Frequently Asked Questions
What is new this year?
The PTA is very excited about all of the new things that will be at this year's Holly Jolly Market! We will announce what's new in late spring 2025.
What is the event check-in process?
On the day of the event, check-in will begin at 6:30 am. All vendors MUST be checked-in by 8:15 and set-up completed before 9:00 am. When you arrive, enter the front drive and you will be greeted by a volunteer with your welcome packet. You will then be directed to your loading zone. Once you have unloaded your car, you will move your vehicle to your designated parking lot. Please allow yourself enough time to wait your turn for your loading zone if needed.
Where do I park?
When you check-in, you will be told which of the school's parking lots you have been assigned. If you are planning on bringing a trailer and you did not put it on your registration, please email lancehollyjolly@gmail.com to arrange accommodations. We will do our best to ensure trailers can be have tandem parking.
What if I need to step away from my booth for a few minutes?
The PTA will not have manpower to watch your booth for you. We encourage everyone to bring an additional person to help watch your booth.
What does direct sales mean?
Direct sales refers to those that are selling products on behalf of a larger company directly to consumers. Examples of direct sales companies are Tupperware, PaperPie, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Paparazzi, Color Street, etc. In order to create a more balanced shopping experience for our attendees, we are only allowing one booth for each direct sales company and no more than 5 direct sales companies total.
What are the prohibited items?
The following items are NOT allowed at the market: live animals (does not refer to service animals), open flames, latex, morally
questionable items, palm readings, gambling, POLITICAL ITEMS, alcohol, weapons, toys that look like weapons, nicotine, vapes, drugs and items that could spoil the magic of the season (Elf kits). This is a family event and small children will be present.
What should I bring / not bring for my booth?
Do not bring nails or anything that could damage the walls. If you need to hang signs, painter's tape is allowed. Most booths do not include a table. All booths include 2 metal folding chairs. Vendors are encouraged to bring table cloths and other things to enhance the display of their products. If you requested electrical access, you will want to bring a power strip and/or extension cord. You will have guaranteed access to one plug but not necessarily both plugs on an outlet. Tents and canopies for your booth are not allowed without prior authorization (they will not fit in all booth locations). You should also bring cash or alternative methods of receiving payment in case you are unable to access the internet in the building.
Do I get lunch?
Vendors will be eligible for 2 free lunches. Vendors will make their lunch selection during registration. Vendors will not be able to purchase additional lunches. The PTA will not be able to provide booth coverage for you while you eat your lunch. We encourage all vendors to bring additional manpower with them.
Do I need a background check?
We will reach out individually to the vendors needing background checks. Any vendor that will have a need to physically touch a child (i.e. Santa, face painting, Mrs. Claus) are required to have a background check. Regular vendors are not required to have a background check at this time but are strictly prohibited from having physical contact with children at the vendor market. If you believe you need to have a background check and we have not reached out to you, please email lancehollyjolly@gmail.com. This is subject to change. Any vendor may be asked to complete a background check at any time and for any reason. If you are prohibited from being on NISD school property, you may not attend The Holly Jolly Market or help someone else set-up. Information for all vendors will be submitted to the district.
Is internet service hard to get inside the school?
The service you get varies greatly depending on who your provider is. The PTA cannot guarantee that you will have service and we will not have a hot spot to loan you. The school does have guest wifi but people have had limited success utilizing it. Our experience has been that T-mobile and AT&T have service inside the school but Verizon does not. We highly encourage you to be prepared with an alternative way to accept payment.
How is the market being advertised?
The Holly Jolly Market is being advertised on multiple social media platforms through resident and HOA accounts in several of the surrounding master planned communities. It will also be advertised in the local and surrounding areas with posters and signs. Beginning in November, DFW Crafters will be advertising The Holly Jolly Market weekly on their social media platforms (with over 20k followers) for the 6 weeks leading up to the event. We will also be listed in DFW Crafters' weekend guide for the weekend of the event.
How many attendees did the market have last year?
In 2003, we had just shy of 1,100 attendees. In 2004, despite the weather, we still had over 1,000 attendees. We look forward to having even more this year as the reputation for our event grows and word of mouth continues to spread. We have established a fantastic reputation in the surrounding communities. We are so excited about this year's market!
Are there outdoor booths?
No. All vendors and activities are located inside Lance Thompson Elementary school.