40th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
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Artistic rendering โ€“ Event may differ

40th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Portland's iconic annual tree lighting ceremony with live music.

About

Experience the magic of Portland's 40th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pioneer Courthouse Square. This beloved holiday tradition kicks off the season with a festive sing-along led by Thomas Lauderdale of Pink Martini, alongside local musicians and chorale singers. Watch as Santa Claus illuminates the magnificent 75ft Douglas-fir tree, adorned with over 9,500 sparkling LED lights, marking a highlight of the holiday season in downtown Portland.

Our Take

Family Friendly

๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Families, couples, holiday enthusiasts

Vibe

Festive, joyful, community-oriented

Energy Level

Low

Budget

FREE

Photo Friendly

๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

High

Special Events & Promotions

  • Annual tree lighting ceremony
  • Sing-along with Thomas Lauderdale of Pink Martini
  • Santa Claus flips the switch to illuminate the tree

Tags

tree lightingSanta visitslive musiccommunity celebrationholiday traditionfamily friendlyfestive atmosphereholiday seasonfree event

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Location

701 SW 6th Ave
Portland, OR
97204

Event Details

Pricing

FREE

Duration

1 hour 15 minutes

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Portland

Timed Entry

No

Featured Performers

  • Thomas Lauderdale
  • Pink Martini

Organizer

Pioneer Courthouse Square

Practical Information

Parking

Information available on SmartPark parking.

Pet Policy

No pets allowed

Food & Drink

Food trucks and beverage vendors available on-site

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for the tree lighting and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
  • Download the official songbook in advance to fully participate in the joyful sing-along.
  • Consider using public transportation via TriMet to easily access Pioneer Courthouse Square and avoid parking hassles.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress in layers, as the event takes place outdoors in late November.
  • Bring your camera to capture the magical moment when Santa illuminates the towering Christmas tree.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I hold an event at Pioneer Courthouse Square?

For information on holding an event, visit the 'Hold An Event' page or contact Lindsay Gay directly at 503.223.1613.

Are you the retail mall Pioneer Place?

No, the mall is located two blocks east of the Square. You can reach Pioneer Place at 503.228.5800 or www.pioneerplace.com.

How do I reach the Visitor Information Center?

You can reach Travel Portland at 503.275.8355 or www.travelportland.com.

Do you have a calendar of events?

Yes, for a list of upcoming events, visit the Events Calendar page.

How can I volunteer at The Square for an event?

To learn how you can volunteer at The Square for an event, email Stephanie Wisniewski at stephanie@thesquarepdx.org.

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Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 23, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The ChristmasLocal.com editorial team

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