Portland, Oregon, is facing criticism after its 41st annual tree lighting ceremony avoided any reference to Christmas while featuring a speaker waving a pro-Hamas flag and leading the crowd in political chants.
During Friday night’s event, a woman onstage held a “Palestine” flag and led the crowd in chanting:
“Free, free, free Palestine.”
She then performed the “Strong Woman Song” alongside members of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
The tribe members were invited as part of Native American Heritage Day programming.
“Tree Lighting Ceremony” Without the Word “Christmas”
Despite the traditional Christmas lights, a decorated tree, and an appearance by Santa Claus, the event was branded simply as “Portland’s 41st Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.”
City posts on Facebook, Instagram, and X promoted the event without mentioning Christmas.
Pioneer Courthouse Square, where the tree is displayed, also avoided the term, continuing a trend seen in city materials dating back to at least 2019.
One city caption read:
“Portland’s Tree is lit!”
Another promotional message stated:
“Celebrate the highlight of the Downtown Holiday Season as Santa Claus flips the switch, illuminating more than 9,500 colorful LED lights.”
Portland Is Erasing Christmas
Social media users and community journalists accused the city of deliberately removing references to Christmas from a longstanding public tradition.
Independent journalist David Medina wrote:
“The City of Portland and local media outlets are calling this ‘The Tree’ because they despise Christians like me and many of you so much they can’t bring themselves to say the word ‘Christmas.’”
Another user added:
“They can’t even say Christmas tree in Portland. They call it ‘the tree.’”
Local outlet PDX Real said many attendees felt the political messaging was inappropriate for a family event:
“Why are our public traditions being pulled into ideology and virtue signaling instead of serving the community?”
Other commenters echoed concerns that city-sponsored events should unite residents rather than promote activism.
Some Local Media Used “Holiday Tree”
Coverage varied across news outlets.
A few described the display as a “holiday tree,” while others referred to it as a Christmas tree.
Some local officials also used the word “Christmas” in their own social media posts.
Mayor’s Office Responds
In a statement, the office of Portland’s Democrat Mayor Keith Wilson defended the event:
“Mayor Wilson was delighted to join Portland’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting alongside Christmas carolers and holiday festivities.
“That said, framing it otherwise feels like quite the reach.”
Native American Heritage Day Elements Featured
Event organizers also incorporated programming tied to Native American Heritage Day.
Speakers from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs addressed the crowd, with one woman noting the symbolism of displaying a tree removed from its original environment:
“The tree that we stand beside was once rooted in its own home… the trees, rivers, mountains, all living beings are family more than the objects and more than the symbols that they might stand for.”
Thousands Attended Despite Controversy
Local reports estimate thousands of residents attended the ceremony.
Many told reporters they were excited to take part in the tradition, though others voiced concern that the event has drifted away from its Christmas roots.
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