Portland Holds Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Without Mention of Christmas Amid Activist Demonstrations

PORTLAND, Ore. — December 1, 2025 — Portland held its 41st annual tree lighting ceremony on November 28, continuing a recent trend of omitting explicit references to Christmas from the event’s promotion and programming, according to officials and social media accounts. The ceremony, which took place at Pioneer Courthouse Square, featured traditional holiday elements such as Christmas lights, a decorated Douglas-fir tree, and a visit from Santa Claus. However, organizers referred to the occasion as “Portland’s 41st Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony” rather than a Christmas tree lighting, a practice that has been in place since at least 2019.

During the event, a woman on stage waved a Palestinian flag and led the crowd in chants of “Free, free, free Palestine.” She also performed the “Strong Woman Song” alongside members of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, a confederation of three Native American tribes in Oregon. The ceremony’s promotional materials on the Portland government’s Facebook, X, and Instagram accounts highlighted the lighting of more than 9,500 LED lights on the 75-foot Douglas-fir tree, donated by Stimson Lumber, but did not include the word “Christmas.”

The omission of Christmas references drew criticism from some social media users and commentators. Independent journalist David Medina posted on X that the city and local media avoid using the word “Christmas,” suggesting it reflects a disdain for Christians. Conservative critics also expressed disapproval of the event’s framing and the presence of political messaging during the ceremony.

Despite the controversy, the event maintained several traditional holiday features, including Santa Claus flipping the switch to illuminate the tree, which remains a highlight of Portland’s downtown holiday season. The city’s official social media accounts promoted the event as a festive community gathering without religious designation.

The annual tree lighting ceremony in Portland has become a focal point for discussions about inclusivity, political expression, and the role of religious traditions in public celebrations. Officials have not commented publicly on the decision to exclude the term “Christmas” from the event’s title or programming.