Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Visitors can stroll through an indoor forest of more than 50 trees and displays decorated by community volunteers showcasing traditions from their global heritage. The exhibit also includes displays honoring international seasonal celebrations of light, such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Diwali. Guests can snap a photo in front of the four-story Grand Tree and sample specialty treats at seasonal pop-up shops.
What to Expect
Indoor forest of over 50 culturally decorated trees and light displays.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Hyde Park
Organizer
Museum of Science and Industry
Food & Drink
Specialty holiday treats are available at seasonal pop-ups.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and visitors interested in global holiday traditions
Vibe
Festive and multicultural
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Included in General Admission; no admission price is stated. – Get tickets
Tips & Advice
- Come on opening day, Saturday, Nov. 7, to catch the Tree Lighting and Cultural Festival with live performances, included in General Admission.
- Buy General Admission tickets online in advance, since the exhibit is part of General Admission and the museum points visitors to advance tickets.
- Gather the family for a photo in front of the four-story Grand Tree before you walk through the indoor forest of more than 50 trees.
- Book Naughty or Nice on Thursday, Dec. 10, for an adults-only night, or bring the kids to the All Ages Edition on Saturday, Dec. 19.
- Leave time to try specialty holiday treats from the seasonal pop-ups as you walk among the trees and light displays.
Special Events & Promotions
- Tree Lighting and Cultural Festival on Saturday, Nov. 7, with live performances and the Grand Tree lighting, included in General Admission.
- Naughty or Nice, an after-hours holiday party for ages 21 and up, on Thursday, Dec. 10.
- New this year: Naughty or Nice: All Ages Edition, an evening event on Saturday, Dec. 19.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see?
More than 50 trees and displays are decorated by community volunteers who share family and cultural traditions from their heritage. Among the trees are displays for celebrations of light such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Diwali. You can also take a family photo in front of the four-story Grand Tree.
Is there food?
Seasonal pop-ups sell specialty holiday treats.
Is there a tree lighting?
Yes. The Tree Lighting and Cultural Festival on Saturday, Nov. 7, has live performances and the lighting of the Grand Tree. It's included in General Admission.
Are there evening events?
Naughty or Nice, on Thursday, Dec. 10, is an after-hours holiday party for ages 21 and up. The all-new Naughty or Nice: All Ages Edition follows on Saturday, Dec. 19.
How did the exhibit start?
It began in 1942 as a single tree representing unity during World War II.
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