For a full list of Mississauga Holiday events, click here!

In conversation with Mississauga’s Gaby Mammone, founder of Mississauga’s famous holiday event, the Family Jingle & Mingle.
This year, it’s taking place on Sunday, December 7th at Mississauga’s Amazing Fun Park, located at 1325 Eglinton Ave E #1, Mississauga, ON L4W 4L9

1. What is Family Jingle & Mingle? (FJAM)

Family Jingle & Mingle is a full-day holiday celebration at Amazing Fun Park that brings families, entrepreneurs, and the community together for festive fun, live entertainment, local shopping, and family-friendly attractions. The event supports Million Dollar Smiles, a charity that builds playgrounds for children facing life-threatening illnesses.

2. When did you start FJAM and why did it stop?

I started FJAM in 2013 when 4 of my clients wanted me to plan their company Christmas parties all on the same day. In order to have the capacity, I asked all of them if they would be open if we planned a shared holiday event with all of them and their families.They all said yes! By doing so, the event was larger and we were able to have bouncy castles, entertainment and lots of food. And of course, Santa gave time to each child and also gave a gift to each one. This is when the idea started.

Many entrepreneurs and small businesses do not have a company party to go to because often they are solopreneurs or do not have the resources to have their families attend a celebration. This 'shared celebration' concept allows for families to gather and enjoy the festivities together.

The celebration grew every year at various venues. In 2019, it was our biggest year yet and we still kept the commitment of donating proceeds to a charity every year. Some have included Breakfast with Santa Foundation, Children's Wish Foundation, pediatric cancer at the Canadian Cancer Society and more. In 2020, my father passed from Covid. He was my everything and Santa. I was heartbroken and simply did not have the capacity to plan it again as it takes 11 months to plan - it's my big give-back of the year and I wasn't in the right frame of mind to take on the project.

3. Why did you decide to bring it back?

I missed it! I missed seeing the smiles on children's faces when they were having fun. I missed the magic of Christmas when families met Santa. I missed being able to support entrepreneurs and I missed creating communities within Mississauga. I visited Amazing Fun Park in the fall with my daughter when I realised that was the perfect venue to bring the event back into. I spoke with Karen (who is super amazing by the way) and they agreed to being the venue sponsor. That's when the planning started to bring FJAM back.

4. What can people expect?

Families attending Family Jingle & Mingle can expect a full day of festive experiences designed for all ages. The event features meet-and-greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a live entertainment stage with p erformances and kids’ karaoke, a giant ball pit, arcade games, soft play areas, and a virtual reality zone. Guests can explore a vibrant vendor marketplace filled with local artisans and small businesses offering unique holiday gifts. There will also be a charity silent auction benefiting Million Dollar Smiles, a volunteer-run organization that builds custom playgrounds for children with life-threatening illnesses. With shopping, entertainment, and interactive attractions all under one roof, families can look forward to a joyful and memorable holiday outing.

5. How can people buy tickets?

Easily and by clicking here: https://FJAM2025.eventbrite.ca

6. Which charity have you partnered with this year?

Million Dollar Smiles is a volunteer-run not-for-profit that brings joy and comfort to families with children who are facing life-threatening illnesses. The organization is best known for building custom backyard playgrounds, giving children a safe space to play and giving families moments of happiness during incredibly difficult times. They also run special gift programs that let families know they are not alone.

Family Jingle & Mingle chose to partner with Million Dollar Smiles because their mission aligns with the heart of this event: creating joy, building community, and making a meaningful impact. Every ticket purchased and every silent auction bid helps fund playgrounds that uplift children and bring smiles that last long after the holidays. By supporting this charity, the event becomes more than just a day of fun. It becomes an opportunity for the community to come together and help bring hope to families who truly need it.

7. Do you have any opportunities for people to participate?
Yes, we do have a few vendor spots available if anyone is interested in showcasing their products - vendors can apply here: https://forms.gle/KpNT2n7ZhG7L12QV8. We also have volunteer opportunities also by completing this application: https://forms.gle/4fq1QSkxsLDMF6iW9

Social handles:

Family Jingle & Mingle:https://www.instagram.com/familyjingleandmingle/
Venue: https://www.instagram.com/amazingfunpark/
Charity: https://www.instagram.com/milliondollarsmilesnfp/