PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Celebrating its 40th holiday season, Pioneer Courthouse Square will present nearly two months of free holiday events and cherished traditions that will bring Portland together Downtown For the Holidays. Events will begin on Wednesday, November 13 at 12:30 p.m. with the delivery of Portland’s 75-foot-tall iconic Douglas fir, generously donated by Stimson Lumber Company.
For 23 years, Stimson Lumber Company has skillfully harvested and delivered the tree for our City’s Living Room.
The full calendar of events includes:
Wednesday, November 13, 12:30 p.m.
Stimson Lumber Tree Arrival Presented by SmartPark
This year’s tree, grown on sustainable forestlands in Gaston, Oregon, will make its journey to The Square with the help of Highway Heavy Hauling, a woman-owned, regional Oregon trucking company. Upon its arrival to The Square, the tree will be skillfully lifted into place by NessCampbell Crane + Rigging with the help of Portland Parks and Recreation’s Urban Forestry. Join Santa, carolers and city dignitaries to kick off the holiday season in Downtown.
November 13 – 27, Daily
Tree Building and Light Stringing
Over a two-week period The Square’s Event Production team will skillfully get to work and reattach tree branches to fill out the Tree utilizing lifts provided by EquipmentShare. With all of the branches attached, Portland’s own Hollywood Lights will adorn the City’s tree with over 9,500 multi-colored LED lights which will illuminate Portland’s Living Room through the New Year.
Friday, November 29, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
40th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Presented by SmartPark
Portland’s Annual Tree Lighting, presented by SmartPark, invites Portlanders to unite for a holiday celebration in Portland’s Living Room the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 29, at 5:30 p.m. The ceremony will feature a joyful sing-along with Portland’s own Thomas Lauderdale and Pink Martini, who will be joined by talented band, symphony and chorale performers. Come Downtown to join in the musical celebration as Santa Claus flips the switch to illuminate more than 9,500 colorful LED lights on Portland’s Tree.
Sunday, December 1, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The Portland Bazaar at The Square
The Portland Bazaar will once again bring local artisans, makers, and cheer to The Square on the Sunday following Tree Lighting! Nearly 40 vendors will fill The Square. Visitors will be able to shop local for holiday gifts outdoors, under The Tree, with friends and family. For more information, or to be a vendor at the Bazaar, visit: www.portlandbazaar.com.
December 6th, 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m., December 7th, 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. & December 8th, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Portland Holiday Brew Festival
In partnership with True West Presents, holiday brews will be back downtown with a multi-day festival under the Tree at The Square. The Portland Holiday Brew Fest will fill The Square for three days with more than 30 holiday and winter beers, ciders, and delicious eats from around the Northwest. Festival goers will enjoy spacious heated tents, food and entertainment all while enjoying tasty and frosty brews. Tickets for this festive event can be purchased at pdxholidaybrewfest.com.
Friday, December 13, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition
This multi-block festive musical competition brings caroling groups to The Square and extends into a 10-block radius surrounding The Square Downtown. The public can participate in the event by registering to perform with a caroling group or by visiting downtown carolers to vote for your favorite caroling groups. A “carol-off” hosted by KGW’s Drew Carney will be held at The Square to award prizes to the top caroling groups. The grand prize winner will be selected by crowd applause and awarded $1,000. Second and third place prizes, as well as the coveted People’s Choice designation, will also be awarded. This FREE caroling competition will be held rain or shine from 5:30 - 8 p.m. Team caroling registration is now open to teams of 3-20 carolers per group.
Saturday, December 21, 1:30 p.m.
33rd Annual Tuba Christmas Concert presented by SmartPark
Experience the mighty sounds of big brass as over 250 tubas play in harmony for the 33rd Annual Tuba Christmas Concert in Portland’s Living Room. This overwhelmingly popular seasonal performance is free for the public to attend. Tuba players can register online at thesquarepdx.org.
December 25, 2024 – January 1, 2025, Time varies depending on the day
Portland’s Public Nightly Menorah Lighting
Chabad of Oregon will bring Portland’s Public Hanukkah menorah to The Square for its nightly lighting. On the first night, Wednesday, December 25th, there will be music, Chanukah foods, and festivities to kick off the eight nights of Chanukah. For more information about Hanukkah and a local schedule of nightly events visit JPortland.com.
In addition, The Square will carry on its tradition of showcasing Live Holiday Art Performances, featuring local musical artists, dancers, schools, bands, and performance groups on The Bricks at The Square and will program live holiday pop-up performances.
In partnership with Portland Mall Management, throughout the month of December along Portland’s Transit Mall, SW 5th & SW 6th Avenues and SW Morrison and SW Yamhill St., live Holidays on the Transit Mall In Concert performances will bring joy to neighboring retailers throughout Downtown.
For a complete schedule of all of these fun holiday events Downtown click here or follow The Square on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up to date.
Sponsors and Supporters
The 2024 Holiday Season at Pioneer Courthouse Square is made possible by SmartPark, with additional support from Nordstrom, Stimson Lumber Company, Skanska, Travel Oregon, Highway Heavy Hauling, NessCampbell Crane + Rigging, Portland Parks & Recreation, EquipmentShare, Portland Mall Management Inc., OSU Foundation, The Oregonian, KGW, and KINK.
About Pioneer Courthouse Square
Pioneer Courthouse Square is where Portland comes together. Through arts, culture, and civic programming, the nonprofit operating The Square strives to be the foundation of a diverse and thriving downtown, and in turn a better Portland. With more than 300 events per year, The Square is home to many of Portland’s favorite community traditions including concerts, festivals of food and drink, and cultural celebrations. Through a variety of public and private partnerships, Pioneer Courthouse Square operates within an annual budget of $2.2M composed of cash and in-kind donations.
