A real life elf is roaming Manchester giving out Christmas treats

You’ve all heard of Elf on the Shelf. Over the past few years, it’s become quite the phenomenon, with over 12 million families buying into the Christmas fun to date.

The general premise of the game is that the elf is there to watch your children’s behaviour in the run-up to Christmas, running off each night to report to Father Christmas at the North pole before resuming his spy duties in the morning.

But one Manchester elf, from Manchester’s boutique Ainscow Hotel, is determinedly OFF his shelf. 

And rather than heading straight home to see Santa, he’s been spotted roaming the streets of Manchester spreading some festive goodwill – and causing a bit of a ruckus on Instagram. 

People have been following his exploits on Instagram using the hashtag #ElfofftheShelfMcr.

The real life elf has been sharing a new photo of himself every day from a new mystery location, offering a new prize to followers that correctly identify where he is. 

Amazing prizes given out so far include bottomless brunch, afternoon tea, gym passes, a sit-down dinner and a winter sharing feast at different venues across the city. 

But with twenty days still to go until Christmas, he’s just getting started. And some prizes yet to come have been valued at over £150.

Do you fancy your luck?

If you think you know Manchester like the back of your hand, this should be an easy win. 

To be in with a chance, all you need to do is follow @theainscowhotel or track his movements using the hashtag above. 

Every day a winner is picked at random and announced via the hotel’s Instagram story.

And if that’s not enough, the Ainscow also has a lifesize cut-out of the elf for guests to take their picture with throughout the holidays.

Those that do will be treated again in January with a generous 40% off their stay. 

Who said Elf on the Shelf was just for kids?