Warner Bros. Discovery Launches First “December the TwELFth” Celebration

Fans of the holiday classic *Elf* can look forward to a new annual celebration, “December the TwELFth,” organized by Warner Bros. Discovery. This inaugural event, scheduled for December 12, 2023, will pay tribute to the beloved film directed by Jon Favreau and starring Will Ferrell. Since its release on November 7, 2003, the film has become a staple of holiday viewing, thanks to its charming story and memorable performances.

The festivities will commence with a special performance of *Elf the Musical* at noon in Times Square, New York City. Throughout the day, fans can enjoy various activities including photo stations themed around *Elf*, shopping opportunities, and the chance to write letters to Santa Claus. For those eager to revisit the film, *Elf* will return to theaters on December 12 with a new edition titled “Buddy’s Sing & Cheer Along Edition.” This version features on-screen lyrics, trivia, and visual gags, encouraging audience participation.

The plot of *Elf* follows Buddy, played by Will Ferrell, an elf who journeys from the North Pole to New York City in search of his father, portrayed by James Caan. The film also stars Zooey Deschanel, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Asner, and Bob Newhart, contributing to its ensemble cast that has delighted audiences for nearly two decades.

In a show of goodwill, Warner Bros. Discovery will match donations to the American Red Cross on December 12, up to a total of $100,000. This initiative aims to encourage fans to contribute to a worthy cause while celebrating the film’s spirit of generosity.

Guests visiting the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood during the holiday season will have the opportunity to join in the celebration by exploring the Warner Bros. Studio Store. Here, they can view original costumes from the film and enjoy specially themed window displays. Additionally, a merchandise display inspired by Gimbles, the fictional department store featured in *Elf*, will be available for browsing.

Critics have long praised *Elf*, highlighting Will Ferrell‘s performance. In a review for *The Hollywood Reporter*, critic Michael Rechtshaffen noted, “Will Ferrell is hilarious in this delightful elf-out-of-water holiday confection.” He emphasized that the film’s charm is largely due to Ferrell’s ability to infuse humor into the character’s innocent persona.

As this new celebration comes to life, *Elf* continues to secure its place in holiday tradition, bringing joy to audiences around the world.