Frequently Asked Questions

How many people do you expect at Gatlinburg in March?

                      We had 600 plus in 2009 and we expect that number to grow in 2010. 

Is there a limit to how many may attend Celebrate Santa?

                              Our capacity at the Gatlinburg Convention Center for the gala is approximately 1,200.   As long as we do not exceed this we are okay!

Is this event linked to, or sponsored by, any group?

                      NO!   We are a private enterprise and not associated with any group or association.   Celebrate Santa is open to everyone and no organization has any claim on this gathering.   Jolly Old Elf, LLC is a corporate company in charge of Celebrate Santa, solely.

Will I be able to buy, or get information on, other items not in the Santa's Showcase?

                                        NO!   Anyone selling items out of their hotel room, or handing out information anywhere but their designated booth, will be asked to leave the premises.   Also anyone caught selling items will be reported to the Tennessee Department of Revenue and will lose their Celebrate Santa registration badge immediately.   We ask that any offenders are reported to Celebrate Santa volunteers.   Additionally, any person or persons taking reservations, having classes outside the convention center or inside other areas will be asked to leave the premises.   This will be STRICTLY enforced by Celebrate Santa.   Also anyone handing out materials while not in their booth, will have those materials confiscated and returned to them after the convention.   There will be a "no leniency" rule on this policy.   Security at the convention center, and the Tennessee Department of Revenue will be on hand to enforce these rules.

Everyone in Santa's Showcase has gone to great personal cost and effort to acquire your business, anyone else attempting "to save a buck" or do this underhandedly does not deserve your patronage.   We offer any Santa or organization a special booth rate and even offer to split booths to make certain you are offered every item you need and want at the Showcase.   Please report offenders to us immediately.

Which hotel is the event being held in?

                      The event is being held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center including the Holly & Shamrock Jingle Bell Ball and Santa’s Showcase (Trade & Exhibit Show).   The host hotel is the River Terrace.

What seminars are you going to have?

                      Once established, please see the Seminar Info tab for more information.   We are offering the highest level of training to make you the best Elf, Santa or Mrs. Claus you can be.

                      You mean besides the parade and the Jingle Bell Ball dinner/dance on  that all registered attendees are encouraged to participate in?   Yes, we also have an optional fun night, the Fashion Show, Santa State Champion Tube Races, excursions and a reception at the River Terrace following the parade on Saturday night, along with lots more surprises!!   Optional nights are at extra cost, make sure you send in your reservation form as we will have to limit some activities to their maximum capacity.

What does the cost include or not include?

                      Every paid registration (single or couple and children) includes registration to the convention and your choice of seminars, buffet lunches for each day of the convention, participation in the Holly & Shamrock parade, (one or two) tickets to the Jingle Bell Ball, free entry into Santa’s Showcase, a chance to appear in the Fashion Show, a chance to partke in the Ober Gatlinburg Santa Tube Races, the evening at River Terrace on Saturday evening, and shuttles to and from your hotel.   Your hotel (or RV Park) and any transportation to and from Gatlinburg is NOT included.   Also any optional evenings or excursions (see attractions) not listed above will be an extra charge, as well as any attractions or outside activities not associated with Celebrate Santa which are your responsibility. Finally, additional Jingle Bell Ball tickets may be purchased for $65.00 each.   Vendors are charged for their booths and set up separately.

May we bring children and do you have special children's pricing available?

            Every paid registrant is welcome and encouraged to bring any members of his or her family or guests.   Optional nights for your family and friends are extended at the special Celebrate Santa price.   We have special childrens pricing for many of the events and we will list much of it here for your information and planning:

                      Celebrate Santa childrens pricing - Children under 15 are free to the Santa Showcase. The Celebrate Santa Jingle Bell Ball will cost extra (tbd) for children 11-18.   Lunches and other meals are NOT provided to children or other family members/guests unless they have registered, and are only available to paid registrants wearing their badges (provided at registration).   Children 11-18 can be registered attendees for $99.00 per child.   (Under 11 are free.)

                      Other events - We will have special discounts available on many fun and exciting things for those not participating in Celebrate Santa.   There are so many things to do here your friends and family will have difficulty deciding what to try and "fit in" to each day!

Who can be in the parade and is there any additional cost?

                      Anyone registered for the convention is an open participant in the parade.   There is no additional charge. 

What kind of things will be sold in Santa’s Showcase (the trade show)?

