tonight was the tree lighting at pioneer square. it was pretty cold, about 36 degrees and dry(thank goodness). we went down early to take a trip in to the apple store and get a good seat at the tree lighting. a load of people made it out for the festivities, although there was already plenty of people out doing there black friday shopping.

when we went into pioneer place(a mall downtown) a strange anxiety set in. people everywhere, christmas songs playing, consuming, consuming, consuming. after we squeezed our way out of the apple store we were frantically searching for an exit. isn’t it funny how it’s so hard to get out of those places. whew!

anyway, we got our hot coffee drinks and sat down on the pioneer square steps to start this holiday season. with music by the portland jazz orchestra with valerie day, it just warmed you from the inside out. something about christmas tunes and jazz, i guess. with everyone dancing and singing, santa made his appearance with a giant plug to light up the tree.

so they lit it up, the singing continued, and we made our way home for a hot apple cider.

next thursday through sunday the holiday ale festival will take place at pioneer square. you’ll be sure to hear a few stories from that too.

flickr pics