There’s a moment that happens in many homes sometime after the holidays. 

It might be February. Or April. Or a random Tuesday in July. 

A boy and girl smile as they enjoy the summer picnic their Scout Elf has prepared for them

Your child says, casually:

“Do you think our elf remembers us?” 

And you realize… they weren’t just part of Christmas. They were part of your family. 

So you start wondering: 

Can The Elf on the Shelf Visit After Christmas? 

The answer is YES. 

Scout Elves can come back from the North Pole for special occasions, milestones and meaningful moments throughout the year, especially when there’s a reason to celebrate or reconnect. 

Learn more about costumes that make it easy for your elf to come back to visit throughout the year.

When You’re Part of the Family, You Visit 

A boy and a girl are surprised with a pancake breakfast from their elf

For a lot of children, their Scout Elf isn’t just a holiday decoration. 

They’re: 

  • A familiar face at breakfast 
  • A personality with inside jokes 
  • A reminder that someone is always cheering them on 

When someone is part of the family, it’s expected for them to pop in occasionally. 

Grandparents visit. Cousins stop by. Family friends check in. 

Sometimes, elves do too. 

When Does the Elf Visit Besides Christmas?

While many Scout Elves return to the North Pole at the end of the holiday season, they can choose to make special return visits for: 

  • Birthdays 
  • St. Patrick’s Day 
  • Easter 
  • Halloween 
  • Thanksgiving 
  • First day of school 
  • Lost teeth 
  • Big achievements 
  • When a child needs extra encouragement 

These year-round visits are often short and sweet: a quick check-in that keeps the connection alive without turning into a full holiday season. 

A boy missing his front teeth reads The Elf on the Shelf storybook

When a Child Really Misses Their Elf 

A girl holds a french fry as her elf watches in front of a tray scattered with fries, with "It's Fry-yay!" written in ketchup

Sometimes the reason isn’t tied to a holiday at all. 

Sometimes a child just misses them on a random Friday. 

Maybe it’s been a long winter. 
Maybe something has changed. 
Maybe they’re navigating a new and uncertain situation. 

An unexpected elf visit can feel like reassurance from afar. 

Your Scout Elf might arrive with: 

  • A handwritten note from the North Pole 
  • A tiny message of encouragement 
  • A cheerful outfit chosen for the occasion 
  • A small celebratory touch that says, “I remember you.” 

It’s not about adding more to your plate. 

It’s about responding to something your child already feels. 

Because childhood doesn’t last forever, and the years when they still believe are especially tender. 

Celebrating the Happy Moments, Too 

Of course, many elves return for joyful milestones. 

  • First Day of School 
    • Big transitions deserve encouragement. An elf visit can offer confidence and pride at the breakfast table. 
  • Big Achievements 
    • Finished a chapter book? Tried something brave? Reached a goal? Sometimes an elf pops in simply to say, “I saw that.”  

Or sometimes they return for special occasions or holidays.

A girl Scout Elf dressed in a cupcake costume has prepared cupcakes and holds a birthday balloon
Birthdays
A birthday fly-in feels extra special.
A boy Scout Elf is dressed in a leprechaun costume and is sitting in a pot of gold with a rainbow ovr his head
St. Patrick’s Day
What could be luckier than an elf visit?
A girl elf is dressed in a bunny costume and is sitting in an Easter basket full of chocolate and colorful eggs
Easter
Hippety-hoppety, your elf is on the way!

Making lifelong memories doesn’t only happen in December. 

How Long Can the Elf Stay? 

A Scut Elf is dressed in a pink heart costume sitting on a jar of candy hearts

You may be wondering: “If The Elf on the Shelf comes back, how long do they stay?” 

Most year-round visits are brief: 

  • One overnight appearance 
  • One morning surprise 
  • One milestone celebration 

Short visits keep the tradition feeling special and intentional, not overwhelming. 

Making It Even More Simple to Say Yes 

For families who love the idea of occasional visits but don’t want added pressure, some Scout Elves come especially prepared. 

image of a boxset of elf costumes for holidays throughout the year

The Polar Props™ Elftacular Year-Round Celebration Set includes elf-sized costumes and themed props for holidays and milestones like birthdays, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Halloween and Thanksgiving. 

With festive outfits and celebration accessories ready to go, elves can arrive dressed for the occasion, bringing joy without fuss. Many add their own North Pole notes and touches to make each appearance feel personal and heartfelt. 

It’s a way to keep the visit focused on connection, not complexity.

Get the Set

So… The Elf on the Shelf Can Come Back to Visit? 

As you can see, the answer is YES!

  • Your elf can come back after Christmas. 
  • Your elf can visit for birthdays and holidays. 
  • Your elf can return during spring or summer. 
  • Your elf can pop in when your child needs encouragement. 
  • Your elf can check in simply because they’re part of your family story. 
  • A small surprise on an ordinary morning becomes a memory your child carries for years. 

If your child has been wondering whether their elf remembers them… 

They just might wake up soon to find that the North Pole has been missing them too.

Get a special form your child can fill out and send to Santa to request an out-of-season visit from their elf!