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?
Winterfest begins with Downtown Opening Night on November 25. The Ragtyme Elf Parade leads to Plaza Wonderland where Santa, Elvis, and all your favorite holiday characters will light the lights and celebrate the first snowfall of the season.
Winterfest's flagship Performance Tour and Rudolph's Holiday Stroll run on the following days in 2011: November 25, December 3, 9, 16, 17, and 18. Come enjoy the Christmas Parade on December 10. And don't miss the Pensacola Pelican Drop 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 20 through 22 from 5:30pm. We begin a new performance every 30 minutes until 8:00pm.
Please see our Calendar of Events for more info.
What types of vehicles run the tours?
Our fleet for 2011 includes two Winterfest owned-and-restored red trolleys, an open air tram, and guest trolley from our friends at Gulf Coast Tours in Mobile. You can select your vehicle when you make your reservations.
Is there food at Winterfest?
Yes! Vendors sell some snack food items, such as hot dogs and sandwiches. 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 in 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.
Tickets are available during business hours during the tours. Advance tickets are only available online. If you are unable to complete your purchase online, please give us a call at 417-7321. We'll be happy to help over the phone, but no one at the courthouse will be able to assist you during the day.
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 reservation ticket to cover the cost of processing. Keep an eye out for discounts when tickets go on sale in November!
Prices vary for other tours. Please see our Calendar of Events for more information.
What is the refund policy?
There are no refunds if you miss your tour, but we are happy to honor your ticket for another tour if seats are available.
How are tickets delivered?
Once your credit card is authorized, your tickets will be presented to you and sent by email. If you reserve over the phone, we will email your tickets to you before we complete the call. Our conductor boards the tours by name, so you don't need to have a physical ticket with you. Our customer service office will provide you with paper tickets at the event if you wish, or you are welcome to print the electronic tickets we send you.
What if I can't print my reservations? What if I lose them or forget them?
Don't worry! We have your reservations on file, so it's not necessary to bring paper tickets with you to the tour.
Please note: no one at the Old Courthouse will be able to assist you with reservations during the day. 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, and it's not necessary to bring them in any case. If you wish, the customer service desk at the event will provide you with paper tickets.
I have a large group and would like to book a private tour. How do I make arrangements?
Give us a call at 417-7321 or send us a message and we'll be happy to arrange your tour.
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 give you our best performance.
Where can I park?
There are several public lots nearby and plenty of free on-street parking. The Old Courthouse Parking Garage on Intendencia Street is right next door.
Is there parking for the disabled?
Accessible 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.
