The holiday season is upon us, bringing with it the sparkle of lights, joyful gatherings, and cherished traditions. For those in and around Portland, the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pioneer Courthouse Square stands as a quintessential start to the festivities. This year, embrace the ease and convenience of public transportation and let TriMet be your guide to this and many other delightful holiday events across the region. Forget the stress of parking and traffic, and focus on creating memorable holiday moments.
Portland’s Pioneer Square Tree Lighting: A Sparkling Tradition
Each year, Pioneer Courthouse Square transforms into a winter wonderland for the highly anticipated Portland’s Tree Lighting Ceremony. Mark your calendars for Friday, November 29th, as the square comes alive with the glow of thousands of twinkling lights from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. This beloved annual event is more than just a tree lighting; it’s an immersive holiday experience featuring Portland’s largest holiday sing-along, accompanied by the renowned Pink Martini. Anticipating crowds of up to 25,000 people, TriMet is making it easier than ever to attend this spectacular event.
To ensure the safety and smooth flow of pedestrian traffic during the Pioneer Square Tree Lighting, some MAX stations in the immediate vicinity will be temporarily closed from 3 PM to approximately 7 PM. These stations include:
- Pioneer Square North Station
- Pioneer Square South Station
- Pioneer Courthouse/SW 6th Ave Station
Navigating to Pioneer Courthouse Square via TriMet is still incredibly convenient. Simply alight at nearby MAX stations such as Library/SW 9th Avenue Station when heading eastbound, Morrison/SW 3rd Avenue Station for westbound travel, or SW 6th & Madison Station when traveling north. Remember to plan your trip in advance by visiting trimet.org for detailed route information and real-time updates.
While all MAX lines may experience slight delays due to the increased event traffic, and buses will be detoured off Southwest 6th Avenue until the crowds disperse, TriMet is committed to providing seamless transportation. Extra personnel will be on-site throughout the event to assist passengers, ensure security, and maintain smooth operations.
Beyond Pioneer Square: Holiday Events Across Portland by TriMet
The holiday spirit extends far beyond Pioneer Square, and TriMet can take you to a variety of festive events throughout the Portland metro area. Leave the car behind and explore the region’s holiday offerings with ease and affordability.
TriMet offers a cost-effective way to travel to holiday destinations:
- An adult fare is just $2.80 for 2½ hours or $5.60 for a Day Pass, offering unlimited rides all day.
- Discounted fares are available for Honored Citizens and Youth, with Day Passes at $2.80 and 2½-hour passes at $1.40.
- Payment is simple with a Hop Fastpass™ card, debit/credit card, or contactless mobile payment. Just tap your chosen payment method at the green Hop reader before boarding. You’ll never be charged more than the price of a Day Pass, regardless of how many trips you take.
Consider these other holiday events accessible by TriMet:
- Milwaukie Umbrella Parade and Tree Lighting (December 7, 2024): Join the festive parade and tree lighting in Milwaukie. The parade commences at 4:30 PM at South Downtown Plaza, culminating at City Hall with the tree lighting at 5:15 PM. The City Hall/SW 5th Ave MAX Station (Orange Line) is conveniently located nearby.
- Rockwood Spirit of Christmas (December 7, 2024): Experience a North Pole transformation in Rockwood at Gresham Arts Plaza. This day-long event, from 8 AM to 9 PM, features crafting activities and concludes with a tree lighting at 6 PM. The Gresham Central Transit Center (Blue Line) is a short walk away.
- ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo (Through January 5, 2025): Immerse yourself in the dazzling lights and displays at the Oregon Zoo’s annual ZooLights event, featuring new displays and the magical meadow light show. The Washington Park MAX Station (Blue and Red Lines) provides direct access to the zoo.
- Woodsy Winter Village Ice Rink: Enjoy ice skating at the enchanting Woodsy Winter Village near the Morrison Bridge. Open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM (except Christmas Day), it’s easily accessible from MAX Blue and Red lines, as well as Line 15 bus.
- Lloyd Center Ice Rink: Located near the Lloyd Center/NE 11th Ave MAX Station (Blue, Green, and Red lines), this rink offers daily public skate hours.
- OMSI on Ice: Experience indoor skating at OMSI on a synthetic ice rink from November 23, 2024, to January 1, 2025. Served by MAX Orange Line (South Waterfront/S Moody), Portland Streetcar, and bus lines 9, 17, 35, and 36.
- Winter Village at Orenco Station (November 30, 2024 – January 12, 2025): Outdoor ice skating at Jerry Willey Plaza in Hillsboro, just steps from the Orenco MAX Station (Blue and Red lines, Line 47 bus).
Holiday Safety and Travel Tips with TriMet
During the bustling holiday season, it’s important to stay safe and aware while traveling. TriMet prioritizes rider safety and encourages everyone to be mindful:
- At street crossings, always stop and look both ways before proceeding.
- Avoid obstructing your vision with hoods or umbrellas, especially at crossings and platforms.
- Enhance your visibility during darker evenings by wearing reflective clothing or carrying a light.
Be prepared for potentially crowded buses and trains during peak holiday travel times, as more people are out shopping and attending events. Travel times may also be slightly longer due to increased traffic throughout the city.
If you observe anything unusual or have non-urgent concerns, reach out to TriMet’s security hotline by texting or calling 503-238-7433 (RIDE) at any time. For emergencies, alert the operator or dial 911 immediately. Visit trimet.org/security for more safety information.
Plan Your Festive Journeys with TriMet
Embrace the holiday spirit without the stress of driving and parking. Utilize trimet.org to plan your routes, track your ride in real-time, and check trimet.org/alerts for any service updates before you head out. Patience is appreciated during this busy season, but with TriMet, you can relax and enjoy the magic of the holidays throughout Portland.
