Here’s a fun Elf on the Shelf calendar with a variety of creative daily ideas, including the special nights and activities you requested! This runs from November 28 to December 25 and mixes interactive, funny, and magical setups to keep the excitement going.
Elf on the Shelf Ideas Calendar: 28 Days of Holiday Magic
The holiday season is here, which means it’s time to welcome back everyone’s favorite holiday helper—the Elf on the Shelf! If you’re looking for creative ideas to keep your kids excited every day, this 28-day Elf on the Shelf calendar will fill your home with holiday cheer, laughter, and magic. Follow along from November 28 to Christmas Day, with unique ideas that include fun setups, family activities, and festive surprises.
Why Follow an Elf on the Shelf Calendar?
Creating a day-by-day Elf on the Shelf calendar helps you stay organized, adds structure to the holiday excitement, and makes every morning a delightful surprise for the whole family. Plus, with each day planned out, you’ll avoid those last-minute scrambles to come up with ideas!
28 Days of Elf on the Shelf Fun: Daily Ideas from Nov 28 to Dec 25
Elf on the Shelf Calendar
Week 1
Nov 28 (Day 1) – Elf Arrival: Elf arrives with a welcome letter and a mini Christmas tree to kick off the season.
Nov 29 (Day 2) – Coloring Fun: Elf brings a holiday coloring book and crayons for the kids to start the holiday creativity.
Nov 30 (Day 3) – Candy Cane Hunt: Elf hides candy canes around the house for a fun candy cane scavenger hunt.
Dec 1 (Day 4) – Elf in the Fridge: Elf is found bundled up in the fridge with a note saying, “Chillin’!”
Dec 2 (Day 5) – Mini Marshmallow Bath: Elf relaxes in a “bubble bath” made of mini marshmallows.
Dec 3 (Day 6) – Snowman Building: Elf builds a tiny snowman using marshmallows and toothpicks.
Dec 4 (Day 7) – Ice Cream Party: Elf sets up a mini ice cream station with sprinkles and toppings for a fun family treat night!
Week 2
Dec 5 (Day 8) – Elf Stuck in TV: Elf appears to be stuck in the TV screen with this continuous 10 hour video from Youtube.
Dec 6 (Day 9) – Cereal Box Mischief: Elf makes a mess by “pouring” cereal out on the counter.
Dec 7 (Day 10) – Snow Angels in Flour: Elf makes a snow angel in a dusting of flour on the counter.
Dec 8 (Day 11) – Elf Gymnastics: Elf hangs from a paper towel roll or swings from a “trapeze” made of string.
Dec 9 (Day 12) – Silly Selfies: Elf takes silly selfies with the kids’ favorite toys or in funny poses.
Dec 10 (Day 13) – Christmas Storybooks: Elf sets out Christmas storybooks for a cozy family reading night.
Dec 11 (Day 14) – Cookie Baking Night: Elf brings cookie cutters, sprinkles, and a recipe card to prepare for a family baking night. Get matching Elf and kiddo baking accessories to enjoy the night
Week 3
Dec 12 (Day 15) – Mini Tree Decorating: Elf sets up a tiny tree and mini decorations for kids to decorate.
Dec 13 (Day 16) – Snowball Fight: Elf is caught mid-“snowball fight” with cotton balls or marshmallows.
Dec 14 (Day 17) – Elf in a Balloon Bubble: Elf hides inside a clear balloon with a festive note.
Dec 15 (Day 18) – Pizza Night: Elf brings pizza ingredients or gift certificates for a family pizza night. Get your FREE PRINTABLE ELF ON THE SHELF PIZZA
Dec 16 (Day 19) – Christmas Card Making: Elf brings supplies for kids to make cards for family and friends.
Dec 17 (Day 20) – Movie Night Invite: Elf suggests a Christmas movie night with popcorn and treats.
Dec 18 (Day 21) – Elf Snow Globes: Elf “makes” mini snow globes from mason jars and small decorations.
Week 4
Dec 19 (Day 22) – Elf’s Hot Cocoa Bar: Elf sets up a mini hot cocoa station with marshmallows, candy canes, and cocoa mix.
Dec 20 (Day 23) – Mini Gift Wrapping: Elf wraps tiny “presents” for toys or dolls with ribbons and mini tags.
Dec 21 (Day 24) – Elf Skis with Candy Canes: Elf “skis” on candy canes with a backdrop of “snow” (cotton balls or felt).
Dec 22 (Day 25) – Gingerbread House Party: Elf brings supplies to build a gingerbread house together.
Dec 23 (Day 26) – ‘Santa Cam’ Watch: Elf holds a “Santa Cam” note as a reminder that Santa’s watching!
Dec 24 (Day 27) – Christmas Eve Goodbye: Elf prepares to leave with a goodbye letter, mini gifts, and reminders of Santa’s arrival.
Dec 25 – Christmas Morning: Elf is gone, but leaves behind a note saying Merry Christmas, with gifts from Santa!
This schedule combines magic, holiday fun, and interactive family activities for a memorable Elf on the Shelf season.
