Museum’s 78th Annual Christmas Around The World And Holidays of Light Exhibits Highlight More Than 40 Countries And Cultures

The 45-foot-tall Grand Tree has more than 30,000 lights. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI)
The 45-foot-tall Grand Tree has more than 30,000 lights. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI)

Museum’s 78th Annual Christmas Around The World And Holidays of Light Exhibits Highlight More Than 40 Countries And Cultures

     The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago’s (MSI) Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibits has returned, highlighting the rich customs of more than 40 countries and cultures.
     Explore trees and displays decorated by volunteers from Chicago’s diverse communities and learn about holidays from across the globe. Daily capacity is limited, and timed-entry tickets are required for this 78th annual tradition.
     Trees and displays are more spread out than ever before inside the museum to ensure physically distancing. Guests can enjoy the comfort and space MSI has to offer through its nearly half million square feet all while learning about the traditional holiday celebrations from around the world, and new offerings including:
• Traditional Outfits: New displays feature six traditional outfits shared with MSI by volunteer groups representing Kenya, Norway, Scotland, Hungary, Japan and Ecuador.
• Member Holiday Mornings: Every Saturday now through January 2, 2021, MSI Members can explore Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light before the museum opens to the public.
• Tree-topper Stars: Star sculptures stand at the base of MSI’s Grand Tree honoring the volunteers that were not able to participate in this year’s exhibits due to the ongoing pandemic.
• Holiday Store: Full of gifts and festive trinkets for family and friends, including unique ornaments representing cultures from around the world. Some items also available for purchase online.
Holidays of Light also offers rich histories of celebrations honoring light and enlightenment, including Lunar New Year, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Hanukkah, and St. Lucia Day. At the center of these exhibits stands the 45-foot-tall, floor-to-ceiling Grand Tree decorated with more than 30,000 lights, offering photo opportunities with loved ones.
     Established in 1942, Christmas Around the World began with a single tree to show solidarity with fellow Allied nations during WWII, symbolizing that there is more that unites us than divides us. For the past 78 years, this exhibit has become a Chicago tradition, connecting guests through the spirit of the holiday season and the sharing of each other’s heritages.
     Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light are included in museum entry. Advance ticket reservations are required, book tickets online at msichicago.org/holidays. Face coverings are required for all staff and guests ages 2 and older. New visit procedures and safety details can be found at msichicago.org/welcome. MSI is closed on Christmas.

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