with brands to deck the halls with themed delights. BRACH’S, Mrs. Butterworth’s, Goldfish, and General Mills roll out with merriments, while Keebler’s elves get in on the act with new gingerbread treats. Pottery Barn, Picnic Time, Homesick, Goose Creek, and Franco are decking out living spaces with everything from festive pillows to charcuterie boards.

Trim your holiday scene with fresh finds from Bonjour Fête, Typo, Christopher Radko, Enesco, and Williams Sonoma. Spin Master invites you to doodle like Buddy with an Etch A Sketch, while Funko pops a Bugs Bunny-Buddy mashup. MGA’s Miniverse, Running Press, and Quirk Books bring mini treats, chatty sea creatures, and storybook charm. Deck your tree with Hallmark’s eight novel Elf ornaments, because what’s a tree without a touch of Buddy’s sparkle? Sam’s Club, Hanna Andersson, and Stance keep you decked in Elf finery, while RSVLTS and Loungefly gear up your Elf cosplay game.

Jazz up those wrists on November 10 with Alex and Ani’s charm bracelets, and on November 14, Vida Bracelets jumps in with their own Elf collection. TIME and Crocs have crafted some snazzy steppers, and Revolution Beauty’s Elf-inspired beauty line drops at Walmart on November 4. Kitsch ties up your ‘do with a bow with their satin pillowcases and hair accessories, launching November 2. And let’s not overlook your furry sidekick—dress them in Elf’s best from Sassy Woof.

Rockin’ Around the Elf’s 20th with Jingles and Jollity

Elf in Concert sets the stage on November 17 at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. Following this premiere, the CineConcerts spectacle will tour across 30 cities, syncing live orchestral music with the movie on a giant screen. ‘Elf the musical’ jingles back to London’s Dominion Theatre from November 15 through January 6, 2024. The American Red Cross joins the jamboree, rewarding blood or platelet donors with exclusive Elf X Red Cross socks from November 10-30. Houston Rocket fans can snag a festive mug on December 20, while Turo invites you to zip around in Elf-themed rides starting December 6. Ventures Endurance is putting on the virtual kicks with a 5k Elf fun run—get in on it starting November 2.

With new experiences, collectibles, and surprises, Warner Bros. Discovery commemorates ‘Elf’s’ 20th anniversary with pomp and pizzazz.

Elf
This Yuletide laugh-fest follows a man-sized elf named Buddy who ventures from Santa’s workshop to the bustling streets of New York, on a quest to connect with his birth father, Walter Hobbs, who’s a bit short on holiday spirit.

Release Date
October 9, 2003
Director
Jon Favreau
Starring
Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart, Edward Asner, Mary Steenburgen, Zooey Deschanel
Rating
PG
Duration
97 minutes
Principal Genre
Comedy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Elf 20th anniversary

More about Elf 20th anniversary

• Empire State Building Celebrations
• Elf 20th Anniversary Merchandise
• Elf in Concert Tour
• Elf the Musical Tickets
• Elf Movie Screenings
• Elf Virtual Fun Run Registration