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Portland’s long-running holiday tradition took on a noticeably different tone this year after city officials avoided using the phrase “Christmas tree” during the 41st annual lighting ceremony at Pioneer Courthouse Square, referring to it only as “the tree.”
The shift—reflected in the event’s advertising, program, and stage announcements—quickly sparked backlash online from residents who felt the city was distancing itself from the holiday altogether.
Thousands packed the square Friday night to watch the lighting of the 75-foot evergreen, decorated with 10,000 bulbs, but the word “Christmas” was never mentioned by organizers, hosts, or featured speakers throughout the event. Even the opening remarks centered instead on Native American
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