Santa goes Greek: Chicago’s Greektown adds holiday sparkle with festive boats & caroling

Greektown Chicago holiday events will bring blue and white lights, Greek Christmas carols, Santa and a neighborhood-wide art display to the West Loop beginning Sunday, Nov. 22. According to a press release by Greektown Chicago, the season will include a free tree-lighting ceremony, a rebate program for shoppers and 35 artist-painted boats displayed at local businesses.

The events are designed to highlight Greektown’s Greek heritage while encouraging visitors to dine, shop and explore the district during the holiday season.

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Tree lighting will include Santa and Greek carols

The Greektown tree lighting is scheduled for 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, at Elysian Field near the southeast corner of Halsted and Van Buren streets. Santa and other holiday characters will be available for photos beginning at 3:30 p.m.

At 5 p.m., the tree will be lit with bright blue and white lights, reflecting the colors of the Greek flag. Students from Chicagoland Greek schools will perform traditional Greek Christmas carols, known as kalanta, the announcement confirmed.

After the performances, organizers will offer complimentary hot chocolate and Greek doughnuts called loukoumades while supplies last. The event is free and open to the public, with sponsorship from Greektown SSA #16 and support from local civic and community groups. 

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Boats, rebates and neighborhood businesses

The Holiday Karavákia display also opens Nov. 22 and runs through Jan. 7, 2027. The exhibit features 35 small boats painted by local artists and placed inside restaurants and other Greektown businesses.

The display draws from a Greek Christmas tradition of decorating boats, or karavákia, during the holidays. A larger boat painted by artist James Mesple will stand near the Elysian Field monument.

Visitors can also take part in the Greektown Shopper’s Reward program through Thursday, Dec. 31. Customers who spend at least $250 at three or more eligible Greektown businesses can receive a $50 Visa gift card by submitting receipts. Applications must be emailed to [email protected] by Jan. 31, 2027.

Greektown is home to restaurants, cafes, shops and the National Hellenic Museum. More holiday information is available through Greektown Chicago.