In a city that bends over backwards to avoid offending anyone except Christians, Portland managed to turn what should have been a wholesome Christmas tree lighting into a culture-war sideshow—complete with political chanting, identity-politics lecturing, and the conspicuous disappearance of the word Christmas.
Thousands flocked to Pioneer Courthouse Square for Portland’s 41st annual tree-lighting—an event historically rooted in Christmas cheer. But this year? Not a single organizer, speaker, or advertisement dared to utter the word. Not once. Instead, Portlanders were treated to what officials repeatedly called simply “the tree.” Because apparently “Christmas tree” hits too hard.
The night even kicked off not with holiday joy but with a formal nod to Native American Heritage Day—an announcement delivered before any Christmas reference was allowed to sneak in. (Spoiler: It never did.)
But the real shocker? A pro-Palestinian activist, introduced by a member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, hijacked the opening moment with a political rallying cry.
“This is the perfect time to bring this up. There are a lot of genocides going on,” she declared—because nothing screams Christmas tradition like a surprise geopolitical lecture. She then pushed the crowd:
“Can I get a ‘Free, free Palestine!?’”
And yes—she led an actual chant. At a Christmas tree lighting.
She followed it up with the “Strong Woman Song,” noting it “felt appropriate since we’re representing our matriarchs up here.” Sure. Nothing says holiday magic like yelling political slogans before belting out empowerment anthems onstage.
Meanwhile, the families who showed up expecting Santa, hot cocoa, and Christmas cheer stood in stunned silence as the event veered wildly off-course.
It wasn’t until nearly an hour into the program—after attendees had endured more spectacle than celebration—that Mayor Keith Wilson finally stepped up with Santa to flip the switch on the 75-foot tree. The lights came on, the crowd cheered, and for a brief moment, Portland remembered why everyone was actually there.
To be fair, some traditional Christmas carols were belted out, despite the woke ceremony.
But online? People torched the city’s handling of the event.
For many, the night summed up Portland perfectly: a city that still wants the Christmas crowds, the Christmas money, and the Christmas tradition—so long as nobody has to say the word Christmas.
(Video Credit: KGW News)
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