Princess Character
Elf on the Shelf
Birthday Parties
in Chicago & Northern Illinois
“Santa's favorite helper is here to spread Christmas magic!”
Straight from the North Pole, the Elf on the Shelf arrives full of festive mischief and holiday cheer! She brings Santa's magic right to your celebration — silly antics, Christmas stories, and enough holiday spirit to fill the whole room.
5.0 on Google & Facebook · 7 reviews mention Elf on the Shelf · 7 days a week
Real Elf on the Shelf Parties
let me start out with OUTSTANDING SERVICE!!! … definitely will be using her for all my future parties.
Three ways to invite her
Pick the visit that fits your party
All include up to 15 children, $10 for each additional child. Travel not included in base pricing. Keepsake portraits, what every party includes, and common questions →
Your choice of 15-60 minutes · Up to 15 children included in pricing
- ★ Active games — classic childhood games with a themed twist, because enjoying something they already love invites children to feel confident and connected
- ★ All their favorite songs, woven into conversation and throughout the games — and sung together face-to-face
- ★ Photo ops at the end, because by then they are hugging a friend, not smiling on cue
- ★ Silver is simply this: friendship with their hero, while their favorite movie comes to life before their eyes
90 minutes · Up to 15 children included in pricing
- ★ Every child goes home with a printed 4x6 portrait. A party favor that's meaningful and personal.
- ★ Portraits are taken near the end of the party, after we become friends. Taking a picture together is a playful experience on its own!
- ★ Portrait equipment requires no outlet and has a small footprint with no cords for kids to trip on — it works well literally anywhere!
- ★ A soft-focus background — so your party space will photograph well, whether it is decorated or not
- ★ Edited digitals follow within two weeks, included in the package price
- ★ Everything in Silver
120 minutes · Up to 15 children included in pricing
- ★ Your choice: makeovers, or decorating a frame for the portrait
- ★ Makeovers include no-mess iridescent biodegradable glitter roots, face gems, and rainbow clip-in tinsel — fancy and one of a kind.
- ★ A high quality metal beaded best-friends bracelet, because a tangible, wearable token of their new friendship is a gift that will keep the memories close
- ★ Marked with the character initial, so they can look down and remember whose friend they are
- ★ Thirty more minutes together, and everything in Silver and Gold
Travel fees apply based on distance from Sycamore, IL. Contact for a custom quote.
A note from the owner
Before you book, meet Jess
Before you book, I'd love to introduce myself and share a little about why I do this work.
Afterward
What families say about Elf on the Shelf
Overall rating
let me start out with OUTSTANDING SERVICE!!! I mean who needs Disney when you have character as great as her just bring the magic to life. from the moment she walked through the door my daughter's face lit up brighter than the sun itself. no price is enough for the quality of service she offers and delivers saying she's worth every dime or penny is a understatement. being an adult she even had me filled with excitement. definitely will be using her for all my future parties.
K Kelly M. on Facebook Everything about our chat was amazing. My child was so engaged and so excited to be able to talk one on one with tinker bell. She loved how tinker bell already knew some things about her because of the story time we were part of just before our chat! We cannot wait to do more of these!
K Krystina O. on Google We had the absolute best experience having Rumi join us for my daughter’s 5th birthday party over the summer! She was wonderful from start to finish and did such an amazing job bringing the character to life. My daughter and her friends were so excited to see Rumi! She was engaging, sweet, energetic, and did a fantastic job keeping the kids entertained. She made the birthday feel extra special and created memories that my daughter will never forget. The attention to detail and commitment to the character were incredible! We would highly recommend booking Jeff for any birthday party or special event. She truly made my daughter’s 5th birthday magical!
