Printable Elf Goodbye Letter (Free, Editable)

Type the names, pick a version, press print. The letter updates live below; nothing is uploaded and there's nothing to sign up for.

Tip: in the print dialog, set margins to "Default" and turn off "Headers and footers". Save as PDF to email it.

❄ North Pole · Workshop Mail ❄

Goodbye for now!

Dear Friend,

Tonight is Christmas Eve, and it's time for me to fly home to the North Pole with Santa. I have loved every single day with you this year!

I'll tell Santa about all the kind, brave and funny things you did. You helped, you shared, and you made me laugh more than any elf deserves.

While I'm gone, keep being wonderful. I'll be watching the calendar until next December, when I'll be back for more adventures.

Merry Christmas!

Love,
your elf

P.S. Look out the window tonight. If you see a bright light in the sky, that's me waving!

✦ Delivered by elf express ✦ 2026 ✦

Goodbye night ideas to pair with the letter

1Packing a Tiny Suitcase

Time 10 minMess no messAges 2-4, 5-8, 9+

Props: Paper, tape & markers

  1. Turn a matchbox, small gift box or folded card into a suitcase with a paper handle.
  2. Fill it with tiny things: a scrap of fabric 'blanket', a crayon, a mini candy cane, a paper photo.
  3. Sit the elf on the suitcase by the window or front door.
Elf note: “Bags are packed! I'm bringing a drawing of you so I don't miss you too much.”
Goodbye

2Our Season Photo Album

Time 15 minMess no messAges 2-4, 5-8, 9+

Props: Paper, tape & markers

  1. Pick 6 to 10 photos of the elf's best nights from your phone and print them small (or draw quick sketches).
  2. Staple them into a little booklet with a cover: 'My Favorite Nights with [name]'.
  3. Leave the album open with the elf sitting on the last page.
Elf note: “This was my favorite year EVER. I'm showing this album to every elf at the North Pole.”
GoodbyeSweet & cozy

4One-Way Ticket to the North Pole

Time 5 minMess no messAges 2-4, 5-8, 9+

Props: Paper, tape & markers

  1. Draw a boarding pass on paper: Flight SLEIGH-1, Gate: Chimney, Seat: Next to Rudolph, Departure: Christmas Eve, midnight.
  2. Fold it in half and tuck it into the elf's arms.
  3. Add a tiny 'luggage tag' with your child's name as the place it is leaving from.
Elf note: “My flight leaves tonight. Seat 1A, right behind Rudolph's nose for the best light.”
GoodbyeFunny

5A Goodbye Ornament

Time 5 minMess no messAges 2-4, 5-8, 9+

Props: Nothing extra

  1. Choose a small ornament with this year on it (or write the year on a plain one with a marker).
  2. Hang it on a low branch and sit the elf beneath it.
  3. Add a note saying it is a keepsake to hang every year until the elf comes back.
Elf note: “Hang this every December. When you see it, you'll know I'm on my way back.”
GoodbyeSweet & cozy

6Christmas Eve Box

Time 15 minMess no messAges 2-4, 5-8, 9+

Props: Kitchen & food, Candy & chocolate

  1. Fill a box or basket with Christmas Eve treats: pajamas, cocoa, a small snack, a movie or a book.
  2. Tie it with ribbon and add a tag: 'Open on Christmas Eve'.
  3. Sit the elf on top of the box.
Elf note: “One last surprise before I fly home. Enjoy your cozy night, Santa is almost here!”
GoodbyeSweet & cozyTreat

7Footprints to the Window

Time 10 minMess no messAges 2-4, 5-8, 9+

Props: Paper, tape & markers

  1. Cut 10 to 15 tiny footprints from paper (or trace the elf's feet).
  2. Tape them in a trail from the elf's last spot to a window.
  3. Sit the elf on the windowsill looking out, with a 'See you next year' sign.
Elf note: “Following the sleigh lights home. Look for me in the sky tonight!”
Goodbye

8Waving from the Window

Time 2 minMess no messAges 2-4, 5-8, 9+

Props: Nothing extra

  1. Sit the elf on a windowsill facing into the room.
  2. Raise one arm as if waving.
  3. Leave your goodbye letter beside it.
Elf note: “Bye for now! I'll tell Santa about every kind thing you did.”
Goodbye

FAQ

When does the elf leave?

Traditionally on Christmas Eve, flying home with Santa. Kids wake up on Christmas morning to find the elf gone, often with a goodbye letter.

What can the elf leave with the goodbye letter?

A Christmas Eve box (pajamas, cocoa, a movie), a goodbye ornament, a photo album of the season or tiny footprints to the window.

How do I end the tradition for an older child?

Use the 'last year' version: it hands the Christmas magic over to your child, which feels like a promotion rather than a loss.

Keep planning

Elf on the Shelf Ideas for 2026→Printable Letter from Santa→Printable Elf Notes→All Printables→