Check out all the action from the Wagga Christmas Lights Launch | Video

Mayor Greg Conkey flicked the switch on 13,800 shimmering fairy lights, illuminating the night sky in front of a small but enthusiastic crowd hankering for a taste of early Christmas cheer.

It also marked the beginning of a very merry summer about town that will include Christmas-themed flags, footpath decals and projections on the Civic Centre.

Council community director Janice Summerhayes said the lights would will be paired with other events along including, but not limited to, carols, a lit-up Christmas village and New Year’s Eve fireworks.

“While we are switching on these new lights as part of our community’s Christmas celebrations, they will be used year-round to add something special to the cityscape along with contributing to the overall sense of safety for park users,” she said.

“This project is a gift that will keep on giving to the community long after the festive season.”

Ms Summerhayes said the 13,800 lights that wound around more than 610 metres of tree would replace the city’s older decommissioned decorations.

“The tree lights add a new look and feel to the Civic Precinct, providing a central place for the community to come together during the festive season and at other events throughout the year,” Ms Summerhayes said.

“Reinstating the much-loved lights in the pine tree in the Victory Memorial Gardens is the first stage of this lighting project, with the opportunity to light more trees in the area depending on budget available in the future.”

Ms Summerhayes also suggested the lights would also create a sense of nostalgia for seasoned Wagga Wagga residents who may recall past Christmas lights adorning the tallest cypress pine in the Victory Memorial Gardens.

Council staff said the the lights were been fitted with bird deterrent devices and were built heavy duty to withstand weather conditions.

The total cost of the project was $20,000.