A Giant The Elf on the Shelf® set to land in Croydon this winter

Help make holiday history: Croydon BID invites the nation to name its very own 15-foot Scout Elf as it spreads Christmas cheer at BOXPARK and Westfield’s Centrale and Whitgift Shopping Centres this Christmas.
This winter, Croydon will be transformed as one of the world’s most recognisable Christmas characters, a towering 15-foot The Elf on the Shelf® Scout Elf, embarks on a festive journey across the town centre’s favourite buildings and landmarks.

This captivating addition to Croydon’s Christmas season marks the first time London has joined the exclusive, city-wide The Elf on the Shelf® experience, sure to charm locals and attract holiday visitors from across the UK and further afield.

In partnership with The Lumistella Company and Croydon Business Improvement District (BID), the giant Scout Elf installation follows the success of similar campaigns in Bristol and Liverpool, making Croydon the latest UK town to host this renowned holiday experience. Running from Friday, 29th November through to Christmas Eve, the event invites families, friends and holiday explorers to discover Croydon’s festive side, with each location offering seasonal displays and festive photo opportunities.

To celebrate Croydon’s new holiday tradition, Croydon BID is launching a UK-wide competition to name this festive Scout Elf. Residents and visitors alike are invited to make holiday history by submitting their best name ideas on Instagram with the tag @CheckOutCroydon and the hashtag #ScoutElfInCroydon. The winning name will be revealed on Monday 25th November, with the winner receiving a £100 Pandora™ gift card.

The Croydon Scout Elf will make appearances at eight town centre locations, including:

  • BOXPARK Croydon – 29th November – 3rd December –  99 George Street, CR0 1LD
  • Centrale Shopping Centre – 4th – 6th December – North End, CR0 1TY
  • LSBU Croydon Campus – 7th – 9th December – 3 Wellesley Road, CR0 2AG
  • Streeter Marshall Solicitors – 10th – 12th December – 74 High Street, CR9 2UU
  • Fairfield Halls – 13th – 15th December -Park Lane, CR0 1JD
  • Croydon Town Hall – 16th – 18th December – Katherine Street, CR0 1NX
  • Surrey Street /  OurSpace Community Hub – 19th – 21st December – 50 High St, CR0 1YB
  • Whitgift Shopping Centre – 22nd – 24th December – North End, CR0 1TY
In a first for London, we are so excited to be bringing The Elf on the Shelf® to Croydon. For many, this beloved holiday tradition adds humour, magic and festive cheer each year, and we aim to do the same in our town centre. We invite you to help us name our 15ft The Elf on the Shelf® Scout Elf and join us in discovering his antics starting Friday 29th November. We hope this exciting, free activity will sprinkle a bit of seasonal magic for everyone who lives in, works in and visits Croydon this Christmas.
Matthew Sims, Chief Executive of Croydon BID
It’s wonderful to bring such a unique festive attraction to our centres this Christmas. We know our shoppers love the magic of the season and we’re thrilled to be hosting this joyful experience that adds a playful touch to holiday shopping. We can’t wait to see families enjoy the larger-than-life Scout Elf and capture fun memories in our centres.
Joanne Bailey, Centre Manager of Centrale & Whitgift Shopping Centres

Croydon’s Scout Elf on the Shelf not only marks a holiday first for London but also reflects a growing trend of city-wide festive installations aimed at boosting local tourism and supporting town centres. Croydon hopes to see increased visitor numbers, benefitting local businesses and ensuring the town sparkles with seasonal joy.

The holiday season is all about community and we’re delighted to be part of Croydon’s festive celebrations with this one-of-a-kind attraction. We look forward to welcoming students, staff and members of the public to our campus to see the Scout Elf and to join in the holiday spirit with us.
Deborah Bowen, Director of Croydon Campus, London South Bank University (LSBU)