Community sing-along led by Thomas Lauderdale of Pink Martini as Santa flips the switch to illuminate nearly 10,000 holiday lights.
Pioneer Courthouse Square hosts the 42nd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 27, marking the official start of the holiday season in downtown Portland. It's a tradition that's been running for over four decades, so if you've lived here a while, you've probably seen it happen a few times.
The evening centers on a community sing-along led by Thomas Lauderdale, the bandleader of Pink Martini. He'll be out there directing the crowd through holiday songs, and the whole thing builds toward the moment Santa flips the switch to light up the tree. When that happens, nearly 10,000 holiday lights come on at once, which is the main event of the night.
Because it's a sing-along, you're meant to join in rather than just watch from the sidelines. It's an outdoor gathering at the Square, and since it's late November in Portland, you'll want to dress for the weather. The ceremony falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving, so it's a good way to kick off the long weekend if you're staying in town.
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If you're planning to go, keep in mind that it's an annual tradition that draws a crowd, so arriving a bit early to get a spot near the tree is a smart move. The ceremony takes place on November 27 at Pioneer Courthouse Square.
