If you’ve been scrolling Instagram or Facebook in Wheeling this December, chances are you’ve already spotted them: two full-grown elves racing through town, jumping in and out of dumpsters, ducking into local businesses, and leaving behind small gifts—and a whole lot of cheer!
Meet Nic Provenzano, owner of Outdated Threads in Centre Market, and Peyton Bourgeois, owner of TwoTimes on Market Plaza. The two friends—who both run thrifted clothing boutiques—are the creative minds behind a holiday scavenger hunt that has quickly become one of Wheeling’s most joyful seasonal surprises!
The Idea
The idea actually started nearly a year ago, when Nic and Peyton casually talked about how fun it would be to create a scavenger hunt around Wheeling. At the time, it stayed just an idea. But when the holidays rolled around again, the conversation resurfaced—and this time, they decided to go all in.
The result was a 12 Days of Christmas–style scavenger hunt, complete with elf costumes, hidden gifts, and daily videos showcasing local businesses around town. Together, they made a list of spots around Wheeling they wanted to highlight, leaving gifts at or near each location and inviting the community to follow along.
By the time this article is published, nearly all of the videos will have been released—and if you’ve seen even one, you know how infectious the energy is!
Brrrr!
What makes the project even better is how fully they committed to the bit. The day I tagged along, it was the morning after a fairly fresh snowfall, and the temperature hovered around 13 degrees. That didn’t slow them down.
With their elf costumes on—rented from another local business, Stages, Nic and Peyton zipped through town, sharing a Bird scooter part of the way and slipping and sliding up Chapline. They laughed through frozen fingers, and embraced the absurdity of it all.
After snowbanks, tree climbing, dumpsters, and plenty of time spent on the ground, they joked that when it comes time to return the costumes, Stages might just tell them to keep them.
Christmas Spirit, Elf Rules Included
They’ve also taken their elf roles very seriously. Peyton laughed while laying down one of their new holiday rules: “If an elf says Merry Christmas to you, you better say it back.”
One of their favorite parts of the experience has been the reactions—especially from kids. They wave, the elves wave back (enthusiastically), and the joy is impossible to miss. At Centre Market, Nic and Peyton even stopped to ask a young passerby what he wanted for Christmas, promising to make sure Santa got the message.
If there was ever any doubt, consider this confirmation: the Christmas spirit is alive and well in Wheeling.
Finding the Magic Again
Here’s the twist—Christmas isn’t actually either of their favorite holidays.
Peyton admits he’s spent the last several years feeling a bit bah humbug about the season. But this project—being silly, supporting friends, and seeing how much joy it’s bringing to others—has helped bring that holiday magic back.
When it comes to Christmas movies, the two are perfectly aligned. A Christmas Story tops both of their lists, with Christmas Vacation, Elf, and Jim Carrey’s The Grinch close behind.
They also shared favorite childhood Christmas memories. Peyton remembers thinking there was no way he was getting a skateboard this one year—until his parents surprised him with one anyway. Nic still vividly recalls opening a PlayStation 2 on Christmas morning, complete with Tony Hawk’s Underground, something he never imagined he’d actually receive.
Community Over Competition
At its heart, this project is about more than costumes and laughs—it’s about business supporting business.
Nic and Peyton own strikingly similar shops. They sell similar products. They serve similar customers. And yet, instead of viewing each other as competition, they actively encourage people to shop at both stores.
Their friendship is a reminder of what makes Wheeling special: community over competition, creativity over comparison, and genuine support for one another. It’s a perfect example of what shopping small really looks like when it’s rooted in relationships.
Capturing the Chaos
I was lucky enough to tag along to Mel’s Alt Images (Day 8), a Wheeling-based tintype photographer whose work captures moments in a truly timeless way.
Following the guys around through freezing temperatures and laughter was a reminder of how magical this city can be when people come together with good intentions and a sense of humor.
As for what’s next? Peyton joked that the community might expect something even bigger next year—but they’ll see what happens. For now, they’re just enjoying doing something fun together and sharing it with the rest of us!
Join in on the fun!
The 12 Days wraps up on Saturday and the guys are celebrating with an Ugly Sweater Party at Waterfront Hall! Come hang out with the elves and celebrate the season!
