Greektown Tree Lighting

The holiday season will glow with the blue and white lights representing the Greek flag during the annual tree lighting and Christmas celebration in the Greektown neighborhood along South Halsted Street on November 22, 2026.

Photo courtesy of the Greektown Chamber of Commerce

Sing Greek Christmas carols (kalanta), greet Santa and sip hot chocolate and munch on complimentary loukoumades, Greek pastries, during the festivities. The event kicks off with Santa strolling around Elysian Field, the open space accented with a Greek temple monument at the corner of South Halsted and Van Buren, at 3:30 pm.

After photo ops, Santa will help with the countdown to the tree lighting at 5 pm. As the tree bursts with bright blue and white lights, students from local Greek schools will sing traditional Greek Christmas carols. Besides lights, the tree will be decorated with ornaments of small boats called karakavia, created by artist Panos Fiorentios.

Photo courtesy of the Greektown Chamber of Commerce

After the Christmas carols, enjoy free hot chocolate and pastries, while supplies last. Take in the rest of the Greektown holiday celebration by checking out the artful display of holiday karakavia along South Halsted Street.

In Greece, decorating these little boats is a beloved holiday tradition. The boats are festooned with lights, paint and other creative additions, as a nod to the country’s seafaring history.

Greektown will host 30 karakavia designed by local artists and displayed in business windows and other prominent spots. A large karavaki painted by artist James Mespie will be showcased near the temple and Christmas tree at Elysian Field.

If you shop or dine after the event, check out the Greektown Shopper’s Reward Program, which offers a $50 rebate for visitors who shop and dine in the neighborhood now through December 31, 2026. Shoppers can receive a $50 Visa gift card after emailing receipts from at least three different eligible Greektown businesses totaling $250 or more.

Submissions are due by January 31, 2027. A list of participating Greektown businesses and additional details on the rebate are available at greektownchicago.org/greektown-shoppers-reward.