Thank you to our Sponsor

November 27, 2020 The traditional beginning of the retail holiday season in Lake Oswego begins the day after Thanksgiving with the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Festival & Parade. The Chamber of Commerce and the City partner each year to put on this event.

Like many of our annual traditions affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, this beloved event is experiencing temporary changes of its own to ensure the health and well-being of our community.

Since 1964, residents and visitors have gathered to watch the Mayor throw the switch that turns the giant Sequoia in Bigelow Plaza (at the corner of A Avenue and 5th Street, near Safeway) into a living symbol that for many is the beginning of the Holiday shopping season, and for others a symbol of love, hope and the joy of giving.

This year, there will be no public tree lighting ceremony or parade. Instead, we invite you to enjoy a virtual greeting card on behalf of the City of Lake Oswego, the Chamber of Commerce and our sponsor, Director’s Mortgage. Please gather your family for an online viewing and enjoy “Company” from Lakeridge High School, “Windjammers” from Lake Oswego High School, and the talented community members who perform in the Millennium Concert Band as they give you a flavor of what you would have heard in person. The elves have told us that Santa will make a special guest appearance at the end!

We appreciate the creativity and effort of those who made this alternative celebration possible, especially Dave Arpin and Jamie Inglis from Parks and Recreation. Special thanks to Chamber President Christopher Boyer and his wife Kristine, Mayor Kent Studebaker and his wife Kim, and the Hanna family from Director’s Mortgage (Mark, Lindsey, Marky and Vivienne).

We look forward to seeing you at the Sequoia and Millennium Plaza next year. Please support our local businesses through this Holiday Season by shopping locally.