Christmas in the Mall has been hailed a huge success, with thousands turning out to enjoy a warm Armidale evening filled with music, colour, and Christmas cheer.
The event made full use of all three blocks of the Beardy Street Mall, which came alive with families, shoppers, performers, and market stalls.
Crowds flowed throughout the precinct from the moment festivities began, with many stallholders reporting steady trade all night. Most retailers who kept their doors open said they did extremely well, benefiting from the heavy foot traffic as people moved between activities, shops, and food vendors. Market stalls were bustling too, giving visitors plenty to browse and pick up some presents as they wandered through the mall.
Some businesses went a step further by taking their products out onto the street. Moxon’s drew one of the biggest queues of the night, offering their best cakes and Christmas treats outside their Grab and Go store in the central mall.
If there was one challenge, it was the popularity of the food vendors. Many reported wait times of more than an hour as hungry visitors lined up for dinner. Attendees said that more food options will be high on the wish list for future events to help meet the demand of such a large turnout.
Entertainment was a major highlight, with the Jingle Express proving a hit among younger visitors who lined up eagerly for a ride. Live music on the main stage drew large audiences throughout the evening, especially during performances by the New England Conservatorium of Music’s side by side choir, Wind Ensemble, and JazzLab.
Families enjoyed plenty of photo opportunities, with Santa, the Grinch, and an impressive Gingerbread House complete with fairies in the Court House forecourt attracting excited kids.
Katie from Uralla stayed in Armidale after work to attend and said she hopes to see more Twilight Market-style events throughout the year.
“It’s a bit of fun, and a different way to head out for dinner,” she said.
“I can’t usually get to markets on the weekend because of the kids sport and horse riding commitments, but a couple of hours on a Thursday night after work is just perfect – particularly when the weather is just so wonderful.”
Tonight the festivities continue in Guyra, with the Christmas Carnival taking over Bradley Street from 4pm to 8pm.
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