You've heard of Elf on the Shelf — now it's time for the slightly less catchy Massive Elf in front of the King's Official Residence.
From 16 November 2026, an Elf on the Shelf sculpture trail will be scattered around central London, with 12 oversized Santa's helpers appearing by 12 landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and Westminster Cathedral.
Individually designed by artists, each elf is almost two metres tall, and will surely prompt a clamour for festive selfies elfies.
The trail is part of London Heritage Quarter's programme of free experiences to raise money for charity, which also features a Hornby miniature railway installation at Victoria station featuring recreations of London landmarks including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. That one launches on 24 November.
This isn't the first time an oversized Elf on the Shelf has appeared in London; for the past couple of years, a giant elf has cropped up at landmarks around central Croydon.
Elf on the Shelf sculpture trail 16 November 2026-sometime in late December
