The Elf Experience, from Jon Favreau’s Fairview Portals and Warner Bros., opens Nov. 14 at Rockefeller Center with the Candy Cane Forest, Mr. Narwhal and Gimbels.
Son of a nutcracker, Buddy’s world is now open in New York City.
The Elf Experience, a walk-through holiday attraction based on the 2003 movie Elf, opens Saturday, Nov. 14, at HERO in Rockefeller Center. It runs through Monday, Jan. 18, 2027, according to the official website.
The attraction comes from Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences and Fairview Portals, the company founded by Elf director Jon Favreau.
What’s inside The Elf Experience?
Buddy’s whole journey, from the North Pole to New York. Guests step into Papa Elf’s storybook, then walk through the Candy Cane Forest, the Sea of Swirly Twirly Gumdrops, Santa’s Workshop and the North Pole, where they can visit Mr. Narwhal, according to the website.
The walk ends at a Winter Village treat stop and a finale at Gimbels, the department store from the movie. Exclusive merch is sold only inside.
Film locations are recreated at full scale, with original artwork and props from the movie, the website says.
How much are Elf Experience tickets?
From $35 to $49, NBC New York reported. Adult tickets for ages 13 and up start at $45, and kids 3 to 12 start at $35, Deep Arrival reported.
Children 2 and under get in free with an adult. Seniors 65 and up and students 18 and up with ID get discounted general admission, and groups of 10 or more can book discounts through the HERO Box Office.
A processing fee applies to every order, and all sales are final.
What comes with the Elf Experience VIP ticket?
Anytime entry, a dedicated fast queue, one printed photo and an exclusive VIP Elf item valued at up to $30, according to the official site. The item is subject to availability.
How long does The Elf Experience take?
About 40 minutes to walk through, according to the website. Photos and videos are allowed, so plan a little extra time for pictures.
Where is The Elf Experience in New York?
At HERO, 19 W. 49th St., on the Rink Level of Rockefeller Center. Take the elevator down from 49th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues. HERO sits across from the ice rink, under the Channel Gardens.
The closest subway stop is 47-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center on the B, D, F and M lines.
How did Jon Favreau help make The Elf Experience?
His company built it with old-school movie tricks. The team includes artists from the original film plus new artists inspired by it, Favreau told NBC New York.
He credited “miniature work, forced perspective, zoetrope, and animatronics” for the handcrafted look.
Favreau also has deep Disney ties. He directed Marvel’s Iron Man, Disney’s 2019 The Lion King and The Mandalorian and Grogu, and created The Mandalorian for Disney+. In Elf, he voiced Mr. Narwhal himself.
What should you know before you go?
A few rules, according to the website:
Arrive 5 minutes before your time slot. Guests 15 or more minutes late may be moved to a later slot.
Strollers and suitcases aren’t allowed inside, but they can be checked. Coat check is $3.
No outside food or drinks, though food and drinks are sold on site.
HERO is ADA accessible, and service animals are welcome.
What else is there to do at Rockefeller Center this season?
Plenty. The Rockefeller Center ice rink sits right across from HERO, and the famous Christmas tree goes up on the plaza each year. Pairing a skate with an Elf visit makes for a full holiday day in Midtown.
Tips for visiting The Elf Experience
Book a weekday slot. Holiday weekends in Rockefeller Center get packed, and timed tickets for the busiest days can go fast.
Wear something festive. Buddy would want you to, and the sets are built for photos.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
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Hat Tips:
The Elf Experience official website and FAQ (checked Nov. 14, 2026), dates, location, rooms, VIP perks, ticket types and visitor rules
NBC New York, Mike Gavin (Sept. 17, 2026), the price range and Jon Favreau quote
Deep Arrival, Rolando Herrera (Oct. 22, 2026), the adult and child starting prices
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