The popular event, which draws a crowd of more than 2000 people to No.1 Sportsground, is organised by Real Life City Church.

On Friday, the organisers took to social media to announce the hiatus.

“After five years of bringing Carols in the City Christmas Festival to Maitland, it’s time the carols event team take a well-earned rest,” the Facebook announcement read. 

“Carols in the City will be taking a break in 2015. 

“This decision hasn’t come lightly. [It] requires a huge amount of effort to bring the event to life, our 250-plus dedicated volunteers work so hard to make carols a reality and our planning team work tirelessly through the whole year.”

Organisers thanked sponsors, ­volunteers and the community for their support of the event.

“Stay tuned. We will keep you in the loop with our future plans,” it said.

The Facebook announcement attracted comments from residents and most expressed their sadness that the event would not go ahead this year.

“Such sad news, thanks for all your hard work to date and hope to see it back bigger and stronger in 2016,” Kellie Gilbert wrote.

While others said they would have to head to Newcastle for Christmas carols this year.

“Will have to go to Newy or something instead,” Tiarne Bree wrote.

Carols in the City Christmas Festival Maitland was a free event and the largest of its kind in the Hunter Region.

The Real Life City Church launched the carols five years ago in Heritage Mall.

It quickly became so popular it was moved to No.1 Sportsground in 2012 to cater for a bigger crowd.

There is hope the event will return in 2016.