Portland ushered in the holiday season Friday night as crowds filled Monument Square for the city’s annual tree-lighting ceremony.
The centerpiece this year: a 40-foot red spruce donated by Portland Housing Authority, which was installed in the square last week.
Portland Downtown’s executive director, Cary Tyson, described the event as “one of the biggest parties in downtown Portland,” noting that each year’s celebration grows in scale and spirit. “We try to shake it up a little bit,” he said. “This year, we’ve got an extraordinary tree for you.”
For those who were unable to attend in person, Portland Downtown streamed the decorated tree live on its YouTube page offering a front-row seat from the comfort of home.
With the tree set to remain lit for the rest of the year, the event marks the official kickoff of the holiday season in downtown Portland.
