Stimson Lumber Tree Arrival

Pioneer Courthouse Square welcomes the Stimson Lumber Tree on Tuesday, November 10, from 11 AM to 12:30 PM. It's a 75-foot Douglas-fir that arrives downtown to kick off the holiday season, and the arrival itself is the event.

If you've been around Portland for a few years, you know the drill: the tree rolls in, the square fills up, and the whole thing marks the official start of the city's holiday run. It's one of those traditions that works better the more people show up. The tree is a massive Douglas-fir, 75 feet tall, and it takes center stage at the Square for the season.

There's a bit more to it than just watching a tree arrive, though. Santa will be there, so it's a good spot to bring the kids and let them say hello. They're also handing out free hot chocolate, which is exactly what you want on a November morning downtown. Between the two, it's a pretty easy way to spend a little time outside before the real winter sets in.

The arrival is part of Portland's 2026 holiday program, so it's one of the first things on the calendar this year. It runs from 11 AM to 12:30 PM on Tuesday, November 10, at Pioneer Courthouse Square, and it's free to attend.