The original "Christmas Tree Ship"

The Rouse Simmons was the original "Christmas Tree Ship" that came to Chicago at the beginning of the holiday season for over 30 years in the early 1900’s. The “Christmas Tree Ship” was a three masted schooner that was easily recognized by waiting crowds when they saw a Christmas tree tied to her main mast and her decks loaded with thousands of Christmas trees destined for Chicago families. For more of the story see HISTORY.

 

Today's "Christmas Tree Ship"

Chicago's boating community reenactment of the olden days of the Rouse Simmons landing in Chicago is now portrayed by the US Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw. The trees are off-loaded from the Mackinaw by local youth volunteers, including Sea Cadets, Venture Crews, Sea Scouts and Young Marines and loaded onto trucks for distribution to more than a thousand deserving families throughout Chicago by Ada S. McKinley Community Services. The gift of Christmas trees to deserving families is made possible by the generous financial support of our sponsors, donors and contributors.

 

Educational Programs

Chicago's Christmas Ship Committee hosts educational programs for local area schools aboard the USCGC Mackinaw. More information can be found in the events section of this website.

 

Volunteer Efforts

The Mackinaw's arrival is a culmination of efforts by the Chicago's Christmas Ship Committee, working together with the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Chicago's Navy Pier, private individuals, volunteer groups and the hard working generous boaters of the marine community to help make Christmas special for deserving Chicago families.

 

Kids Helping Kids

Starting in 2004, our participating youth groups (high school aged Scouting and other organized youth groups) have played an ever-increasing important and appreciated role in this charitable program.  We invite returning and new units of recognized youth groups to contact us using the Volunteer Inquiry section of the Contact Us menu. This is the only way new or returning youth groups may qualify to participate.

 

Support

We couldn't make this happen without the help of individuals and groups that support us through financial and in-kind donations. 100% of donated funds are used for the purchase of Christmas trees.  Please consider becoming a 'Tree Donor' today.

 
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25th Anniversary Voyage!

November 23Magnificent Mile Fireworks Cruise

Saturday, November 23rd, 2024

Chicago's First Lady Cruises

Registration & Details


December 6th

USCGC 'Mackinaw' Arrives

The USCGC Mackinaw will arrive on Friday, December 6th, 2024

VIP Reception @ Chicago Yacht Club

(invitation only)- VIP's, Invited Guests & Donors - All Tree Donors are invited to the VIP reception  6:00 PM - 9:00 PM.

Become a Tree Donor today!


December 7th

The Main Event

Ceremony and will commence on Saturday, December 7th, 2024 at 10 AM.

Tree offloading will start at 8:30 AM.

 


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