Funding problems for the past two years had left Fleetwood in darkness over the festive period, leading to complaints from traders.
But the lights are back this year following a much-heralded switch-on in November.
However, the date of the switch-on has prompted complaints that it was "too early" to feel festive.
Now Coun Malcolm Ratcliffe, a member of Fleetwood Festive Lights Committee, says he is "bitterly disappointed" that people have still complained, despite the lights being back.
He said: "It was my decision to switch on the lights on November 17. That decision taken in good faith, namely that Fleetwood is Wyre's biggest town and should lead the way with getting its lights switched on.
"There has been such a magnificent effort in raising funds for the lights, which I think there should be a lot of credit for. Fleetwood as a community has really come together to raise the money this year."
The backlash began when a reader complained, on our letters page last week, it was too soon to be lighting up the town, with implications on the lights bill. He also claimed the turn-out for the switch-on had been "disappointing".
Fleetwood Market trader Andrea Whitehouse has agreed, adding: "The fund-raising was brilliant and I'm all for Fleetwood having the lights, but it is far too early.
"Christmas should not be celebrated before mid-December at the earliest. It loses its special feeling when it starts too early."
But Lord Street shopkeeper Jackie Murray, of fancy goods and toiletry shop Plush, said: "I think the switch-on event was great and the lights helped banish the winter blues in November."
Coun Ratcliffe added:"The latest comments were a bit disappointing. I would like to know what other people in the town think about it."
* What do you think? Would it have been better to wait, or was it correct to get Fleetwood's festive mood going as early as possible? E-mail us your views at newsroom@fleetwoodweekly.co.uk.