Free Admission: Christmas Tree Ship 2025

The National Museum of the Great Lakes is offering free museum admission all day long as we celebrate this meaningful holiday tradition.

Our holiday tradition is back! 

Presented by UToledo Health and supported by the Port of Monroe

The holidays are a time for giving—and we invite you to be part of our tradition! Purchase a live 5–7 ft Christmas tree from Matthes Tree Farms in Ida, MI for yourself or donate a tree to a family in need. Then, on Saturday, December 6, gather at the National Museum of the Great Lakes to watch Santa Claus arrive by tugboat with a boatload of Christmas trees.  

Your last chance to purchase a Christmas Tree for yourself or a family in need is 1 pm on Sunday, November 30. Trees are $80 each. Members, check your inbox for a $10 off promo code. Click here or the button below to get or give a tree.

Give the Gift of Holiday Cheer

In addition to trees, you can brighten the season by donating a gift card to help local families meet their holiday needs. Gift cards will be distributed by our partners: East Toledo Family Center, Family House, Lucas County Children Services, and Sylvania Area Family Services. Donations toward gift cards will be accepted through December 6, 2025. Click here or the button below to donate a gift card.

PLUS, for every holiday donation (gift card or tree), UToledo Health will match with a healthy hygiene kit for community members in need!

The Story Behind the Christmas Tree Ship

On November 23, 1912, the schooner Rouse Simmons—later known as the Christmas Tree Ship—sank while carrying a load of Christmas trees to Chicago. Its captain, Herman E. Schuenemann (fondly remembered as “Captain Santa”), was known for giving trees to families in need. This legacy of generosity continues through our annual Community Giveback Event, honoring his spirit by delivering trees to families across our community.

Community Giveback Day Itinerary

• 10 AM – 5 PM: Museum admission free all day
• 11 AM: Enjoy the East Toledo Holiday Parade
• 1:15 PM: Watch the Ship’s Journey to the Museum via Facebook Live
• 1:30 PM: Santa Arrives to the Museum’s Docks
• 1:45 – 3:45 PM: Meet and Greet with Santa

Not able to join us in person? Not a problem! Tune into our Facebook page around 1:15 p.m. for a livestream of the ship’s journey down the Maumee River. Get a tour of the Christmas Tree Ship, learn more about the story that inspired our event, and meet the individuals onboard, including Santa!

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*Individuals interested in learning more about receiving a donated tree are encouraged to reach out to a United Way Community Resource Advisor by calling 211.