By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
It’s time to break out the pointy green boots and cook up a mess of spaghetti with candy, as Warner Bros. celebrates the holiday season by marking the 20th anniversary of Elf.
A Christmas favorite starring Will Ferrell as Buddy the oversized elf, the film will deliver a big sack of new gifts for fans this year through various licensing deals.
Warner says the company-wide celebration for the New Line Cinema classic will include Elf-inspired anniversary products and experiences, TV programming, theatrical movie screenings, and an all-new “Elf” social filter, designed for fans to step into Buddy the Elf or Jovie’s signature outfits.
“For 20 years now, the film ‘Elf’ has securely cemented itself as a treasured holiday tradition, touching the hearts of generations of viewers,” said Robert Oberschelp, GM, North America and SVP, Global Franchise Management & Brand Product, Warner Bros. Discovery. “Fueled by the infectious holiday spirit of Buddy the Elf, Warner Bros. Discovery is going all in with an extraordinary lineup of ways to watch “Elf” and engage with products, experiences, activations, and so much more, to invite fans to partake in this remarkable milestone anniversary.
“Our aim is to inspire more and lasting ‘Elf’ traditions that families can enjoy for many years to come,” he added.
The celebration will kick off in the “magical land called New York City” on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at Buddy the Elf’s dad’s office, also known as the Empire State Building. For one night only, the iconic landmark will be lit green and yellow to pay tribute to the film’s 20th anniversary. Viewers outside of New York City can watch the Empire State Building live cam.
Prior to the lighting at dusk, Warner Bros. Discovery will host a sweet pop-up cart featuring treats inspired by the elves’ four main food groups: Candy, Candy Canes, Candy Corn, and Syrup, to be given away for free to guests who purchase tickets to the building’s 86th floor Observatory on Tuesday, Nov. 7, from 2 p.m.–5 p.m. EST, available while supplies last.
Adding to the festivities, visitors who pass through the building’s iconic Fifth Avenue Lobby Windows, from Nov. 7 through Jan. 1, will be transported into the whimsical world of Buddy the Elf and his adventures, all the way from the North Pole to New York City. The “Elf”-themed shoppable window displays will be a visual feast for visitors, featuring a range of “Elf”-inspired products that capture the magic and merriment of the film.
Beginning Nov. 10, guests who visit the building’s 86th floor Observatory can pose with a life-size version of “Buddy the Elf” with a free photo opportunity. And to top it all off, Empire State Building will be hosting “Elf” movie screenings on Dec. 3, 10, and 17, high atop the building’s 80th floor. Complimentary candy, snacks and beverages will be provided.
If you’re in the NYC area, you can visit esbnyc.com for more information, and to purchase tickets to “Elf” movie screenings, click here.
However, Elf will be returning to the silver screen in other cities and towns as well, in participating cinemas across North America and the UK, starting on Nov. 17. Fans who aren’t close to a participating theatre will also be able to take part as the film will air on TBS & TNT, and stream on Max. As December approaches, the film will be streaming on Max and Hulu and running all month long on AMC.
The Food Network will also be hosting a special “Elf”-themed episode of “Christmas Cookie Challenge” on Nov. 23.
On the product side, Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products will launch a variety of commemorative “Elf” 20th anniversary products. The WB Shop just launched a new collection of “Elf” products to celebrate the film’s 20th anniversary including apparel, accessories, and holiday wrapping paper that is sure to get everyone in the festive holiday spirit.
Anyone who’s seen the film will know of Buddy’s sweet tooth, with his favorite recipe for spaghetti including strawberry and raspberry sauce, marshmallows, s’mores, Pop-Tarts, M&Ms, Oreos, Fruity Pebbles and coconut topped with maple syrup and chocolate sauce. Yum.
Still, you might prefer more traditional sweets, so starting this month, BRACH’S, America’s #1 Candy Cane brand, is making holiday moments sweeter with a new, limited-time only lineup of “Elf” candy including BRACH’S x ELF Candy Canes, Swirly Twirly Gum Drops, and Candy Cane Forest Mellowcreme Candy, available now for a limited time at retailers nationwide.
Inspired by one of the four food groups by Buddy the Elf, “syrup,” Mrs. Butterworth’s has released a limited-edition “Elf”-themed Sugar Cookie Pancake Mix Kit and a specially designed bottle of Original breakfast syrup, available in stores through the holiday season.
Goldfish is also bringing smiles and spreading holiday cheer with its new Goldfish Elf Limited Edition Maple Syrup Flavored Grahams, available online and in stores. Other premiere food partners include Keebler’s “Elf” gingerbread fudge stripe cookies, General Mills baking mix and iconic “Elf” hat shaped cookie dough, and more tasty treats to be announced.
Warner-Discovery will also be releasing a wide range of home goods from Pottery Barn, Picnic Time, and Goose Creek, as well as collectibles like a special edition Etch a Sketch from Spin Master, and a wide range of party supplies for the holiday season, such as tree decorations from Hallmark, a tree topper from Christopher Radko, and figurines and decorations from Enesco.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without some questionable sweater choices, so Sam’s Club will be featuring an interactive Elf sweatshirt that highlights quotes from the film, and Hanna Andersson has released Elf pyjamas to wear while watching the movie, together with some high-end slippers from TIME, or alternatively, some fuzz-lined green Clogs from Crocs.
The full list of collaborations is very long indeed, but one we particularly like is with the American Red Cross, who will gift a pair of cozy Elf x Red Cross socks to those who come to donate blood from Nov. 10–30. After all the best gift you can give for the holidays, or any time, is the gift of life!
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