Chicago’s Christmas Ship: A Heartwarming Holiday Tradition

A cherished Chicago tradition that began more than a century ago continues as the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw returns to Navy Pier this weekend, delivering free Christmas trees to brighten the holiday season for more than 1,200 families. This is the setting for this Story From The 78.

Known as Chicago’s Christmas Ship, the Mackinaw is scheduled to arrive Friday, Dec. 6, and will host tree unloading and celebration events on Saturday, Dec. 7. The tradition, now in its 25th year in its modern form, is organized by Chicago’s Christmas Ship Committee with logistical support from the Coast Guard and Ada S. McKinley Community Services.

Honoring a Historic Tradition

This annual event commemorates the original Christmas Ship, the schooner Rouse Simmons, which sank in a storm on Nov. 23, 1912, while delivering 5,000 trees to Chicago. Today, the committee purchases trees in Northern Michigan through private donations, and the Mackinaw transports them to Chicago as part of its regular buoy-maintenance mission on Lake Michigan. Ada S. McKinley Community Services coordinates the distribution of the trees to nonprofit organizations.

“The Christmas Ship mission is a privilege, truly unique to the Great Lakes,” said Cmdr. Jeanette Greene, commanding officer of the Mackinaw. “This tradition allows us to honor the sailors who braved Lake Michigan’s treacherous waters while continuing a legacy of giving.”

Schedule of Events

The festivities begin Friday, Dec. 6, with an official ship arrival and welcome ceremony:

• 7:45 a.m.

  : The Mackinaw departs the south wall of Navy Pier for a demonstration cruise.

• 9:30 a.m.

  : The ship docks at the west wall of Navy Pier, adjacent to the Lakeside Stage at Polk Bros Park. Members of the Chicago Police Department Marine Unit and Chicago Fire Department Air Sea Rescue Unit will escort the vessel.

• Members of the press are invited to join the ship for the demonstration cruise.

The tree offloading kicks off Saturday, Dec. 7, at 8:30 a.m., followed by a tree ceremony at 10 a.m. at the Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park. Rear Adm. Jonathan P. Hickey, Ninth Coast Guard District commander, and Jamal Malone, CEO of Ada S. McKinley Community Services, are among the scheduled speakers.

Entertainment will include performances by the Gurdon S. Hubbard High School choir, the Coast Guard Academy Glee Club, and Christmas Ship balladeer Lee Murdock.

Free public tours of the Mackinaw will be available:

• Friday, Dec. 6

  : 1:30–3:30 p.m.

• Saturday, Dec. 7

  : 1:30–4 p.m.

Spreading Holiday Cheer

More than 30,000 Christmas trees have been distributed at no cost to families across Chicago since the modern tradition began. The initiative relies on volunteers and the support of partners, including the International Shipmasters’ Association, Chicago Marine Heritage Society, and Navy League of the United States.

“As we sail into another giving season, we honor the legacy of Capt. Herman Schuenemann and the original Christmas Ship,” said George Kisiel, chairman of Chicago’s Christmas Ship Committee. “Carrying forward this tradition brightens the hearts and homes of Chicago families.”

Malone echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of community: “These trees are more than decorations—they’re symbols of family and togetherness that bring joy to neighborhoods across Chicago.”

The reenactment of Chicago’s Christmas Ship remains a beloved holiday tradition, blending maritime heritage with the spirit of giving.

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