How the Elf Tracker works

1. Tell us about your ElfPick the Elf that looks most like yours, then type their name. It takes about a minute.
2. Your first sighting, straight awayElf HQ's cameras spot your Elf at the North Pole there and then, so your children see them on the very first day.
3. 5 sightings at the North Pole, then homeYour Elf turns up on different cameras around Santa's village. We send the grown-up an email each time new footage comes in. After the last sighting, your Elf flies to your home on 30th November.
4. Follow the map to your townThe map shows where your Elf is now and how far they are from your home.
5. Watch the highlights togetherAfter the last sighting, there is a short film of every place your Elf was spotted, made for watching together on the sofa.
6. Then make a video of them visiting your homeFrom 16th November, make a video of your Elf visiting your home in the Elf Watch app. Get both Elf calls on the Elf Tracker and each child gets a free video of their Elf in your home on 1st December.

Why children love it

Children ask where their Elf is long before the Elf arrives. The Elf Tracker gives them an answer they can see: their own Elf's name, camera pictures from Elf HQ at the North Pole, and a map that brings the Elf a little closer each time. It turns the wait into part of the story.

It is made for grown-ups to share with their children. A grown-up signs up, opens each sighting and decides when to show it. We suggest watching the first one together at breakfast, then checking in after school when a new sighting lands.

Tips for grown-ups

• Sign up on your own phone first, so you can see each sighting before your children do.
• Make it a moment. Say "the cameras have spotted something" and watch it together.
• Use the map to talk about the journey: how far is the North Pole, and which countries will your Elf fly over?
• Invite 3 friends to the free tracker with your own link and your child gets a free call from their Elf.

Questions parents ask

How can I track my Elf?

Join the free Elf Tracker on elf.watch. Pick the Elf that looks most like yours and type their name. Elf HQ's cameras then spot your Elf at the North Pole up to five times in November, and a map shows how far they are from your home.

Is there an Elf tracker map?

Yes. The map on the free Elf Tracker shows where your Elf is now and how far they are from your home, then follows them on the way to your town.

Do I need an app to track my Elf?

No. The Elf Tracker is free and works in the web browser on a phone, tablet or computer, with nothing to download.

Is the North Pole camera live?

Elf HQ's North Pole cameras are not a live stream. Your Elf is caught on camera at different moments, and we email the grown-up each time a new sighting comes in.

When does the Elf Tracker open?

The free Elf Tracker is open now, until 30th November. Families who join later still get their sightings, just closer together.

Is the Elf Tracker free?

Yes. The Elf Tracker is completely free, with nothing to download. It works in the web browser on a phone, tablet or computer.

Does it work with any Elf?

Yes. Whatever Elf your family has, you pick the one that looks most like yours and give us their name. Every family's Elf is welcome at Elf HQ.

What details do you need?

A grown-up's email address, your Elf's name, and your town so we can draw the map. We never ask for your address.

Does it work outside the UK?

Yes. The Elf Tracker works worldwide and speaks seven languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch and Portuguese. It picks the right one for your phone, and you can change it on the homepage.

What happens after the last sighting?

You get a highlights film of every place your Elf was spotted, to watch together. Then, from 16th November, you can make a video of your Elf visiting your home in the Elf Watch app. Get both Elf calls on the Elf Tracker and each child gets a free video of their Elf in your home on 1st December.