City on the West Coast excludes 'Christmas' from tree lighting ceremony as activists display Palestinian flag on stage

Portland, Oregon, faced criticism after its annual tree lighting ceremony avoided mentioning Christmas. Instead, organizers highlighted political and cultural themes during the event.

During Friday evenings ceremony, a woman on stage waved a Palestinian flag and led the crowd in chants of Free Palestine, followed by a performance of the Strong Woman Song alongside representatives from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, a coalition of three Native American tribes in Oregon.

The event featured traditional holiday decorations, including a decorated tree and a visit from Santa Claus, yet promotional materials referred to it as the 41st Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony without using the word Christmas, according to social media posts from Pioneer Courthouse Square, where the tree is displayed.

Social media reviews of Portland government accounts showed advertisements and videos of the tree lighting, all avoiding mention of Christmas. Records indicate the event has been promoted in this secular manner since at least 2019.

Instagram posts from the city read, Portlands Tree is lit! and Portlands 41st Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by SmartPark is tonight! Celebrate the highlight of the Downtown Holiday Season as Santa Claus flips the switch, illuminating more than 9,500 colorful LED lights on the Citys 75 Douglas-fir, generously donated by Stimson Lumber.

Online commenters criticized the city for omitting the word Christmas. Independent journalist David Medina stated on social media that the citys avoidance of the term reflected an anti-Christian bias. Conservative voices echoed similar concerns, noting that the event is referred to simply as the tree.

PDX Real, a community journalism outlet, reported that thousands attended the ceremony, but some felt parts of the program carried political messaging that seemed inappropriate for a family-focused event. Social media users expressed concern that traditional celebrations were being co-opted for ideological purposes.

While some local media labeled the tree a holiday tree, others continued to call it a Christmas tree lighting, and city officials occasionally used the term as well. Portland Mayor Keith Wilsons office referred to the ceremony explicitly as a Christmas Tree Lighting and dismissed criticisms as overreaching.

The lighting included performances with cultural significance, notably songs by women from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. A representative emphasized the event coincided with Native American Heritage Day, reflecting on the deeper connection between indigenous people and the natural world, including trees and other living beings.

Despite the controversy, local reports indicate thousands enjoyed the longstanding tradition and celebrated the ceremonys festive aspects.

Author: Sophia Brooks