The bells are a-jingling, the lights are a-sparkling, and the Christmas Tree in Tamworth's Fitzroy Plaza is giving joy to the city, after what could only be described as a pretty tough year.

The annual lighting of the Christmas tree event drew in hundreds of locals to the CBD on Friday night, everyone keen to shake off the dust from a year of lockdowns and uncertainty, and celebrate the season.

There's was plenty of food choices and local entertainment, including live music, craft stations, face painters, dancers and artists, while the jolly man in a red suit also popped in for a visit ahead of what is his busiest time of the year.

He could not stay long, but was happy to help with the festivities by lighting up the Christmas tree.

Cheerful families made the most of the opportunity to get out and about, even Mother Nature did her bit, with a respite in the wet weather of late.

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A follow up event on December 18, which will run from 8am to 11am, will feature live performances and craft workshops and will be open to all-comers - vaccinated and unvaccinated.

Meanwhile, more events are being planned for the plaza space throughout the summer as part of council's micro events program in combination with local businesses, with some set to capitalise on the country music festival crowd that is set to descend on the city in January.

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