The markets usually form part of Christmas in the Mall, but Armidale Regional Council felt this could not be managed this within COVID-19 safety requirements.

"Council made the very sensible decision that given the usual crowds the market could not be held in the mall this year," said Rotarian Kat Johnston.

"The Showground Board kindly stepped in and offered the space, which allows for social distancing of stalls and people, giving space for them to queue and maintain distance."

'Christmas at the Showground' will be held between 11 am and 5 pm with 85 stallholders offering everything from woodwork to jewellery, to plants, to condiments.

There will also be a jumping castle and inflatable games for the children, entertainment from Bellydancing Earth & Sky, Bruce Clark and food flavours from around the world.

"The Rotary Club of Armidale AM is running it, so the money raised goes back to local charities and projects to help the community," Ms Johnston said.

"Last year monies raised went towards projects with the Armidale Women's Shelter, Armidale and New England Riding for the Disabled, Armidale Men's Shed, buying beds for the family to sleep on for the palliative care ward in Armidale and others.

"This year we will have a donations bucket at the entrance and exit point in aid of Armidale Riding for the Disabled that we would love to raise some additional funds for.

"It is the biggest Christmas market we have ever put together and will be a great day out to shop local and support Armidale after the year we have had."

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The market is registered as COVID safe, and Ms Johnston said all food vendors, the jumping castle and any other stall that is required to have a COVID-19 plan had done so, and regular cleaning will be done.

"Signs will be up around the market reminding people of COVID-19 rules, and every stall has hand sanitiser available for use," she said.

"Everyone needs to sign in, so we ask for your patience when the doors open."

Confirmed food stalls include Mak's Turkish Gozleme, Taste of Nepal, Dare's Pies and Freshly Berried, with drinks on offer from both The Herd Bar and Lucas and the Juice.

"We then have plant stalls, leatherwork by Hyde's Hide, Timber work by Chris Dougherty, condiments by Nan's Homestyle Condiments, lots of arts and craft stalls from children's clothes to hand made toys by Armidale Men's Shed to Christmas decorations, even beard oils," Ms Johnston said.

"The Antique Machinery Club will be there with a display around the outside of the arena.

"The RSPCA, Aurora Wildlife and Pathfinders will both be there raising money and providing information to people as well as the Armidale Men's Shed and New England Roteracters."