In 2021, the Elf on the Shelf experience is presented as a walk thru.

The Elf on the Shelf delivers some Christmas spirit in the form of a multi-sensory immersive drive-thru experience.

From the comfort and safety of guests' own vehicles, the experience leads families on an hour-long adventure to help save Christmas after Santa Claus encounters a sleigh mishap.

Attendees are transported through a series of larger-than-life, holiday dreamworlds to help find the magic Santa needs to fly again, including a Toy Repair Workshop, Gingerbread Village covered in decadent candy, Arctic Winter Wonderland, and Santa’s Magical Grotto. 

Ticket prices start at $19.95 for children and $24.95 for adults and go on sale at 11am on September 22. The experience officially opens on November 12, with previews starting on November 6.  

Each car will need one smartphone with Android Operating System or iOS to experience the narration and music that guides the experience. For the best audio experience, Elf on the Shelf recommends downloading the app in advance and connecting smartphone to the car’s sound system. There is an option to choose narration in English or Spanish.

The event is designed to accommodate measures that mitigate the risk of spreading COVID-19. Guests are required to wear a mask if they leave their vehicle to use the restroom or if they open the windows of their vehicle.