Elf on the Shelf typically arrives during Scout Elf Return Week, which is generally late November to early December, with many families welcoming their elf between November 24 and December 1. After that, the elf hides in a new spot each morning and reports to Santa each night, returning again the next day. The exact arrival date can vary by family and by the elf’s personality, and some families may start as early as Thanksgiving night or as late as the first week of December. The elf usually leaves for the season on Christmas Eve. If you’re planning your own schedule:
- Target window: November 24 to December 1 (Scout Elf Return Week).
- Alternative start times: Thanksgiving night or early December, depending on family preference and tradition.
- End of season: Christmas Eve or night of December 24, with some flexibility if the elf “sticks around” a bit longer for special circumstances.
Would you like a quick checklist to plan the elf’s first appearance and daily hiding spots for the first week?
