The annual mayor's tree lighting lit up to a crowd of hundreds at Market Square on Saturday night.
Proceeds and donations were accepted for United Way this year.
The night started with some of people's favourite holiday songs performed by a live band.
"Every year we pick a different charity or organization in town that is really important for people to know about, number one, to bring awareness, but also to try to support," said mayor Cam Guthrie.
It's not only about celebrating but giving back, Guthrie said.
"We have a very unique way of doing it this year. Where you can win and the community can win at the same time as we gather around the united tree," he said.
"So great to see everyone here together. This is such an important community. It's what United Way is all about. We are here to be united together and support eachother as a safety net," said Glenna Banda, executive director of United Way.
"When something happens in your life and you may need to access a food bank or mental health supports that's how a donation to United Way helps your community and your neighboours," she said.
We are asking everyone to focus on hope and joy tonight because that's what this season is all about, said Banda.
You are an everyday superhero for giving back, she said.
"I think that we're definitely feeling that more of us are feeling the crunch financially, even emotionally in different ways. So you may think maybe this year I can't give," said Banda in an interview with GuelphToday.
Although United Way this year says there is power in donating one dollar and if everyone gave a dollar it is a way for the community to get together and support each other, she said.
People can donate to United Way all year, she said.
"It is the season of giving, so there's many people that feel maybe they don't need anything this year too. So maybe instead of doing a secret Santa or whatever it is you that you might do in a typical year. We're really encouraging, if you can give back to a local non-profit, that'll go a long way," Banda said.
Guthrie brought up a couple children to help countdown and push the button to light up the tree.