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Elf The Musical at the Hollywood Pantages: 2026 Dates, Tickets and Family Tips

14 hours ago
5 min read

Elf The Musical plays at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre from Tuesday, December 1, through Sunday, December 13, 2026, with 16 performances, including weekend matinees. Tickets start at $55 on Ticketmaster; kids must be at least 5 to attend, and the show runs about 2 hours and 30 minutes with an intermission.


If your family quotes Buddy all December long, this is the holiday show to put on the calendar. Here's everything you need to know about showtimes, tickets, age rules and how to make the most of a night out in Hollywood.


The art deco Hollywood Pantages Theatre and its neon vertical sign, home of Elf The Musical in December 2026
Photo: vagueonthehow / CC BY 2.0, via Flickr

Key Takeaways


  • When: Tuesday, December 1 – Sunday, December 13, 2026. Weeknights at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 1 and 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 1 and 6:30 p.m.


  • Where: Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028.


  • Tickets: From $55 per person on Ticketmaster. Prices are subject to change.


  • Ages: 5 and up only. Everyone needs a ticket, and kids under 14 must come with an adult.


  • Run Time: About 2 hours and 30 minutes, including an intermission.


  • Accessibility: The Sunday, December 13, 1 p.m. show offers ASL interpretation, audio description and closed captioning.


What Is Elf The Musical About?


Elf The Musical is the stage version of the much-loved holiday movie. Buddy grew up at the North Pole believing he was one of Santa's elves, until he learns he's actually human. He heads to New York City in full elf gear to find his birth father, and his big-hearted cheer ends up reminding the whole city what Christmas is all about.


This is an all-new touring production based on the 2024 Broadway revival, and it earned rave reviews for being genuinely funny for kids and grown-ups at the same time. Expect bright costumes, big dance numbers, plenty of physical comedy, and a happy, snowy finale.


If your kids have seen the movie a dozen times, they'll recognize favorite moments right away. If they haven't, the story is easy to follow, so it works as a first Broadway-style show for school-age kids.



Elf The Musical Showtimes at the Pantages


The show runs for two weeks, with 16 performances in all. Weeknight shows start at 7:30 p.m., and weekends offer both a matinee and an evening show.



6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028


  • Tuesday–Friday, December 1–4: 7:30 p.m.

  • Saturday, December 5: 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

  • Sunday, December 6: 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

  • Tuesday–Friday, December 8–11: 7:30 p.m.

  • Saturday, December 12: 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

  • Sunday, December 13: 1 p.m. (ASL, audio description and captioning) and 6:30 p.m.


The weekend matinees already show limited availability, so book those first if you have younger kids. The weeknight shows have the best seat selection right now, and several of them include a 4-pack offer that's handy for families.



Elf The Musical Tickets and Deals


Tickets start at $55 per person and are sold through Ticketmaster. Prices are subject to change and usually climb as the run sells, so it pays to buy early.


  • 4-pack offer: Available on most weeknight performances and the Sunday evening shows on December 6 and 13. Look for it when you pick your date on Ticketmaster.


  • Groups of 10 or more: Submit a group sales request through Broadway in Hollywood. It's a great option for a class trip, a scout troop or a big family outing.


  • Every guest needs a ticket: That includes kids of any age, so there are no lap seats.




Is Elf The Musical Good for Kids?


Yes, for kids 5 and up. Children under 5 aren't allowed into the theater, and kids and teens under 14 must have an adult with them. The story is sweet, silly, and full of holiday spirit, which makes it a great fit for elementary-age kids and tweens.


At about 2 hours and 30 minutes with an intermission, it's a long sit for the youngest fans. A weekend matinee is the easiest choice for 5- and 6-year-olds, since you'll be home well before bedtime.


The production uses strobe lights, haze, and low fog. If your child is sensitive to flashing lights, check with the box office before you buy. Families who need accessibility services should plan around the Sunday, December 13 matinee, which offers ASL interpretation, audio description and closed captioning.



Tips for Your Day at the Pantages


  • Arrive early: Hollywood Boulevard gets busy in December, and you'll want time to find your seats, visit the restroom and grab a snack before the curtain goes up.


  • Take the Metro: The Pantages sits right by the Hollywood/Vine station on the Metro B Line, so you can skip the traffic and parking hunt.


  • Plan parking ahead: If you drive, check the Broadway in Hollywood website for parking options near the theater before you go.


  • Dress for the theme: Kids love wearing elf hats, holiday sweaters or Buddy-style green to the show.


  • Make it a holiday outing: Pair the show with a walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame or a festive dinner nearby for an easy December family tradition.



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Takeaway


Elf The Musical brings one of the funniest holiday stories to the Hollywood Pantages Theatre from December 1 to 13, 2026. Tickets start at $55, kids must be 5 or older, and the weekend matinees are the best pick for younger children, so book soon before those seats are gone.


Frequently Asked Questions


When is Elf The Musical playing in Los Angeles?

Elf The Musical plays the Hollywood Pantages Theatre from Tuesday, December 1, through Sunday, December 13, 2026. There are 16 performances in total, with 7:30 p.m. shows on weeknights, plus 1 p.m. matinees and evening shows on Saturdays and Sundays. Check Ticketmaster for current seat availability.


How much are Elf The Musical tickets at the Pantages?

Tickets start at $55 per person through Ticketmaster, and prices are subject to change as the run sells. A 4-pack offer is available on many weeknight shows and the Sunday evening performances, and groups of 10 or more can request group pricing through Broadway in Hollywood's group sales page.


What age is Elf The Musical appropriate for?

Children must be at least 5 years old to enter the Pantages for Elf The Musical, and every guest needs a ticket. Kids and teens under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. The show is a great fit for elementary-age kids and tweens, and matinees work best for younger children.


How long is Elf The Musical?

Elf The Musical runs about 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission. Plan to arrive 30 to 45 minutes early to park or take the Metro, get through the lobby and settle in. For younger kids, a 1 p.m. weekend matinee keeps the outing comfortably before bedtime.


Is there an accessible performance of Elf The Musical?

Yes. The Sunday, December 13, 2026, 1 p.m. performance at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre offers ASL interpretation, audio description and closed captioning. Accessible seating can be requested through Broadway in Hollywood. Note that the show uses strobe lights, haze and low fog at every performance.


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Angela M. Cantoni, Editor and Founder of FUN WITH KIDS IN LA

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