When the Plaza Lights go on Thanksgiving night, creating a magical scene for all who visit or look out their window of a Raphael Plaza View Suite or Room at the panoramic tableau across the street, they will experience holiday beauty up close and personal as well. The Raphael will be in sync with the 88th Annual Plaza Lighting Ceremony by flipping the switch that lights up the façade of our Italian Renaissance Revival style landmark building and – for the first time in the hotel's history – a Christmas tree on the landscaped terrace at our Ward Parkway entrance. The 12-foot tree was custom cut and shipped from Rickels Tree Farm located at the foot of Mt. Hood in Estacada, Oregon. Known as the 'Cadillac of Christmas trees,' Noble firs have a beautiful silvery blue-green color. 'We chose it because the Noble Fir has a reputation for superior needle retention and holding its color longer than any tree,' said Bill Carter, general manager. 'We wanted a fresh tree that would look beautiful throughout the Season of the Lights, which runs through January 14 this year.' The tree is adorned in traditional, large bulb, multi-colored lights and topped with a white star. It is located near the hotel's signature artwork, Boy With Thorn sculpture that was commissioned for the hotel's opening in 1975. Guests wanting to dive deeper into the holiday spirit and enjoy an even closer look at the Oregon tree may venture out onto the courtyard patio, snuggle up by one of the fire pits and sip an Oregon Pinot. Guests are welcomed into the season's spirit with additional touches of holiday décor: red ribbons in front of the carriage lights and lighted boughs of greenery along the balustrade of the courtyard terrace and wrought iron entrance to Chaz on the Plaza; wreaths on the entrance doors to the hotel vestibule and Chaz on the Plaza; an artificial tree in the Lobby decorated in white lights, gold ribbon and colorful ornaments as well as holiday flourishes throughout the Lobby.
