Elf on a Shelf Scavenger Hunt

This Holiday season, Downtown Torrance has been officially invaded by elves—and not just any elves. These merry mischief-makers have names, personalities, attitudes, and more holiday spirit than a peppermint latte on Christmas morning.

Legend has it that this gingerbread-crumb trail of chaos began when a troop of North Pole elves accidentally took a wrong turn at the Candy Cane Roundabout and ended up in Historic Downtown Torrance. Supposedly, they were meant to help Santa scout rooftops… but once they saw our cozy shops, twinkling lights, and irresistible small-business charm, they shouted, “Snow place like this!” and settled right in.

Now they’re hiding—badly—in businesses up and down Sartori Avenue and beyond. Some are sassy, some are sweet, and some are one candy cane short of a stocking stuffer. Your mission? Find them all! Each elf has a silly name, a quirky backstory, and a personality as unique as a snowflake with opinions.

You might stumble across elves like:

• Pepper Minstix – The elf who believes every business needs an “emergency cookie stash.” He’s been caught sneaking snickerdoodles into display cases and reorganizing shelves by cookie flavor instead of product.

• Holly Jingleton – A fashion-forward elf who insists tinsel matches everything. If you spot unexpected sparkle across Downtown, Holly has absolutely been there.

• Merry McMischief – She came to Torrance because someone told her the weather was “elf-resco perfect.” She hasn’t stopped frolicking since and may try to photobomb your family picture.

• Perrman Entmarque – A legendary elder elf said to have tattooed the first candy cane stripes and early snowflake swirls. He draws all his own wrapping paper designs by hand.

• Barrato- A peppermint-fueled gearhead who swears he once rebuilt Santa’s sleigh engine “from scratch and a cinnamon stick.” Easygoing and full of holiday horsepower, he loves classic rides, prefers his sleigh low and slow, and can be found admiring vintage curves like a true festive cruiser.

Track them down, snap a picture (if they’re not mid-shenanigans), and check them off your scavenger card as you explore the spirited small businesses that call Downtown Torrance home.

Whether you're shopping, sipping, snacking, or simply strolling through our twinkling streets, prepare to be elf-struck. The elves came for a quick visit… but between the warm community, the festive fun, and the undeniable pull of Torrance Bakery cookies, they might just stay forever.

Bundle up, bring your holiday cheer, and join the hunt—because these elves aren’t going to find themselves.

Let the sleigh-inspired sleuthing begin!