Elf Goodbye Letter Free Printable

After weeks of elf antics and holiday fun, it’s finally time to say goodbye. We’ve made the elf goodbye letter part of our Christmas Eve routine for years now, and it’s such a sweet way to wrap things up.

Whether your kids are sad to see the elf go or just full of Christmas excitement, this little note gives them a bit of closure, and keeps the magic alive for next year.

I’ve put together two printable versions (including one for families with more than one elf), so you can pick the one that fits best for your home or classroom.

It’s simple, sweet, and just the right touch to end the season with a smile.

**This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.**

Elf Goodbye Letter for Christmas Eve

Just like our Elf leaves an arrival note when he first shows up in December, he also leaves a goodbye letter before heading back to the North Pole. It’s become a tradition in our house, and one that makes the farewell feel a little less sad and a lot more magical.

This printable elf goodbye letter is a simple way to wrap up your Elf on the Shelf fun.

The printable includes both single and multiple elf options, so you can choose what works best. The message is the same, but the wording adjusts slightly to fit your setup.

Here’s what the letter says:

Goodbye!

Dear Family,

Thank you so much for letting me stay with you this year.

Unfortunately, it is time for me to leave, but I have had so much fun.

I can’t wait to see you again next year, and I know you will be really good until then.

Love, Your Elf

There’s even a fun little P.S. at the bottom:

P.S. We put a big red X sticker on your roof so we can easily find you next year.

You’ll get all five designs in the same file, just pick your favorite and print it out. I recommend using white cardstock to make it feel a bit more special.

Need more ideas for the last day? Check out all of our favorite Elf on the Shelf leaving ideas to finish the season on a high note.

When Should the Elf Leave the Goodbye Letter?

Timing the elf’s goodbye letter can make the farewell feel extra special, and there’s no one right way to do it. Over the years, we’ve tried a few different traditions, and each one added its own little bit of magic. Here are a few ideas to help you decide what works best for your family:

Christmas Eve morning is a popular choice. The elf leaves the letter along with a small treat, maybe a candy cane, a cookie, or a tiny gift. It gives kids a chance to say goodbye before the full excitement of Christmas takes over.

Christmas Eve night works well too, especially if you want the elf to slip away quietly. Leave the letter next to your elf’s final setup so the kids discover it just before bed, adding one last bit of magic to the night.

Some families save the goodbye letter for Christmas morning, tucking it into a stocking or setting it next to the gifts. It’s a sweet surprise that helps ease the post-elf letdown with a gentle farewell.

You can also make the delivery more memorable. Maybe your elf leaves a trail of mini footprints, or arrives in a hot air balloon made from a paper cup and string. We’ve even used fairy lights to guide the kids to their note.

No matter how or when your elf says goodbye, it’s a chance to remind kids that the magic of Christmas doesn’t end, and that kindness, joy, and imagination are welcome all year long. You might even hint that your elf already has a few surprises planned for next year.

Need a few more fun ideas? Check out our favorite Elf on the Shelf gift ideas to keep the magic going a little longer.

More Fun Elf-Themed Printables to Try

If you’re looking to keep the Elf fun going (or wrap it up with a bang), here are a few more printables we’ve used and loved:

Our Christmas elf name generator is always a hit. Kids love finding out their silly elf names, and it’s a fun way to add personality to your Elf on the Shelf visits.

For a final-day surprise, try our Elf scavenger hunt printable. It’s a great way to build excitement before the goodbye letter, especially if your elf wants to go out with a little mischief.

Get your kids involved in Christmas Eve prep with our reindeer food bag topper. It’s a sweet tradition that adds a magical touch to the night before Santa arrives.

Get Your Free Printable Goodbye Letter from the Elf on the Shelf Here!

Ready to grab your free printable? Just pop your name and email into the form below, and it’s all yours!

If you don’t see the form below, click here to get the free Elf leaving letter.

Last Updated on 28 July 2025 by Clare Brown