Portland sparks outrage for city’s ‘tree’ lighting ceremony

While thousands gathered for Portland’s annual tree lighting festivities, the glaring absence of the word ‘Christmas’ as well as pro-Palestinian chants set off a wave of criticism.

Neither advertising for the event nor speakers at the city’s 41st annual tree-lighting at Pioneer Courthouse Square even mentioned Christmas, and even the star of the show was referred to only as “the tree” during the ceremony that kicked off with a nod to Native American Heritage Day.

Although traditional Christmas songs were rolled out, and Santa Claus appeared to help flip the switch on the tree lights, those gathered to celebrate the holiday tradition were blindsided by opening comments from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, and even a “Free Free Palestine” chant by someone holding a Palestinian flag.

(Video Credit: KGW News)

“This is the perfect time to bring this up. There are a lot of genocides going on,” the woman said after being introduced by a tribe member who referred to the event as a “tree lighting.”

“Can I get a ‘Free, free Palestine!?” she then asked, leading the crowd in a chant before singing the “Strong Woman Song” with those onstage, declaring that it “felt appropriate since we’re representing our matriarchs up here.”

Meanwhile at last night’s Christmas tree lighting in Portland Oregon… pic.twitter.com/p5GnWPdU9j

— Conservative in Oregon (@oregonducksmama) November 30, 2025

It took nearly an hour into the event before Mayor Keith Wilson made remarks and had Santa join him to turn the lights on the 75-foot-tall tree. The moment was celebrated by the thousands gathered, but many criticized the “divisive” opening to the Christmas event.

“WHY DOES everything have to be so DIVISIVE??!!” one X user posted on the social media platform.

‍WHY DOES everything have to be so DIVISIVE??!! Portland Christmas Tree lighting…. #pdx #portlandISNOTfine pic.twitter.com/nRq6fBB7jD

— Oregon Citizen (@oregoncitizen_) November 29, 2025

“They can’t even say Christmas tree in Portland. They call it ‘the tree,’” another wrote.

Many others were outraged by the city’s handling of the event and vented online.

Why can’t it be about joy, cheer and gratitude. they have to make everything victimhood and controversial

— Oregon Citizen (@oregoncitizen_) November 29, 2025

I don’t understand why a Christmas tree lighting has to become a punching bag for the left it’s fucking Christmas if they don’t like it then they shouldn’t be there or celebrating

— Lockwood for Congress (@JNTHN_LCKWD) November 30, 2025

The fact they wanted to do it at that particular time sounds like an intentiinal soft protest.
Do Christians impose their religious views during Islamic celebrations?

— CrystalClear (@DonnaCu17173846) November 30, 2025

Absolute hypocrites.
They are celebrating Christmas traditions but not utilizing the the word “Christmas”

Disrespectful gross behavior

— Jude Mel Roses (@judemelros) December 1, 2025

Why does everything have to be political? Just light the damn tree.

— Saoirse_Lochlann (@Saoirse_Lochlan) December 1, 2025

Oh ffs. I have second hand embarrassment for these loons.

— banana slug (@itsontheradio) December 1, 2025

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Frieda Powers

Senior Staff Writer
Frieda@bizpacreview.com

Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida where she has been writing for the BizPacReview team since 2015.