Don’t Miss These November & December Chicago Marine Events!

The maritime community is buzzing this November and December with fantastic events in Chicago! From empowering professional women on the water to holiday cheer on the river, there’s something for everyone.

Columbia Yacht Club’s Women on the Water (WOW)

• When: Friday, November 21, 2025
• Where: Columbia Yacht Club
• What: Join the inspiring Professional Women on the Water event for camaraderie, discussions, and networking with fellow female mariners. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn, and grow your passion for the lake. 
• Tickets: Limited free tickets available on Eventbrite

Spotlight on Event Organizer: Jennifer Angone

This initiative is the brainchild of Jennifer Smith Angone, a passionate entrepreneur, philanthropist, and dedicated member of Chicago’s marine community. Jennifer, the Owner & Founder of Organnica, Inc., and a member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and Columbia Yacht Club’s Marine Education Committee, was inspired to start this event after realizing the need for female captains to connect and be empowered during the off-season.

Having grown up driving a boat before a car—a foundational experience that instilled immense confidence—Jennifer’s current focus is on sharing that knowledge as the Skipper of Sea Scout Ship 5111 at Columbia Yacht Club. Her love for boating is rooted in the camaraderie and the endless opportunities to learn something new on the water.

Jennifer’s inspiration: “Female captains are an often-overlooked, under-utilized segment of the professional maritime community here in Chicago. As an entrepreneur and philanthropist, recognizing opportunities for growth and empowerment comes second nature for me.”

Captain Diamond Gibbs partnered with Jennifer on this event and notes, “My goal is to meet all the ladies that are working on our waterways, make new friends, and encourage our women crew members and deckhands to become captains.” 

Thanks to the INTERNATIONAL SHIPMASTERS ASSOCIATION – CHICAGO LODGE NO 3, First Lady, and the Columbia Yacht Club for sponsoring this event.

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Fireworks River Cruise 

• When: Saturday, November 22, 2025
• Where: Chicago River (Boarding from the Riverwalk between Columbus Drive and Michigan Ave. bridge)
• Time: Boarding begins at 5:30 PM, Underway at 6:00 PM
• Details: Kick off the holiday season spectacularly! Sail with Chicago’s First Lady Cruises for a unique, colorful nighttime view of the Chicago River, culminating in a prime spot to watch the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival fireworks. Arrive early to ensure timely boarding and parking.
• Tickets: Adults $35, Children $18 

Chicago’s Christmas Ship Events 

Witness a cherished Chicago tradition—the modern-day reenactment of the Christmas Tree Ship!

United States Coast Guard Cutter (Ice-Breaking) Ship ‘Mackinaw’ Arrives

• When: Friday, December 5, 2025
• Event: The USCGC Mackinaw arrives, bringing hundreds of Christmas trees for Chicago families in need.
• VIP Reception: An invitation-only reception for VIPs, Invited Guests, and Tree Donors will be held at the Chicago Yacht Club from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Consider becoming a Tree Donor today to support this incredible cause and receive an invitation!

Christmas Tree Ceremony and Distribution

• When: Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 10 am
• Event: The main public ceremony and tree distribution takes place, a heartwarming maritime tradition.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of these special moments on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River!

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