Toronto’s firefighters kicked off Christmas festivities at their annual party on Saturday, an early December affair to celebrate the holiday that many of them will have to work through.

“Some of the families you see here won’t be together at Christmas because one of the spouses will be working, so it’s great that they get this time to enjoy with their families,” said Frank Ramagnano, president of the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association (TPFFA).

For more than 1,100 young children at the party, hosted at the Variety Village sports complex in Scarborough, it was the ultimate playground. The site’s massive gym is lined with bouncy castles, inflatable slides, mazes, and obstacle courses. Small children toting loot bags, slushies and cotton candy zipped between the adults to face-painting stations, photos with Santa, and arts and crafts.

“I think this place is the best place I’ve been all year,” said 9-year-old Ella Lewis, who’s father, Dennis, is a Toronto firefighter.

Ella said she’s been coming to the event every year since she was baby. “I’ve been looking forward to seeing my friends and going on a bunch of bouncy castles,” she said, as her mother, Michelle Little, rubbed what appeared to be pink glitter off her nose near the crafts table.

“The girls look forward to it every year. It’s a big treat,” Little said.

And while they may have outgrown bouncy castles, older children of firefighters also joined the party.

Peter Chow, an acting district chief, said his eldest son came to volunteer at the event, which drew at least 2,400 people throughout the day. Chow also volunteered.

“It keeps me young. Watching all the kids have fun, having Santa here helps … It’s good to get together — a big, happy family event — and it’s good to see everybody,” he said.

The party has been an annual tradition since 1999. Children get a loot bag upon entering, and an age-appropriate gift partly subsidized by the TPFFA.

Firefighters also announced a $35,000 donation to the event’s host, Variety Village. Mayor John Tory was in attendance for the presentation of the cheque. The TPFFA raised more than $300,000 for the facility in total.

TPFFA president Frank Ramagnano said the holidays see an unfortunate spike in fires, and cautioned people to exercise safety by watering real Christmas trees and being cautious with electrical items and candles.

“We don’t want to be busy at Christmas,” he said.