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Residents

Spirit of Gresham

  • Holiday light cruise and tree lighting

    Saturday, Dec. 4

    Arts Plaza

    Kick off the holiday season with the 2021 Spirit of Gresham. This season we invite all of Gresham to celebrate our many holidays and traditions, and light the community up with holiday cheer.

    Holiday light cruise, 4:00-5:30 pm

    This year's festivities feature a holiday light cruise, presented by Gresham Ford, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of this community event. Participants will follow a route weaving through all Gresham neighborhoods, with vehicles decorated in holiday lights. There will even be prizes from the North Pole! 

    Registration is free and space is limited. Gresham residents, local businesses and community-based organizations are encouraged to participate. Watch: How to decorate your vehicle

    Register your holiday vehicle

    Tree lighting, 6:00-7:30 pm

    Once the cruise makes its way to the Arts Plaza, we'll gather at 6:00 pm to enjoy international holiday music and treats from around the world. At 7:00 pm, count down to light the 70-foot Ponderosa pine along with Mayor Travis Stovall, City Councilors and Santa Claus.

    • Spirit of Giving
    • Letters to Santa
    • Event Sponsors
    Spirit of Giving

    The City is partnering with Gresham Ford and SnowCap Community Charities to host a canned food drive at the tree-lighting event to support local families in need.

    If you are able, please consider bringing non-perishable foods or donations to share as part of this year's Spirit of Giving event. Let's fill the plaza with food for everyone in the community!

    Letters to Santa

    Letters to Santa

    Last year, Santa Claus visited Gresham and gifted our community with two beautiful mailboxes for letters to Santa. Children and families can once again find their express mailbox to the North Pole at two locations:

    Gresham Arts Plaza

    401 NE Second St.
    Directions

    Rockwood Central Park

    17707 SE Main St. (at Yamhill Street park entrance)
    Directions

    Letters are picked up and delivered to the North Pole weekly starting Monday, Nov. 29, through Dec. 31. No postage necessary.

    Special thanks to our local partners at Secret Santa Charities for helping get each letter to the North Pole safely. Santa, Mrs. Claus and elves read each letter and will do their best to write back.

     

    Event Sponsors

    Thank you sponsors

    The Spirit of Gresham is possible each year with the generous support of community sponsors.

    The City appreciates the spirit of our 2021 sponsors:

    Holiday light cruise presenting sponsor

    Gresham Ford

    Spirit sponsors

    Clackamas County Bank

    The Gresham Outlook

    Nicholas Restaurant: Lebanese and Mediterranean Cuisine

    Weston Kia of Gresham

    North Pole Elves

    Alta Civic Station

    Pediatric Therapy Services NW

    Portland Winterhawks

    SERVPRO of Gresham

    US World Class Taekwondo of Gresham

    Interested in bringing this event to life with holiday spirit? Contact Sasha.Konell@GreshamOregon.gov to discuss sponsorship opportunities.

    • A holiday elf and teenage friends dress warm for the festivities in historic downtown Gresham.
    • A crowd gathers under the holiday lights of the 70 foot Ponderosa pine on the Arts Plaza.
    • Santa Claus hears the wishes of a boy at the Spirit of Gresham event.
    • Spirit of Christmas participant with hot cocoa
    • Spirit of Christmas attendees

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