Mayor Rodney Wangman had the privilege of turning the lights on for the first time as residents watched in The Cube’s courtyard.

Residents gathered for the lighting ceremony were also treated to carols sung by choirs.

Those who wanted to get even more into the spirit took part in Christmas craft in the Wodonga Library.

Wodonga Council splurged $50,000 on the Christmas tree and decoration in a response to calls for a more festive atmosphere in the city.

Carly Begley, of Wodonga, applauded the council for making the city more festive at Christmas time.

“It’s well worth the money if they get use out of it every year,” she said.

Another Wodonga resident, Wendy Miller, said it would be nice if council put on more festive events leading up to Christmas.

“This is such a nice night out for the community,” she said.

A crane was required on Monday to set up the 12.5-metre tree.

Some residents said they did not think the tree would be as large as it was.

The tree complements decorations in Woodland Grove which featured for the first time last year.

The council expected the centrepiece to be a part of the city’s festive season for many years.