                      Most of the items will be in some way related to Santa and Christmas we will also have some very interesting and beautiful craft items, and of course clothing, suits, accessories, and all forms of Santa and Mrs. Claus related items.   Additionally all items will be American made and locally crafted.   Visit our Vendor List when posted to see the variety of vendors and merchandise available.

Where is the nearest airport?

                      The McGhee-Tyson Airport in Knoxville is approximately one hour away from Gatlinburg.   The Nashville Airport is about three hours, as is the Charlotte Airport in North Carolina.   Atlanta’s airport is a little over four hours from Gatlinburg.

Will there be shuttles to and from the Knoxville airport?

                      Yes, and we will make it affordable as possible.   There may be some restrictions to this depending on arrival/departure days and times.   Check with Dana Mack on when you are coming in and leaving.

What is included in the room prices?

                    The River Terrace includes wireless internet, mini-refrigerators, either two queens or a king bed for just $75 per night!  They will provide a bountiful breakfast buffet for $8 per adult and $6 per child.  They also will provide tickets to the indoor Water Park at the Westgate Resort for just $10 per person/day.  Shuttles will run to and from the Gatlinburg Convention Center and trolleys will take you anywhere you wish to go in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville (extra cost for trolleys).

How do you keep from confusing kids (and adults) with all these Santas?

We made sure that all Santas and any visitors knew that the REAL Santa Claus was there – somewhere.   But he would never admit to anyone that it was him.   If any Santa states they are the ‘real deal’, cross them off your list, because they are not.   We had great fun watching children (and many adults) keeping their own scorecard on who they thought might be the genuine Santa.   We will also make certain that Santa is “spotted” by our friends in NORAD flying to Gatlinburg in his sleigh and reindeer (which, of course, both will be on display at the convention center).

What is the Dress for The Holly & Shamrock Parade?

                Santa/Mrs. Claus Attire or St. Patrick attire only.   Santa Suits, Mrs. Claus Dresses, Elf Outfits or St. Patrick Garb or Leprechaun Outfits, etc.   Everyone MUST be in special attire to participate - NO T-Shirts, Sweatshirts, or the like will be permitted.   If you have questions concerning this contact DeAnna Sorge.

What is the Dress for all other events and the convention?

              Everyone is to dress in their most comfortable clothing for everything else including our nights out and excursions.   We will do an open house theme on Saturday night, so everyone should wear comfortable but warm dress.   Otherwise whatever makes you comfy.   Of course Santa-esque clothing is always appropriate.
 

Do you have to have a real beard to attend?

Absolutely not.   This is open to all Santas be they full bearded, designer bearded or a combination (hair extensions).   It is what we hope to see in your heart – not on your face.

Do you have to be a professional Santa?

If you have the desire to be a good Santa, this is the place to be.   Regardless of your experience or your association.   If you even have a basic curiosity about IF you’d like to portray Santa, this is the place to find out and learn from others.   This is a wonderful place to develop or hone your craft.

Will there be topics for Mrs. Claus as well?

YES!!  Mrs. Claus has become a more important and integral part of Santa Claus and is being included more and more.   There are as many important aspects to being Mrs. Claus from both a business and entertainment aspect as there is to being Santa Claus.   We are offering some serious and involved seminars for both Mrs. C. and Santa.   Also many of the classes will be of great interest to both.

Will I have to join a group if I attend?

We are asking everyone to check their associations at the door.   While we support almost every group and association, this is not a recruiting floor, and there will be no political agendas allowed.   This is open to everyone’s love of Santa and Christmas, and that is the only limitation to our convention.   Associations, schools, etc. may buy a vendor booth in Santa's Showcase for recruiting and information purposes.   Anyone actively recruiting will be asked to stop and second offenders will be escorted from the premises and their credentials removed.

If I come to Celebrate Santa can I skip going to schools like the Charles W. Howard or IUSC?

              Not A Chance!   While we are looking to further hone your understanding and professionalism of your Santa Claus portrayal, this is no substitute for the type of fine education you would receive from Tom Valent in Michigan [CWH] or Santa Tim Connaghan [IUSC] or the Santa Academy, etc.   This is as much a social gathering as an educational one, and while we know you will come away with a better understanding of Santa Claus, it cannot replace everything you can learn from these and other fine schools.  NO schools however will be permitted to pass out materials or information at Celebrate Santa - NO EXCEPTIONS.   Any interested school may purchase a booth for this purpose.

More questions?   See our blog http://CelebrateSanta.blogspot.com and ask away, we will post your question and our reply so that you may help answer concerns that others may have!