The newest Christmas tradition that’s taken the world by storm, Elf on the Shelf, will land in Bristol this Christmas. Between December 1 and 24, an enormous 15 ft tall Scout Elf – wearing the iconic red suit and hat with white trim, white collar and mittens – will appear atop several of the city’s tallest buildings. Turning Bristol into a larger-than-life game of hide and seek.
Daily clues to the elf’s exact location will be shared on the Redcliffe & Temple BID’s social media channels. While eagle-eyed fans might witness some classic Scout Elf mischief, as the elf unravels toilet rolls or eats festive treats. Those lucky enough to glimpse the first sighting of the Scout Elf on Friday, December 1 will even have the opportunity to catch Love Bristol gift cards.
What is The Elf on the Shelf?
Based on the 2005 children’s book of the same name, The Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition (or, some might say, a marketing campaign) revolving around “Scout Elves” that tell Santa if children have been naughty or nice. Each day, the elves return from the North Pole and land in a different spot in your home – in increasingly silly photo opportunities.
Per the rules, when an Elf on the Shelf is adopted by a family, they must quickly be given a name to activate their Christmas magic. This giant elf will be no different, with a city-wide call-out to name the city’s Elf on the Shelf on the social channels of Redcliffe & Temple BID.
Created by Bristol-based prop and puppet maker Jenny Simmons, the 15 ft Elf on the Shelf has been developed over a two-month timeframe in her workshop in Bedminster. This is a partnership between Redcliffe & Temple BID, the puppet maker and The Lumistella Company’s official Elf on the Shelf teams in both the US and the UK. Bristol’s elf will accurately represent the one, the only The Elf on the Shelf.
“What better way to say Merry Christmas to Bristol than with a giant 15 ft elf – and we can’t wait to see what Bristol names our very own The Elf on the Shelf!” said Steve Bluff, Head of Redcliffe & Temple BID. “It’s fantastic to support local talent on the national, and now international stage – and we can’t wait to delight workers, residents and visitors this festive season with a big old Christmas CRACKER – all while bringing festive fun to some of our city’s undiscovered areas.”
They’ll be one final Christmas treat from the Elf at one of the city’s most-loved venues on the weekend before Christmas. To follow Bristol’s The Elf on the Shelf adventure make sure to follow Redcliffe & Temple BID on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.