Annual Jingle Mingle draws crowds to ring in winter holidays

GAINESVILLE - Hundreds of families got in the Christmas spirit before Thanksgiving at the annual Jingle Mingle in Gainesville's Downtown Square.<br /> <br /> The Big Chicken atop the Main Street Market was lit at 7 p.m. after a light show to popular holiday music. The light show was a new addition this year and ended with the Chicken illuminated as the grand finale to a rendition of "The Carol of the Bells." <br /> <br /> Before the Big Chicken was lit with Christmas lights, 31 shops and restaurants on the Square decked their halls with lights, wreaths and other holiday decor. Many extended their normal hours to participate in the event, keeping their doors open with hot cocoa, cookies and sales for the early Christmas shopper.<br /> <br /> "We always love participating in the downtown events," said Dress Up Boutique manager Molly Powell. "It's so much fun seeing all of the kids and families come out and see Santa and the train and then we brought cookies and hot chocolate for everyone to enjoy and we also have 15 percent off our entire store." <br /> <br /> Throughout the evening, families could visit Santa and take a train or carriage ride around the square.The Sellars family was waiting in line to give their Christmas lists to Santa. "The lights are pretty, everyone's out and enjoying themselves and it makes a good start to the holiday," said Haven Sellars. The Sellars enjoyed Jingle Mingle last year as well. <br /> <br /> First-time Jingle Mingle patrons, The Dennis family, waited in line for a train ride around the Square. "We like to come out and bring our granddaughters, for the rides, the atmosphere, everything," the grandparents agreed.<br /> <br /> Jingle Mingle is an annual event hosted by Main Street Gainesville in the Downtown Square as the Christmas before Thanksgiving celebration.<br />