Spread Christmas cheer with the zany quotes of Will Ferrell & pals in ‘Elf’

No one spreads holiday cheer like Buddy, as portrayed by Will Ferrell in the now-classic comedy “Elf” (2003). Adopted and raised in the North Pole by Papa Elf (Bob Newhart), Buddy embarks on a quest through the seven levels of the Candy Cane Forest, past the Sea of Twirly-Swirly Gumdrops and into New York’s Lincoln Tunnel in search of his biological father. 

Full of heartwarming and hilarious quotes, more numerous than the doors on an Advent calendar, “Elf” puts viewers in just the right yuletide spirit. 

Watch the film as members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, led by Justin Freer, perform the score for “Elf in Concert” on Dec. 13-15:  

Prepare to chuckle at these mirthful lines:

Buddy: “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”

Buddy: "Oh, it’s not a costume. I’m an elf. Well, technically, I’m a human, but I was raised by elves." 

Leon the Snowman: “Of course you’re not [an elf]. You’re 6-foot-3 and had a beard since you were 15.”

Buddy: “Does somebody need a hug?”

Buddy: "I just like to smile. Smiling’s my favorite."

Miles Finch: “I suggest you wipe that stupid smile off your face before I come over there and smack it off! You feeling strong, my friend? Call me elf one more time.”

Buddy: [after a pause] "He’s an angry elf."

Buddy: “This place reminds me of Santa’s workshop. Except it smells like mushrooms, and everyone looks like they want to hurt me."

Buddy [to a department-store Santa he thinks is a fake]: “You sit on a throne of lies!”

Buddy: “We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup.” 

Morris: “What’s more vulnerable than a peach?”

Buddy: “It’s just nice to meet another human who shares my affinity for elf culture.” 

Buddy: “There’s room for everyone on the Nice List!” 

Buddy: "I’m sorry I ruined your lives and crammed 11 cookies into the VCR."

Buddy: “Son of a NUTcracker!”

Buddy: “He must be a South Pole elf.”