GRESHAM, Ore. – The City of Gresham is excited to announce that the Spirit of Gresham is back! Join your friends and neighbors to celebrate the start of the holiday season in historic downtown Gresham, where a variety of fun, family friendly festivities all lead up to the grand finale—the lighting of the City’s 70-foot ponderosa pine at the 30th annual Spirit of Christmas event on Saturday, December 4th. Starting at 6 p.m., the community will have the opportunity to enjoy bites from local multi-cultural businesses, international holiday music and carols, visit with Santa and more! The tree is lit promptly at 7 p.m.

At the Arts Plaza, located at 401 NE Second St., Santa will listen to the children’s wish lists and pose for photos. We will hear from City Manager Nina Vetter, Mayor Travis Stovall and Gresham Police Chief Gullberg all leading up to the tree lighting. Free cocoa, cider, and various other international holiday-inspired treats will be served, thanks to our generous sponsors and local business partners. 

Activities will take place throughout the day in downtown Gresham leading up to the tree lighting at the Arts Plaza, including the first ever Holiday Light Cruise presented by Gresham Ford, beginning at 4 p.m.; check out Greshamoregon.gov/Spirit-of-Gresham/ for specific times as well as a map of all the festivities.

This annual event is made possible by local businesses. Special thanks to our Holiday Light Cruise presenting Sponsor Gresham Ford. Spirit sponsors: Clackamas County Bank, The Gresham Outlook, Nicholas Restaurant and Weston Kia of Gresham. And our North Pole Elf Sponsors: Alta Civic Station, Pediatric Therapy Services, SERVPRO of Gresham, US World Class Taekwondo and the Portland Winterhawks!

Visit Greshamoregon.gov/Spirit-of-Gresham/ for more information.