O'FALLON, Mo. — A holiday experience in O'Fallon, Missouri, is getting backlash after many accuse it of not living up to expectations. Some Jingle! Holiday St. Louis attendees even called it dangerous.
"Some family was in town from Thanksgiving. So had somebody from New York. Somebody from Florida,” said Jennifer Guarnieri. “Was looking for a unique new event to go to we typically do Christmas Holiday lights after Thanksgiving."
That cheer Guarnieri hoped for at Jingle! Holiday St. Louis turned into a headache.
"I went Friday night, which was opening night."
The winter wonderland experience, which advertised lights and holiday activities all month long, made its debut at CarShield Field in O'Fallon this year. But Guarnieri says it was far from jolly.
"Pretty much it was clear nobody knew what was going on,” she said. “There was no signage to say what line was for what. So we stood in line for quite a while which turned out to be snowtubing."
Guests took to Facebook saying the snowtubing setup was "dangerous".
"It was a disaster, people bounding off the walls getting hurt coming down really fast on the ice," Guarnieri said.
Guarnieri got video of guests sliding on pop-up flooring.
"Not a single wet floor sign. Not a watch your step,” she said. “Nobody to caution you. Everybody is trying to waddle around like penguins trying not to fall down."
This group spent about $160 after taxes for general admission. But that was just to get inside.
"A lot of the food trucks were not open. They were not operating,” she said. “There was promises there was supposed to be live entertainment. We saw no carolers. There was nobody on stage no jinglettes to be seen."
5 On Your Side took customer concerns to Jingle! The company responded with a list of things it is working on including improved signage and ice skating adjustments. the response went on to say:
"Our mission is to craft an unforgettable holiday experience, creating cherished memories for years to come. We are grateful for the enthusiasm shown by our guests and deeply value the feedback we've received."
The full statement can be read here.
Guarnieri said she asked for a refund but was told all sales were final.
Jingle! did close on Saturday due to the "winter weather advisory and slippery road conditions." They asked those who had tickets for that day to contact their guest services team.
Their calendar is open through Dec. 30.