Frequently Asked Questions 2025

---

Registration is $425 per person - with a $150 Non-Refundable Deposit (AKA Retainer) that is paid at the time of registration. BE AWARE THERE IS AN ADDITIONAL FEE that will be charged by the registration software added to your cost. The credit card you register with will AUTOMATICALLY BE CHARGED the remaining balance on January 5, 2025. You can change that card anytime by logging into your registration account. You can also make manual payments anytime to your registration by logging into your registration account. There will be information on how to create a registration account emailed to you after you register, and also on the website. 

Each individual must register themselves. There are no couple registration options.

Currently we do not have a cutoff date for registration. There is a limited number of registrations available, once that is met, a waiting list will be created. Do not wait until the last minute to register.

RegFox is our new online software service that is being used to organize and collect funds for all registrations and vendor booth purchases. The software charges a fee for each registered guest. This fee is actually helping Santa Family Reunion LLC save money so we can keep our costs low for everyone. Our previous methods increased our costs much more than the small fee RegFox charges. So this is a WIN WIN for us all!!!!

Riding into the dining hall is perfectly okay. However, due to fire codes and space available, the scooter must be parked outside of the Dining Hall and away from the entrances. Be sure you have a helper to assist you in the parking once you are seated.

During your online Registration you will upload your photo for your official Souvenir ID badge.  Please follow these instructions as this Photo ID badge is used for security purposes as well.  Your photo must match what you look like on a daily basis (especially while you are attending the convention.)  Please submit this photo for each person during the registration. You will receive your Souvenir ID badge at registration at the Convention Center. 

 Vendor booths will also be purchased on this registration form. There is a place to choose VENDOR ONLY if you are not attending the full event. Vendor Booths are PAY NOW to purchase and they are $225 per 10x8 ft space, with a maximum of 4 spaces per vendor. You can add a vendor booth anytime after registering by logging into your registration account and adding the vendor booth.

We will not have a professional photographer this year. We will have several “Photo Ops” throughout the convention center that you may take advantage of anytime during the convention.  These photo opportunities are provided at no cost to you by non-profit groups as a way to highlight their organization.  Many thanks to those who provided the “Photo Ops’”. 

No……due to the nature of the convention classes, we feel it is inappropriate for children to participate.  

You will have a small notepad in your tote bag you receive at registration.  Some instructors may also give out handouts during their class, so you do not need a notepad unless you take a LOT of notes! 

“Banquet only”  tickets for a non-registered guest will not be available until VERY close to the event date.  IF these tickets become available, they will be a very limited number and sold on a first come basis.   You can check the website where it will be posted closer to event time. 

 Any legal ID (Driver’s License) is sufficient. 

Early check-in will be available to all registered attendees and vendors at the Courtyard Marriott (across the street from convention center).  We will be set up in the Marriott in the LeConte Ballroom from 3-7pm on Friday, 28 March, 2025.  Remaining registration pickup will take place in the front entrance of the Convention Center at the registration booth on Saturday, March 29 from 8 -10:30 am. Registration will close at 10:30am Saturday morning.  If you are not able to pickup up before 10:30am  Saturday morning, you must contact us.

There is no set charge for non-registered guests to visit the vendor area during the convention.  We ask that you make a donation, of any amount you choose, to our chosen charity to receive a one-day vendor pass.  Day passes must be purchased in person and you must provide ID and signed in as a visitor.

NO.  At this time we do not anticipate bringing back the parade.  In the past we have had a wonderful parade and our chairpersons, John & Joan Wilder have done an amazing job.  However, we have continued issues that can’t be fixed.  Our attendees are predominantly “seniors” and in the past it's been very difficult for a lot of our attendees to physically handle the parade.  Ongoing health issues from COVID related illness have also been taken into consideration.  We have had several major safety issues with vehicles pulling into the parade route from side streets after the parade started.  The city of Gatlinburg does not have the staff to block off every side street and it has become a critical safety issue. This was not a decision made lightly, but we feel it is the right decision at the right time. 

Appropriate attire for the workshops and daily events is “Casual” or “Christmas Casual”. Please be comfortable….  We do recommend and encourage dressy attire for the Banquet.

 Yes, we will have a wait list 

 Please do not video or record the classes or events unless you specifically ask the instructor.  Most prefer that you do not video.  Please respect our instructors. 

There is a workshop application on the registration page of this website, you can apply for a presenter/teacher position with your workshop idea by submitting that application, The committee will choose the workshops that fit best with the Christmas community needs and culture. Deadline to apply is also posted on the application.

Transportation from the airport will be a bit higher in cost as it is over an hour away, Be prepared for that cost or find someone to ride with to the event. Transportation is not organized by Santa Family Reunion, you are on your own to arrange transportation.

There are several campgrounds in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area.  Pigeon Forge is only 8 miles from Gatlinburg, but because of traffic on the parkway it could be an hour drive.  We recommend you link up with other campers on the SFR Facebook page to make arrangements. 

You will find your registration information on your LOGIN TO REGFOX. Once you register, you will receive an email with information on how to create a REGFOX account, You can update your registration, credit card information and contact information with your login.

There is an option to buy Purchase Protection Coverage policy from a 3rd party company that covers your registration fee only if you should need to cancel based on the policy criteria (it does not cover any other purchases such as vendor booth or ads). 

SEE THE POLICY INFORMATION ON THE REGISTRATION FORM. You must purchase it during registration, it cannot be added later. Santa Family Reunion LLC is not responsible for this coverage. There is also an option for you to TRANSFER your registration to another person. You would log in to your registration account to do this YOURSELF. 

Swap & Shop is an area set aside at the convention where any registered attendee can bring GENTLY USED wardrobe items they no longer use and sell them.  New items cannot be sold in this area.  Individuals are responsible for manning their own table for the two hours that Swap & Shop is open.  Swap & Shop will not be open during vendor hours and will only be held on the first day of the convention.  A sign up email will be sent out to registered attendees prior to the convention dates.