Rain holds back the holiday fun; Elf Night delayed due to weather

Arianna Otero, Tallahassee Democrat

Thu, December 18, 2025 at 8:20 PM UTC

2 min read

Rain is interfering with Tallahassee's holiday festivities yet again with inclement weather delaying Elf Night to Christmas week.

The news comes just a couple weeks after the city pulled the plug on the 39th Winter Festival during a day of almost perpetual rain.

Unlike Winterfest, Elf Night is being rescheduled.

"Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and a whole host of elves will make an appearance at Dorothy B. Oven Park's annual Elf Night on Monday, Dec. 22 from 5:30-8 p.m.," city staff wrote as part of a press release

The change means Monday evening commuters should consider a different route other than Thomasville Road.

Ashley Edwards, director of the city's Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs department, has been in charge of the event for years.

Her advice hasn't changed much over the years: For those not going to Elf Night, "we encourage people to avoid Thomasville Road ... if at all possible."

As in previous years, Edwards said Tallahassee police officers will be on site to help direct traffic. In a statement, TPD said people should expect increased traffic during the hours of the event.

"In addition to vehicle traffic, heavy pedestrian traffic is expected, so drivers are urged to slow down and remain alert," TPD said.

Motorists who aren't attending Elf Night are encouraged to use Capital Circle Northeast as an alternate route.

If you go

Elf Night is 5:30–8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18. Dorothy B. Oven Park is located at 3205 Thomasville Road.
If you want to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, check in on the front lawn upon arrival to be assigned a ticket number.
Ticket distribution will close once maximum capacity is reached; visitors are welcome to enjoy the festivities until their number is called.
Parking will be available next door at the Thomasville Road Baptist Church.

This story contains previously published information. Arianna Otero is the trending and breaking news reporter for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact her via email at AOtero@tallahassee.com and follow her on X: @ari_v_otero.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Rain holds back the holiday fun; Elf Night delayed due to weather

About Our Ads

Source