Greektown Chicago is illuminated with blue and white lights sparkling along Halsted Street this month as it kicked off the holiday season with Greek-themed festivities and events—including the 10th annual Greektown tree lighting event with Santa & friends, and a holiday karavákia display of 35 small artist-painted boats adorning businesses throughout the neighborhood. The Greektown tree lighting ceremony was held on Sunday, November 23 at Elysian Field (southeast corner of Halsted & Van Buren Streets) and featured an appearance by Santa, complimentary treats and hot chocolate. The tree is decorated with karavákia ornaments, small boats created by artist Panos Fiorentios. Free and open to the public, the Greektown tree lighting event is sponsored by Greektown SSA #16 with additional support from 34th Ward Alderman Bill Conway, the Greektown Chamber of Commerce, and the nonprofit Chicago Greektown Educational Foundation. For more information, visit www.greektownchicago.org.

Photo Credit: Elios Photography