M Megan K. on Google My daughter was SO HAPPY to see Elsa she cannot stop talking about her. Gave her such a good experience with her favorite Disney character
K Katelyn L. on Facebook We met Holly the Elf randomly at a restaurant for her lunch break Santa sent her on. My 2 year old son and I got up to change his diaper, but instead he saw her, was frozen, but then ran up to her and she just embraced it! She got down to his level, gave him a hug, talked with him about herself as an Elf, asked about his Elf and let him know he is on the nice list! He was so happy to sit on her lap through all of this! Thank you so much Holly! He now hopes to see you any where we go! For a moment we felt like we were back down at Disney again with how nice and wonderful and welcoming she was! Merry Christmas!!
L Lynn F. on Google We hired Holly the Elf for our son’s Winter Party. Once the shock of the arrival of Holly wore off, the kids were excited to ask questions about the North Pole and were even asked to made a homemade ornament like the other elves do. From the letter that magically appeared in our mailbox from Holly beforehand to the robot that was given as a gift from Santa’s workshop, the attention to detail was amazing! We will definitely be using Parties with Character again!
A Ashley B. on Google Rumi was absolutely amazing. A lot of kids were in attendance of my daughter’s 8th birthday and Rumi did an awesome job of being fully engaged with all the kids. They all felt seen and enjoyed everything from the cool photos that Rumi instantly printed, to the games she played with them. Don’t even get me started on the singing. It was a concert of little ones singing their favorite songs. Thnx Rumi. Would highly recommend.
D David A. on Google She made more daughters birthday the best day of her life, she never once broke character. She event tended to my special needs nephew 10/10
D Daekwon M. on Google Tonight my son will not stop talking about how excited he was to meet Holly the elf!! Holly (Jessica) has a way with kids. You can tell she genuinely loves children and in return- they love her back. Thank you for a wonderful surprise experience!!
A ashley x. on Google This is the second time my children have had an interaction with a character from Parties with Character, (Wonder Woman and Holly the elf) both times my kids had so much fun. My kids also had a one on one call with Holly the elf and couldn’t stop smiling. The characters are interactive and engage the children through out the call. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun way to surprise your children with characters.
C Christina E. on Google Jessica was amazing! We had Rumi come to my daughter’s birthday party, and she not only dressed the part perfectly but was fully in character the whole time - in the conversations she had with the kids, and with singing their favorite K-pop demon hunter songs! The kids were singing along and dancing, and she even taught them some simple dance moves to do together. She added such a positive energy to the party and was so adaptable in working with the kids and helping with the party. As my first time working with her, I was glad to see she was communicative, timely, and just so easy to work with. Highly recommend!
L LM on Google We have used Parties with Character for the past 2 years for our daughter's 4th and 5th birthday parties. It is truly a magical experience that captures the true happiness of a child. Jessica portrays the characters with such enthusiasm and passion. We can't wait for our next party!
C caitlin k. on Google Before you ask
Elf on the Shelf party questions
When is the best time to book the Elf on the Shelf?
She's the perfect addition to holiday parties, classroom visits, and Christmas events throughout November and December. Book early — the holiday season fills up fast!
What age group loves the Elf on the Shelf most?
Kids ages 2–8 are absolutely enchanted by her. Her playful personality and connection to Santa make her irresistible to young believers.
Can the Elf bring a message from Santa?
Yes! A special personalized message from Santa is a highlight of every Elf visit. Let us know your child's name when you book and we'll make it magical.
Does she only perform in December?
She's primarily booked for the holiday season, but she's available for holiday-themed parties and winter events any time of year.
Is the Elf on the Shelf available in Chicago and the suburbs?
Yes — she visits families throughout Chicago, Naperville, Aurora, Schaumburg, Evanston, Arlington Heights, and surrounding Northern Illinois communities.
Available near you
Elf on the Shelf visits homes, parks, and venues throughout the Chicago area and Northern Illinois.
Don't see your city? Send a message — we serve many more communities throughout Illinois.
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Ready to book
your party?
Dates fill up fast, especially on weekends. Reserve your party date today and give your child the birthday they've always dreamed of. Appearances available 7 days/week.