Portland sparks outrage for city’s ‘tree’ lighting ceremony: ‘They can’t even say Christmas tree’

Portland has stirred debate after the city’s Christmas tree was renamed simply “the tree” during its nightly lighting ceremony.

At this year’s 41st Pioneer Courthouse Square tree‑lighting, the event was held without any reference to “Christmas.” Speakers and city officials deliberately avoided the word in both the ceremony itself and all promotional material.

The evening began with a representative from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs thank the crowd for joining on Native American Heritage Day.

She showcased two younger members of the tribe who referred to the event as “the tree lighting,” then handed the mic to the next speaker.

Clad in a Palestinian flag, the woman led the attendees in a “free Palestine” chant, and moments after, cried out: “This is the perfect time to bring this up. There are a lot of genocides going on.”

She asked the crowd, “Can I get a ‘free, free Palestine,’” prompting a number of participants to echo the call.

She followed the chant with a rendition of the “Strong Woman Song,” joined by two young children and another woman, noting it felt appropriate as they honored their matriarchs.

Despite the muted holiday vibe, the city still introduced a Santa Claus, who posed with families and led a sing‑along featuring “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “Deck the Halls.”

Nearly an hour into the event, Mayor Keith Wilson addressed the crowd, unveiled Santa Claus and city representatives, then switched on the 10,000‑bulb, 75‑foot‑tall tree.

The ceremony appeared to proceed without any incidents, yet it drew criticism online.

One Twitter user remarked, “They can’t even say Christmas tree in Portland. They call it ‘the tree,’” while another posted, “WHY DOES everything have to be so DIVISIVE??!!”

Others replied, “It’s a Christmas tree, it’s always been a Christmas tree, and it will always be a Christmas tree,” and “Just saw a Christmas parade in Texas and everyone was saying Merry Christmas. God bless Texas.”