California cancels Christmas tree lighting ceremony after pro-Palestinian protest threats

An annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in California was canceled over a planned pro-Palestinian protest.

The 92nd annual Sacramento Christmas tree lighting will not be held publicly, with the performances instead being streamed online. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) cited tensions in the country as the reason for canceling the festivities.

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“As we continue to see protests across the country impacting the safety of events of all scales – and for the safety and security of all participating members and guests including children and families – the ceremony this year will be virtual,” a Newsom spokesperson said on Tuesday afternoon, according to KCRA. “The program is unchanged and viewers can tune in Wednesday evening to watch this year’s festivities.”

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The adjusted plans were elaborated upon in a statement on the governor’s website.

“The celebration, an annual tradition dating back to the 1930s, highlights California’s diverse heritage and spirit of inclusion – the program will include the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, the Wilton Rancheria, and representatives of the Department of Developmental Services’ regional centers,” the statement read.

The change in plans came after the Sacramento Regional Coalition for Palestinian Rights announced a rally and march to the capitol during the ceremony, where they would call for a ceasefire in Gaza and “out Gov. Gavin Newsom for hiding from the public because he doesn’t want to face their anger at his shameful stance in regard to the genocide in Gaza,” a spokesperson told KCRA.

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“Governor Newsom decided to cancel the tree lighting ceremony rather than face the public that is enraged by his shameful silence on the genocide in Gaza. This certainly doesn’t add up with his past stance with Native Americans,” Yassar Dahbour of Sacramento Regional Coalition for Palestinian Rights said.

Last week saw a violent confrontation at the annual Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony in New York City, when a large pro-Palestinian crowd clashed with the police. Police deployed pepper spray and made several arrests.