We’re a few weeks away from Halloween, but immediately after, people get in the Christmas spirit and swap Halloween decor with Christmas decor. You know people start celebrating Christmas early when you start hearing Mariah Carey, but just like you hear ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You” every year, you might also be watching Elf every Christmas. 

It might be even more significant in BC since many scenes of the movie were shot here. An example would be the Pacific Coliseum for scenes in the North Pole

Since it’s such a beloved movie, tickets for Elf in Concert are available by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. The event starts December 19 at the Orpheum, but tickets get pricier as time goes on, so act soon if you want to hear it live. It’s actually been happening in Vancouver since 2023 because that marked the film’s 20th Anniversary.

It’s become a strange tradition for me to dress up as Buddy the Elf every year and walk the streets of Vancouver as Christmas approaches, and it’s great to know how many people recognize and appreciate the movie. It was a weird idea that popped in my head. My dad once wore it to work, and since then, I’ve been using it for Halloween and Christmas. 

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

I don’t just walk around every year in an elf costume, I emulate everything Buddy did in New York from visiting my dad’s place of work, freaking out at a mall Santa, getting a crappy cup of coffee, and spinning a revolving door until I get tired. I draw the line at eating used gum and getting hit by a cab. 

I’ve had people shouting Elf references at me from a distance, and a woman once ran a few blocks just to get a picture with me. I was even given 20 dollars from a woman on the Skytrain who really enjoyed my costume. It’s just a fun thing I do to stay in the festive mood and spark a bit of joy when others see me.

While I haven’t seen Elf in Concert yet, I do expect to see it this year. Maybe I’ll find a crowd of people dressed as Buddy the Elf. When Christmas Eve approaches in Vancouver, expect to see a guy in an elf costume drinking a bottle of maple syrup, or maybe you’ll find a bunch of elves at the concert.