Mayor Rhys Williams along with some little local helpers switched on the lights to Mandjar Square's Christmas tree - a central focus of Mandurah's Christmas lights trail.
"Where else in the world can you walk through such a vibrant city centre with this wonderful on-land trail, jump on a boat and then cruise through these canals?" Mayor Williams said.
"Over 200 houses this year have been decorated by the local Port Mandurah residents - it is a really special and unique Mandurah experience."
Mandurah's light trail along with the canal cruise are a large draw for tourists and locals alike, with this year's trail featuring a number of new and interactive installations and 46,000 tickets being sold for canal cruises.
Installations include a kombi van, a clock which counts down the days to Christmas, reindeers, a Christmas carriage and more.
This year's trail naming rights sponsor is the Satterley group, and Mayor Williams said their contributions had enabled the City to do more than they had been able to in previous years.
"What we recognised a few years ago is that the incredible community led activity happening on the canals was the perfect opportunity for Mandurah to be able to make a mark as what we hope will become 'the capital of Christmas in Western Australia," Mayor Williams said.
"People will just know that at Christmas time you've got to head down to Mandurah and enjoy the lights and also enjoy the great cafes, restaurants and events."
Mayor Williams said the month of December would be a busy month for events, with almost one per night until Christmas.
"Between now and the end of December just about every night there will be some market activity, music events and all sorts of things happening along the foreshore to really get people out and about.
"It's been a pretty tough year, right?
"For us this year it was about creating a free and really easy opportunity for families to be able to come out and enjoy - and also for tourists to come down and enjoy as well."
For information on the Christmas lights trail and Christmas events being held in Mandurah, visit the City's website.