More than 6000 people packed into the grounds of the Wagga Music Bowl on Sunday, as the popular annual event ushered in the Christmas cheer with all the iconic carols.

But the real show-stopper was the Australian Army Band Kapooka, the act that has claimed the event as its own.

"I'd have to say the atmosphere is electrical - you can feel the excitement in the air," band conductor Major Peter Thomas said.

"I think it is a fantastic way to end the year."

The Army Band Kapooka is well-known for participating in community events and considers the Christmas Spectacular as its biggest performance.

It has performed at the concert for more than 30 years.

"This is part of our role within the Army to engage with the civilian community and it lets the community know that the Army is more than just about sending troops overseas," Major Thomas said.

The crowd - mainly kids - jumped to their feet when the burly man in red made an appearance and performed a children's show.

Under the spectacular summer sun, the event's chief organiser, Cathie Smith, of Kurrajong Waratah, couldn't be happier.

"To look out at this early in the night and see a crowd this size gives you an amazing feeling. It's worth it," she said.

"It's a real mix of everybody's involvement. It's the volunteers, it's the crowd turning up, it's particularly the sponsors - it's their gift to the community.

"It's like the countdown to Christmas begins with the Christmas Spectacular."

Early in the evening local artists Cathy Wall, Meredith Adams, Michael Whittington, Harry Mangelsdorf and Troy Fisher sang traditional carols.

And candles began waving when the Combined Schools Choir, the Cantilena Singers and the Southern Cross Dancers took to the stage.

But it wouldn't be Christmas without a feast.

South Wagga Lions president Andrew Cramp reported the sale of more than 1000 sausages, 1000 cups of hot chips and 60 loaves of bread.

Money raised through the sale of sausages and candles went to disability services organisation Kurrajong Waratah.

"Everybody plays an important part of this. It's a tradition that has gone on for over 35 years," Ms Smith said.

"Christmas is the time for families. This is the one event where people can come together in the most beautiful environment.

"We are really lucky."

IT WAS no silent night at the Christmas Spectacular as the carols rang out from the Music Bowl and out into surrounding suburbs.

More than four hours before the show started the Holmes family was there to secure their place in the front row.

Their daughter was undergoing a sound check for the Conservatorium Choir in the afternoon.

Looking behind them were scores of families, all there for the same reason: to enjoy a night together amid the hustle of the festive season.

"I didn't think there would be this many people here, to be totally honest," Wagga man Andrew Holmes said.

"It's great to see so many kids getting into it having a great time."

Mr Holmes was slightly embarrassed he had lived in Wagga since 2001 and never been to the event - which has been running for more than 35 years.

Mr Holmes' case is not unusual as the organiser Kurrajong Waratah has witnessed an increase in attendance because of young families year-on-year.

But the spectacular has also wowed a neat cross section of the Wagga community over the years, from families, to teenagers and the older spectators.

Jean Bateman, 95, was with other residents of Rosebank Retirement Village, and has attended the concert for more than a decade.

"I love it and it gets better every year," she said.

"We look forward to it every year as do my great grandchildren."

But, aside from going along to watch the concert, there are also people in the crowd who have worked behind the scenes to put the event together.

The Building Supply Company takes 10 days from ordinary business to assemble and dismantle the stage.

"It's important to support the community," general manager Tony Balding said.

"The concert is part of the Christmas spirit of Wagga."

The Holmes family committed to returning to the event again next year.

"I am totally surprised. We'll be coming back year after year after year," Natalie Holmes said.