Cessnock Chamber of Commerce held its first Light-Up Cessnock CBD event, which aimed to bring families into the CBD to look at the shop window displays, meet Santa Claus and do some last-minute Christmas shopping.

Chamber president Clint Ekert said while Thursday’s heat wasn't ideal, it was great to see people out and about when the street is normally quiet.

“Individual business results were mixed, but to see the look on the kids’ faces when Santa bellowed ‘ho, ho, ho’ was magical!,” Mr Ekert said.

“Another aim of the event was to spread some Christmas cheer, and that we did.

“It was very heartwarming to see their eyes light up.”

Mr Ekert thanked the businesses who supported the event.

“It will be an annual event that we will work on and grow bigger and better for next year,” he said.