Greektown Chicago Celebrates 2024 Holiday Season with Tree Lighting, Greek Boat Display, and Shopper’s Reward Program
Chicago’s famous Greektown neighborhood will soon be illuminated by blue and white lighting along Halsted Street as Greektown Chicago rings in the holiday season with its annual tree lighting, Shopper’s Reward Program, and traditional Greek karavákia displays, featuring small illuminated boats throughout the neighborhood.
The annual Greektown tree lighting ceremony is schedule for Sunday, November 24, 2024, from 5:00-6:00 p.m. at Elysian Field (southeast corner of Halsted & Van Buren Streets) including an appearance from Santa, complimentary treats and hot chocolate. As the tree is illuminated in white and blue representing the colors of the Greek flag, students from Chicagoland Greek schools will sing traditional Greek Christmas carols (kalanta) along with live music. The tree will be decorated with 100 handmade karavákia ornaments, small boats created by artist Panos Fiorentios.
In addition to the festive lighting along Halsted Street, the Greektown Arts Committee will present ‘Karavákia, a cherished Greek Christmas tradition of displaying intricately decorated small boats symbolizing hope and guidance. More than 35 local artists will bring this timeless custom to life by transforming boat models into vibrant works of art, showcased in businesses throughout Greektown from November 24, 2024, through January 6, 2025. Greektown will also showcase a larger karaváki, painted by distinguished artist James Mesple, near the monument at Elysian Field where Greektown’s holiday tree will be displayed.
Finally, the Greektown Shopper’s Reward Program will offer a $50 rebate for visitors who shop and dine in the neighborhood from November 1 through December 31, 2024. Shoppers can receive a $50 Visa gift card after mailing original receipts from at least three different eligible Greektown businesses, with a grand total of $250 or more. A list of participating Greektown businesses and additional details on the rebate are available at greektownchicago.org.
Greektown is a dining, nightlife and cultural district located in Chicago’s West Loop. A popular destination for tourists and residents alike, Greektown offers some of best sampling of Greek heritage outside of Athens—from authentic restaurants, cafes and shops to the National Hellenic Museum and annual Taste of Greektown festival.
For additional information on all of the festive Greektown Chicago holiday events, visit GreektownChicago.com.
