Chicago’s Beloved Holiday Tradition Returns Families Can Take Photos With Santa On Select Days
CHICAGO Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light return to the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago this November, highlighting the rich customs of more than 50 countries and cultures. The exhibits run November 17 through January 3, 2022.
This year, the exhibits celebrate the golden age of travel with themed décor and a spotlight on the Pioneer Zephyr train and Take Flight‘s 727, which have been newly reimagined. In addition, guests can visit Santa and have a souvenir photo taken with him on select days.
Hundreds of volunteers from Chicago’s diverse communities use handmade décor and personal mementos to decorate a forest of trees and displays that line the Museum’s Rotunda and main floor in a stunning spectacle. Guests can learn why silver spiders are good luck, find out which country celebrates the world’s longest Christmas season, marvel at intricate origami ornaments and more.
Dont miss the chance to take a photo with the Grand Treea 45-foot-tall, floor-to-ceiling tree featuring more than 30,000 lights. A special tree this year commemorates the Chicago Skys historic WNBA championship win. In addition, the Holidays of Light are showcased in display cases that contain symbolic objects used to celebrate Chinese New Year, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Hanukkah, Visakha Puja Day and St. Lucia Day.
Other experiences and events this year include:
Christmas Around The World Comes Back To The Museum Of Science + Industry
Okay, Ill be the first to admit that the Museum of Science + Industry isnt the first thing that pops into my head when I think about Christmas in Chicago, but starting on November 14, it just might be.
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Yes, MSIs annual and magical Christmas Around the World exhibit in Chicago starts next week and continues through January 5. Featuring trees, decorations, scenery, and more from across the globe, this holiday event allows Chicagoans to explore international traditions the likes of which they have never before seen.
Though the Christmas Around the World in Chicago exhibit had humble beginnings in 1942, the centerpiece of this years collection is an enormous four-story, floor-to-dome Grand Tree, surrounded by a forest of uniquely decorated trees representing traditional holiday celebrations around the globe.
This year, theyre adding something extra special. Holidays of Light is an additional experience that also runs during Christmas Around the World in Chicago, so make sure to check out both this season.
Head out to MSI most evenings later this month and next to sneak a peek at this holiday marvel at the Christmas Around the World exhibit or to watch nightly Christmas-themed performances, shows, and music.
For more information on the Christmas Around the World Chicago exhibit, the Museum of Science + Industry, and more, head to the MSI website.
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Museum Of Science & Industrys Christmas Around The World And Holidays Of Light Goes Virtual
Medill Reports
Just days after Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced a city-wide stay-at-home advisory, the Museum of Science and Industrys holiday exhibit Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light began virtual celebrations.
At a press conference on Nov. 12, the Mayor advised Chicago residents to only leave their homes for work, school and other essential needs. The updated advisory took effect on Nov. 16, as COVID-19 cases continued to rise in the city.
The advisory began just days after the opening of the Museum of Science and Industrys annual holiday celebration. In light of the new restrictions, the museum temporarily closed its doors to visitors. This video, exploring the Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibit, was created before the advisory took effect.
Under the new advisory, visitors are now able to take a live tour of the holiday exhibit. The next tour is scheduled to be streamed for free on the museums website on Dec. 18 at 3:30 p.m. CST. The museum will offer an additional live tour on Christmas Eve at 4:30 p.m. CST.
Jade Nash covers race, ethnicity, and culture at Medill. You can follow her on Twitter at @jadenashnews.
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Final Thoughts On Museum Of Science And Industry Chicago Christmas Around The World
Visiting MSI for Christmas is a longstanding Christmas in Chicago family tradition. Although not always top of mind when visiting Chicago for the holidays, MSI is the perfect place to get kids excited about science and holiday traditions simultaneously.
Plus, since this incredible holiday display is inside, Chicago weather cant interfere with these special holiday plans. Explore more of what makes Christmas in Chicago so special to make your holiday visit fun for the whole family.
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Christmas Around The World At Museum Of Science And Industry Celebrates More Than 50 Countries Cultures
CHICAGO — Explore rich holiday traditions from around the globe while creating your own traditions with loved ones in Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light.
Christmas is now less than 100 days away and to celebrate the Museum of Science and Industry announced that tickets are now on sale for its beloved annual holiday exhibit, Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light.
The exhibit began in 1942 with a single tree, and now the museums beloved annual celebration features a four-story, floor-to-dome Grand Tree, surrounded by a forest of more than 50 trees and displays.
This year, the exhibit will celebrate the golden age of travel with themed décor and a spotlight on the Pioneer Zephyr train and Take Flight’s 727, which have been newly reimagined. Guests can also visit Santa and have a souvenir photo taken with him.
Meanwhile, the 45-foot-tall Grand Tree, with more than 30,000 twinkling lights, stands in the domed rotunda, providing the perfect backdrop for photos.
Holiday of Lights represents the traditions of Chinese New Year, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Hanukkah, Visakha Puja Day, and St. Lucia Day.
Learn more and purchase tickets at www.msichicago.org/catw.
