News, events and schools' information for families across Bristol

This November and December, Brunelf, Bristol’s own 15-ft version of The Elf on the Shelf, is back and ready to spread festive cheer across some of the city’s most iconic locations.

From Friday 22nd November – Tuesday 24th December, Bristol’s giant Scout Elf will embark on a Christmas adventure, delighting Bristolians with his larger-than-life presence, playful holiday antics and some new-for-2024 Christmas surprises! 

The Elf on the Shelf is a beloved global Christmas tradition in which Santa’s Scout Elves visit families each day during the festive season and report back to Santa each night on their family’s Christmastime activities. With more than 21 million Scout Elves sold since 2005 and over 8.5 million fans on social media, the brand has achieved iconic status, and its Scout Elf is a Top 10 holiday character across the UK and US. 

In partnership with Redcliffe & Temple BID, Bristol City Centre BID and The Lumistella Company, home to The Elf on the Shelf Santaverse, the hugely popular festive installation invites families, residents and visitors to explore the city’s landmarks in a whole new way.

Brunelf will visit a series of handpicked locations, each chosen to showcase Bristol’s unique character and community spirit. Here’s where the Scout Elf will be making merry this winter:

  • No. 17 Park Street (22nd – 25th November) 
  • Old Fire Station (25th – 27th November) 
  • Ritorno Lounge (27th – 29th November)
  • Bristol Temple Meads (29th November – 2nd December)
  • 70 Redcliffe Street (2nd – 5th December) 
  • The Wellhead (5th – 9th December)
  • Cheese Lane Shot Tower (9th – 12th December) 
  • The Planetarium at We The Curious in Millennium Square (12th – 16th December) 
  • Bristol Hippodrome (16th – 20th December) 
  • Bristol Old Vic (20th – 24th December) 

Visitors can look forward to a series of festive surprises as the Scout Elf embraces each location with holiday spirit!

Alongside Brunelf’s Christmas adventure, there’s an opportunity to participate in the new for 2024 ‘Elfie’ competition. Simply snap a selfie with Bristol’s Scout Elf and post it on Instagram using the hashtag #BristolElfie, while tagging @bristolbid and @redcliffeandtemplebid. Each post enters participants into a drawing to win a £500 Love Bristol gift card – the perfect festive treat!

Throughout the duration, the official Elf on the Shelf Scout Elf will be making surprise appearances at various locations across Bristol, including a meet and greet and story time at a number of locations during December. Residents and visitors should keep their eyes peeled for these pop-up events, where the Scout Elf will be spreading festive cheer, taking photos with visitors and joining in on some holiday fun. Guests can look forward to spontaneous performances, storytime sessions and the chance to snap an ‘Elfie” with the cheerful Scout Elf. 

Steve Bluff, Director of Redcliffe & Temple BID, said, “Our aim is to create a Christmas experience that inspires Bristolians to explore their city and enjoy these well-loved locations in a fresh, festive light. The Scout Elf’s return brings new activities and adventures to these iconic spots and we’re thrilled to see the magic unfold.”

Elsewhere in the city, some of Bristol’s most well-loved locations, including King Street, College Green and Park Street, will be adorned with show-stopping Christmas lighting this festive season. Corn Street’s Chandelier-style street lights will also be making a return, alongside Christmas baubles and tree lights across Queens Road, Welsh Back and the Harbourside, ensuring the city centre is more Christmassy than ever before. 

For daily updates on Brunelf’s journey, follow Redcliffe & Temple BID and Bristol City Centre BID on Instagram.