This year it was the much larger market that brought residents out in their thousands.

Armidale Rotary AM president Sam Doyle was one of the organisers of this year's expanded event and he was all smiles as the people poured into the Beardy Street Mall.

"We are ecstatic with how it has all turned out," he said.

"We have a huge turnout. We've got 77 stalls, this is the biggest Christmas market on record.

"Our club's been involved in organising the Christmas Markets, in conjunction with Armidale Regional Council, for the last three or four years and this has been the biggest one so far."

Sam said stall holders had come to Armidale from throughout New England and also from coastal areas.

"The main thing that we love is that it is a great community atmosphere," he said.

"Everyone has pulled together in really celebrating the Christmas spirit with Santa and reindeer, and that will be a great draw card for the kids.

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"We haven't had reindeer down in the markets before, so it will be something different - something a bit new."

Armidale's Christmas tree in the Mall was lit by deputy-Mayor Libby Martin said with all the tough times being experienced during the last few years the size of the crowd was inspiring.

"It's inspiring and encouraging that the people of our community show their strength and resilience and caring by turning up tonight," she said.

"Anyone who stayed away, missed a great night.

"I do think this event will grow because the people enjoy the festivities and enjoy catching up with people, there's food stalls, things to buy, Santa to see, live reindeer and then the lights go on. What more could you ask for?"

Mayor Simon Murray said the partnership with Rotary was definitely a good one.

"Watching all the children coming in, turning the Christmas lights on and also seeing Santa with the reindeer, all made it a top night," he said.

"It's a lot bigger and there's definite a lot more people here and it's great to see."