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About The Museum Of Science And Industry Chicago
The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago , one of the largest science museums in the world, offers world-class and uniquely interactive experiences that inspire inventive genius and foster curiosity. From groundbreaking and award-winning exhibits that cant be found anywhere else, to hands-on opportunities that make you the scientista visit to MSI is where fun and learning mix. Through its Welcome to Science Initiative, the Museum offers a variety of student, teacher and family programs that make a difference in communities and contribute to MSIs larger vision: to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential in science, technology, medicine and engineering. Come visit and find your inspiration! The Museum is grateful for the support of its donors and guests, who make its work possible. MSI is also supported in part by the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District. For more information, visit msichicago.org or call 684-1414.
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Christmas Around The World Opens At Msi
- Danielle Sanders, Managing Editor
In its 79th year, the Museum of Science and Industrys Christmas around the World and Holidays of Light opened Wednesday. In 1942 the exhibit opened with a single tree to show solidarity with fellow Allied nations during World War II, symbolizing that there is more that unites us than divides us. For the past 79 years, this exhibit has become a Chicago tradition, connecting guests through the spirit of the holiday season and the sharing of each others heritages. . Today, the exhibit features a four story Grand tree surrounded by more than 50 trees and displays to represent holiday traditions from cultures around the world.
This year, the exhibits celebrate the golden age of travel with themed décor and a spotlight on the Pioneer Zephyr train and Take Flights 727, which have been newly reimagined. In addition, guests can visit Santa and have a souvenir photo taken with him on select days.
This year guests can enjoy a variety of experiences including:
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. On November 17 and December 8, Illinois residents can receive free Museum Entry. Visit procedures and safety details can be found at msichicago.org/welcome. MSI is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. The exhibition runs through January 2, 2022.
DanieSanders20DanieSandersOfficial.
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Christmas Around The World Trees
This message of joy and inclusion continues today at MSI Christmas Around the World. Over the years, this Chicago Christmas tradition has expanded to showcase over 50 beautifully decorated trees.
The dazzling MSI Grand Tree is the focal point of the rotunda greeting you when you come up the escalator. From here, trees sparkle throughout multiple hallways and galleries.
Trees are lovingly decorated by volunteers with decor representing each countrys Christmas traditions plus informational signs. These signs provide a great overview of holiday traditions and why the decor represents that country or region.
Learning more about each tree is fascinating. For example, Lithuanias tree is covered in ornate, woven ornaments made of white drinking straws. Originally made of wheat and rye straw from farming fields, these intricately woven, detailed versions from drinking straws are stunning.
There are so many incredible trees we find it impossible to pick a favorite. We love walking around admiring the special details on each of the trees.
One tree that had special meaning for us this year was the United States tree. Covered in wooden state ornaments, it puts into perspective how far weve come on our goal of seeing all 50 states.
Christmas Around The World
No one does Christmas quite like the Museum of Science and Industry. Thats one of the things I love so much about living in Chicago, the city really does go all out during the holidays. One of my favorite holiday traditions is visiting the Christmas Around the World exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry. Ive been visiting this exhibit since I was a little girl. Usually my school would take a field trip to the museum during December to see the exhibit, but field trip or not, my family always made sure to make a special trip to see this exhibit!
Even though visiting Christmas Around the World has been a tradition of mine for the last 23 years, it dawned on me that Ive never dedicated a blog post to this festive exhibit! . So today, I wanted to share a few photos from my visit a few weeks ago! Warning, this post is VERY photo heavy. So like Scar would sayBE PREPARED!
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But Seriously Theres Like 200 Photos In This Post You Have Been Warned
Although Christmas Around the World is the main focus point at the Museum of Science and Industry right now, The Science Behind Pixar exhibit is still going on and I definitely recommend checking it out! .
This annual holiday exhibit features over 50 trees and displays! Each tree represents different places and cultures throughout the world. Trust me, this exhibit is a must see. Just look at how GORGEOUS these trees are!
Philippines
Free Christmas Around The World And Holidays Of Light
Free Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Where: Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S Lake Shore Dr., 773-684-1414.
When: Opening November 17, 2021-Monday, January 3, 2022. Free Days: November 17 and December 8, 2021 9:30am-4:00pm
Daily capacity limited, some high-demand dates may sell out. Reserve your tickets online
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light is for all ages and admission is included in Museum Entry. The MSI has two free days in 2021 when you can get access to the exhibit: November 17 and December 8, 2021.
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Msi Christmas Around The World
One of the best Chicago Christmas activities isnt downtown, but inside the Museum of Science and Industry. MSI Christmas Around the World has over 50 themed Christmas trees plus access to amazing science exhibits. See why Christmas Around the World at MSI should be on your Chicago Christmas bucket list.
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Christmas Around The World History
This MSI Christmas tradition began in 1942 as the world struggled with World War II. MSI Christmas Around the World was originally a single tree with ornaments representing each of the Allied countries.
This first tree celebrated the similarities between people despite varied countries, heritage, and traditions. Designed to showcase how similar people are, the inspiration was to unite instead of divide during a difficult time.
About Free Christmas Around The World And Holidays Of Light
Explore rich holiday traditions from around the globe while creating your own traditions with loved ones in Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light.
Image from Museum of Science and Industry
It began in 1942 with a single tree. Today, the Museums beloved annual celebration features a four-story, floor-to-dome Grand Tree, surrounded by a forest of more than 50 trees and displays decorated by volunteers to represent the holiday traditions from cultures around the globe. Its the one-of-a-kind experience that brings a whole world of holiday joy under one roof.
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