The annual arrival of the Christmas Tree Ship is underway in Chicago on Saturday. 

A U.S. Coast Guard ship carrying 1,200 Christmas trees from Michigan made its way Navy Pier. The trees will be given to families across Chicago. 

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem joined the volunteers as the trees were loaded off the boat. A small group of protesters were reported nearby. 

This is the 26th annual Christmas tree ship delivery. 

The Christmas tree dedication ceremony at Navy Pier is set for Saturday at 10 a.m. 

According to Krist Habermel, the voyage follows the route of the original Christmas Tree Ship, the Rouse Simmons, which sank in Lake Michigan in 1912 while carrying trees to Chicago.