Elf filming locations in New York City
Traveling to New York and want to relive some of the scenes at filming locations around the city featured in the holiday classic movie, Elf? Check out these spots when visiting!
If you go to the Empire State Building observation deck, you’ll go inside the lobby where Buddy the Elf goes to find his father, Walter Hobbs who works in the building at Greenway Press!
Remember when Buddy the Elf gets in that epic snowball fight? Head to Pinebank Arch in Central Park to find see where that epic battle took place!
You’ll also recognize Bethesda Terrace from the scene where Santa sleigh takes off in the sky!
Both the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and ice rink are featured in the movie when Buddy the Elf and Jovie are on their date!
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Hey fellow Elf fans! If you're anything like me, you probably watch Elf every holiday season and dream of visiting Buddy's New York. Well, I finally did it, and let me tell you, it's even more magical in person! Beyond just knowing where the famous scenes were filmed, I wanted to share some personal tips on how to truly immerse yourself in Buddy's world and make your own visit unforgettable. First up, the Empire State Building. You know, where Buddy's dad, Walter Hobbs, worked at Greenway Press. When you visit the observation deck, don't just rush to the top! Take a moment in the grand lobby. I imagined Buddy walking through those doors, bewildered by the sheer size of it all. It’s a bustling place, but you can definitely feel that classic New York energy. My tip? Go early in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds, and keep an eye out for any details that might remind you of the movie's set design – though the actual Greenway Press office interior was a set, the building's vibe truly matches. Next, a highlight for me was Central Park. If you're searching for the infamous snowball fight location, head directly to Pinebank Arch. It's a bit tucked away, but so worth finding. I loved picturing Buddy rallying the kids for that epic battle! Even if there’s no snow, the open space and classic Central Park scenery instantly transport you. And just a short stroll from there, you'll find the stunning Bethesda Terrace. This is where Santa's sleigh takes off, and it's just as grand and beautiful as it looks on screen. I recommend spending some time here, watching the street performers and soaking in the atmosphere. It's the perfect spot for some memorable photos. For the full experience, consider renting a rowboat on the lake nearby if it's warm, or just enjoying a cozy walk in the fall or winter to truly capture that movie feeling. And of course, no Elf tour is complete without Rockefeller Center. The Christmas tree and ice skating rink are absolute must-sees, especially during the holiday season. I went in December, and the atmosphere was electric! Seeing the massive tree lit up, with people ice skating below, really made me feel like I was on Buddy and Jovie's date. If you plan to ice skate, book your tickets in advance – it gets incredibly busy! Even if you don't skate, grab a hot chocolate and just enjoy the festive buzz. The surrounding shops and decorations in the area also add to the whole experience, making it feel like you've stepped right into a Christmas card, or better yet, a scene from Elf! To make your Elf-themed NYC adventure truly special, I’d suggest planning a walking route that connects these spots. They're all relatively accessible. Wear comfortable shoes, and maybe even put on a festive hat! It’s such a fun way to explore New York City, especially if you’re a fan of Buddy the Elf's unbridled enthusiasm. You'll definitely leave feeling like you've been part of the movie magic yourself!
