Chicago's Christmas Ship festivities begin with the official welcoming ceremony of the USCGC 'Mackinaw' which docks to the west wall immediately south of the main entrance to Navy Pier near the “Captain At The Helm” statue. The ship normally arrives on Friday morning before the Saturday main event. During the day the ship is decorated with trees and lights while special school group presentations are conducted onboard including a tour of the ship, discussion of the ROUSE SIMMONS and maritime history as well as the Coast Guard’s Sea Partners program on marine environmental concerns.