The Chief Elf Answers your Questions

The Chief Elf took some time from her very busy schedule this season to answer your most frequent questions. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

When is Winterfest?

Please see our Calendar of Events for an overview.

Winterfest's flagship Performance Tour and Rudolph's Holiday Stroll run on the following days in 2009: November 27, December 5, 11, 18, 19, and 20. Come enjoy the Christmas Parade on December 12. And don't miss the all-new Downtown Countdown extravaganza on Palafox Place, New Year's Eve.
Our first performance is at 5:30pm Friday nights, and 5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday nights. We begin a new performance every 10 minutes until 8:30pm.

Santa's Express Tours run December 21 through 24 from 5:30pm. We begin a new performance every 30 minutes until 8:00pm.

Frosty's Holiday Light Tours run December 26 through 28 from 5:30pm. We begin a new performance every 30 minutes until 8:00pm.

What types of vehicles run the tours?

Our fleet for 2009 includes two Winterfest owned-and-restored trolleys, an open air tram, and luxury buses. You can select your vehicle when you make your reservations.

Is there food at Winterfest?

Yes! The Gingerbread House in Plaza Wonderland sells a variety of tasty treats, cookies, and drinks made for Winterfest by RagTyme Grille. Many other downtown restaurants are also open during Winterfest for sit-down meals.

Who can I call if I need assistance?

Our customer service volunteers will be happy to assist you at 850 417-7321.

Can I buy tickets at the event?

Yes! We offer tickets for the next available performance every night of Winterfest at our Customer Service Desk on the porch of the Old Courthouse building. On later weekends, the wait for the next tour can be as long as an hour, so reservations are strongly recommended to avoid the wait.

The Old Courthouse building does not sell tickets during business hours. Advance tickets are only available online. If you are unable to complete your purchase online, please contact customer assistance at 417-7321. We'll be happy to help over the phone, but no-one at the courthouse will be able to assist you.

What do tickets cost?

In advance, adult Performance tickets are $18, child tickets are $12. At the event, adult tickets are $20 and child tickets are $14. A small fee applies to each advance-purchase ticket to cover the cost of processing -- reserve before November 22 and we'll waive the fee.

Prices vary for other tours. Please see our Calendar of Events for more information.

What is the refund/reschedule policy?

There are no refunds if you miss your tour. If something comes up, we will be happy to reschedule to another available date. Any rescheduling of tour times must be made 24 hours in advance of the original reservation. Unused reservations may be redeemed for next-available tickets at the event.

How are tickets delivered?

Once your credit card is authorized, your tickets will be presented to you and sent by email. You can print them at your convenience. If you reserve over the phone, we will email your tickets to you before we complete the call. If you don't have an email address, you can pick your tickets up at the customer service desk when you come to the event.

What if I can't print my reservations? What if I lose them or forget them?

Just come to our customer service office in the Old Courthouse building during the event with a valid ID. We will be happy to provide replacement reservations for you.

Noone at the Old Courthouse will be able to assist you with reservations during business hours. If you need assistance any time Winterfest is not performing, please call 417-7321 and our volunteers will be happy to help.

Will you mail my tickets to me?

We do not have the staff to mail tickets, but you may pick your tickets up at the ticket desk when you arrive at the event.

I have a large group and would like to book a private tour. How do I make arrangements?

Select the private tour booking option in our reservation system. If you would like personal assistance, please contact us with the number of people in your group and the night you would like to attend and we will be glad to help you book a private tour. You can also call 850 417-7321 for assistance.

Are the tours accessible for the disabled?

The trolley and tram are wheelchair accessible. To prevent delays, we may board only one or two wheelchairs per tour unless prior arrangements are made. If you have a group with multiple wheelchair riders, please call us to arrange special boarding. If you are part of a group of guests with special assistance needs and you have your own vehicle, we can insert your vehicle into the tour. Call 417-7321 to make arrangements.

My group has its own bus. Can we drive through the Performance Tour ourselves?

We'll be happy to insert your vehicle into our schedule if you call for arrangements ahead of time. One of our guides will board and take your group on a tour in your vehicle. Please let us know the details of your sound system so we can make arrangements to give you our best performance.

Where can I park?

There are several public lots nearby and plenty of free on-street parking. $3 Paid parking is available in the Old Courthouse Parking Garage on the site of the event.

Is there handicapped parking?

Handicapped parking is available in the on-site parking garage.

How long is the tour?

Our 2 mile performance route takes about 50 minutes to complete.