Elves (as in Elf on the Shelf) are usually “supposed” to leave on the night of Christmas Eve, after Santa delivers presents and heads back to the North Pole.

Official tradition answer

  • According to the official Elf on the Shelf story, a Scout Elf’s job ends the night before Christmas, so most elves say goodbye on December 24 and fly back with Santa’s sleigh.
  • Many parenting and holiday guides repeat this: elves should return to the North Pole on Christmas Eve so they can help Santa prepare for next year.

Common variations families use

Even though Christmas Eve is the “standard,” families often tweak the timing to fit their own traditions.

  • Some elves leave late on Christmas Eve and are already gone when kids wake up on Christmas morning.
  • Others stick around through Christmas Day so they can “watch” the celebrations and then leave that night.
  • A few households let the elf stay a little longer (for example, through December 26 or until the tree comes down), especially if the elf arrived late or the family was away.

Simple way to explain it to kids

  • The elf leaves because their important Christmas work is finished: they’ve reported on behavior, helped Santa with lists, and now have to go back to help get ready for next year.
  • You can frame it as: “Our elf’s last day is Christmas Eve (or whatever date you choose). After that night, they go back to the North Pole and will return next Christmas season.”

TL;DR: In the standard Elf on the Shelf tradition, elves are supposed to leave on Christmas Eve night, but many families choose Christmas Day or a day or two after Christmas instead, depending on what fits their own holiday routine.

Meta description: Wondering “when are the elves supposed to leave”? Most Elf on the Shelf elves depart on Christmas Eve, though some families keep them through Christmas Day or a bit longer, depending on their tradition.