Christmas Elf and Gnome Costumes for Children: Ideas for New Year and Christmas 2026–2027
Imagine a Christmas workshop: gifts all around, garlands glowing, and little helpers in bright caps getting ready for the holiday. Someone is packing presents, someone is decorating the tree, and someone has already managed to eat the holiday sweets!
That is exactly what the magical world of Christmas elves and gnomes looks like — characters who appear every year at New Year matinees, school concerts, and Christmas performances.
Elf and gnome costumes for children are among the most popular festive looks. And we know this not just from our own observations.
According to the Sonechko rental statistics for the 2025–2026 season, the "Christmas Elf Gnome #5" costume was rented 78 times, and "Gnome #1" — 34 times. These are absolute favorites among children's New Year costumes!
You can view all available models in our special collection: Gnome and Elf Costumes for Rent.
What is the Difference Between a Christmas Elf and a Gnome?
At first glance, these characters look similar: bright clothing, funny caps, magical atmosphere. But there are a few differences.
Christmas Elf — Santa's Cheerful Helper
Christmas elves are usually depicted in green and red costumes. They are characterized by pointed caps, striped knee-high socks, decorative belts, and unusual shoes with curled toes.
A boy's Christmas elf costume often consists of a jacket, trousers, a cap, and accessories.
For girls, elf costumes with fluffy skirts, striped sleeves, decorative buttons, and festive headwear are popular.
Elves are wonderful characters for energetic dances, fun skits, and group performances.
Fairytale Gnome — A Little Inhabitant of the Magical World
We know gnomes from folk tales and fantasy stories. Their look is usually complemented by a cap, a vest, bright trousers, and sometimes a beard.
A boy's gnome costume is especially popular among preschoolers. It is suitable for New Year matinees, fairytale plays, and themed holidays.
For girls, you can choose a gnome girl look with a skirt and a bright cap.
In modern children's performances, elf and gnome looks are often combined. Therefore, a single costume can suit various holiday roles.
Most Popular Elf and Gnome Costumes
The Sonechko rental features various versions of these fairytale characters.
Classic Christmas Elf
Green top, red trousers, striped knee-high socks, and a cap — the traditional look of Santa's little helper.
Such a costume is easily recognizable, looks great in photographs, and is suitable for festive performances.
Cheerful Christmas Gnome
A bright shirt, contrasting trousers, a cap, and a beard create a funny fairytale look.
Gnomes are especially popular at kindergarten matinees, where children play the roles of magical forest inhabitants or the Christmas wizard's helpers.
Forest Gnome or Elf
Green, brown, and natural shades help create the look of a magical forest dweller.
Such costumes can be used not only for New Year, but also for autumn holidays, theatrical plays, and themed photo shoots.
Christmas Elf Girl
Green and red dresses, fluffy skirts, striped knee-high socks, and funny caps create a bright festive look.
An elf girl costume will be a wonderful alternative to traditional Snowflakes and Princesses.
Matching elf and elf girl costumes or a whole team of little Christmas helpers look especially lovely.
View elf and gnome costumes for boys and girls
How to Choose an Elf or Gnome Costume for Kindergarten?
For a New Year matinee, not only the appearance of the costume is important, but also the child's comfort.
Here is what we advise paying attention to:
Size. The costume should match the child's height and not restrict movement.
Cap. Make sure it stays securely on the head during dancing.
Beard. For the youngest children, it is not always convenient, especially if they need to sing or recite a poem.
Footwear. Festive shoes should be comfortable and safe.
Indoor temperature. For a warm assembly hall, it is better to choose a not-too-thick costume.
If the child is participating in a group elf dance, check with the teacher in advance whether certain colors or a uniform costume style are required.
Elf and Gnome Costumes for School Performances
Christmas elves and gnomes are suitable not only for toddlers.
In schools, they can become heroes of plays about a magical workshop, lost gifts, Christmas adventures, and fairytale journeys.
For older children, you can choose more understated models or complement the look with accessories according to the script.
And if a festive photo shoot is planned, elf and gnome costumes go wonderfully with Christmas trees, gifts, and holiday decorations.
To Buy or Rent an Elf Costume?
If a costume is needed for just one New Year matinee, renting an elf or gnome costume is often a more practical solution.
There is no need to buy a full set for a single performance, look for a place to store it, or worry that the child will outgrow it by next year.
Rental also allows you to choose an interesting festive look with ready-made accessories.
If the child plans to use the costume repeatedly — for several performances, photo shoots, or family holidays — purchase can be considered.
Where to Rent a Christmas Elf or Gnome Costume in Kyiv?
At the Sonechko carnival costume rental, you can pick out elf and gnome costumes for boys and girls.
We have gathered festive looks into a separate collection so that you can more easily compare models and choose a costume according to the child's role.
In the catalog, you can view photographs, available sizes, and rental terms.
Sonechko rental operates in Kyiv. Shipping via Nova Poshta is available for clients from other cities of Ukraine.
We advise booking New Year costumes in advance, as the most popular models and sizes sell out quickly before the holidays.
🎄 Choose and book a Christmas elf or gnome costume
A Small Costume — A Great Christmas Fairytale!
It doesn't matter who your child will be at the holiday — a cheerful elf, a fairytale gnome, or Santa's little helper.
The main thing is that the child likes the costume, it is comfortable, and it helps them feel the true atmosphere of Christmas.
And the Sonechko carnival costume rental will help you find your ideal festive look.
Choose costumes for the 2026–2027 New Year holidays and book your favorite characters in advance!
