Christmas Around the World at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry: Dates, Tips, and What to Expect

If you’re planning holiday adventures in Chicago, Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light at the newly renamed Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Griffin MSI) is a must. This beloved annual tradition fills the museum’s Rotunda with a four-story Grand Tree and more than 50 culturally decorated trees and light displays celebrating winter traditions from around the globe. The 2025–2026 season runs November 8, 2025 through January 5, 2026, and the exhibit is included with general museum admission. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Quick Facts (Plan Your Visit Fast)

• Season dates: Nov 8, 2025 – Jan 5, 2026. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

• Included with admission: Yes—no separate ticket needed for this exhibit. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

• Museum hours: Typically 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. daily, with select extended hours during the holidays (check the calendar before you go). Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

• Standard ticket prices: Mon–Thu Adults $28, Children (3–11) $24; Fri–Sun & holidays Adults $32, Children $26. Pricing subject to change—reserve in advance. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

• Parking: Underground garage on-site; additional municipal options nearby. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

• Transit: Buses #10 and #55 stop at the entrance; #2, #6, #28 and Metra’s 57th Street stop are a short walk. Go City

What Is “Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light”?

Now in its 83rd year, the exhibition transforms the Rotunda into an indoor forest where each tree is decorated by local volunteer groups to represent the holiday traditions of different countries and cultures. Interspersed among the trees are “Holidays of Light” displays—think Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, St. Lucia Day, and more—highlighting how communities use light to celebrate during the darkest months of the year. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

The roots of the exhibit go back to 1942, when the museum debuted a single tree honoring unity during World War II. Over the decades, it’s grown into a large-scale, community-driven celebration—now featuring 50+ trees and a dazzling four-story Grand Tree as the centerpiece. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry+1

The Grand Tree (and yes, the “snow”)

The Rotunda’s towering Grand Tree has historically been about 45 feet tall and draped with tens of thousands of lights; you’ll often catch periodic snow flurries (a long-time crowd favorite) falling under the canopy. While details can vary year to year, this spectacle has been a hallmark of the tradition for ages. ABC7 Chicago+1

Holidays of Light: More Than Christmas

The companion Holidays of Light displays spotlight winter observances where light is central—menorah candles for Hanukkah, the kinara for Kwanzaa, and rows of glowing diyas during Diwali—making this exhibition a welcoming, educational space for all visitors. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

2025–2026 Highlights and What’s New

• Community-decorated trees & year-round planning: Volunteers and cultural organizations work for months to design each tree—handmade ornaments, regional textiles, and traditional motifs tell authentic stories from Chicago’s many communities. Time Out Worldwide

• Stan’s Donuts pop-up & festive treats: This season’s museum notes mention a Stan’s Donuts pop-up and other seasonal bites—perfect for a sweet break between selfies. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

• Member evenings & special hours: Watch for member nights and extended holiday hours—great ways to experience the trees with lighter crowds. Always confirm dates and availability before you go. Museum of Science and Industry Chicago+1

Tickets, Hours, and the Best Time to Visit

Admission: The exhibition is included with your Museum Entry ticket, which must be reserved for a specific date. Some special exhibits and films inside the museum carry an extra fee—if you’re also planning Coal Mine, the U-505 on-board tour, or a Giant Dome Theater film, add those during checkout. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry+1

Hours: Standard hours are 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. daily, with select extended hours during peak holiday weeks (often 5:30 p.m. closings on specific dates). Check the museum’s calendar around your visit. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

When to go:

• Weekday mornings offer the calmest experience—arrive right at open to enjoy near-empty aisles and unobstructed photos. (This is especially helpful if you’re traveling with kids or shooting content.)

• Extended hours dates can be a sweet spot: crowds thin toward late afternoon while the lights become even more magical. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Pricing snapshot (subject to change):

• Mon–Thu: Adults $28; Children (3–11) $24

• Fri–Sun & Holidays: Adults $32; Children $26
  Always verify current pricing when you book; dynamic events and special exhibits can adjust totals. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

If you’re bundling attractions, consider CityPASS (includes MSI’s permanent exhibits plus one special timed experience) to save on multi-stop itineraries. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Getting There: Parking and Transit

Driving & Parking: The most convenient option is MSI’s underground garage, which connects directly to the museum; it remains open 30 minutes after closing. There’s also a nearby east lot operated by the City of Chicago. On peak days (especially weekends and the week between Christmas and New Year’s), plan extra time. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Public Transit: For a traffic-free trip, CTA buses #10 and #55 stop at the museum’s entrance, while routes #2, #6, or #28 and the Metra Electric (57th Street stop) are a short walk. Go City

A Brief History (and Why It Matters)

“Christmas Around the World” began in 1942 with a single tree symbolizing unity. As Chicago evolved into a richly multicultural city, the exhibit grew with it—local volunteers now decorate dozens of trees representing countries, regions, and diaspora communities. The result is a living gallery of memory, craft, and family tradition that feels personal whether you’re first-generation, visiting from abroad, or simply curious. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry+1

The Holidays of Light elements underscore a shared human theme: light in the darkness—from Hanukkah’s menorah and Kwanzaa’s kinara to the shimmering diyas of Diwali—offering a thoughtful counterpoint to the sparkle. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

What You’ll See (and Photograph)

• The Grand Tree: A four-story stunner that anchors the Rotunda and sets the tone—look for sparkling light cascades and the classic indoor snowfall moments. ABC7 Chicago+1

• Country Trees: Expect 50+ trees with intricate, often handmade decor—paper poinsettias on Mexico’s tree, straw ornaments from Nordic traditions, embroidered textiles, and regional color palettes that make each tree feel like a storybook spread. (Selections vary annually.) Time Out Worldwide

• Holidays of Light Displays: Educational panels and artifacts illuminating winter traditions across cultures, ideal for families and anyone who loves cultural history. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Pro tip for photos: Visit early or on extended-hour evenings for soft, even light and fewer people in your shots. If you’re shooting video, plan a slow orbit around the Grand Tree; capture the “snow” sequence in 60–120 fps for dreamy B-roll. (Confirm current photography guidelines at booking.)

Family-Friendly Add-Ons Inside MSI

If you’re turning your visit into a full museum day, consider:

• U-505 Submarine (on-board tour add-on)

• Coal Mine (timed entry add-on)

• Giant Dome Theater films

These popular experiences often sell out for same-day timeslots—reserve them ahead of time with your general admission. Go City

Sample Itinerary: A Festive Half-Day at MSI

9:15 a.m. Arrive and park; head in right at open. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry+1
9:30–10:45 a.m. Explore the Grand Tree and the first ring of country trees while it’s quiet (best photos now). Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
10:45–11:30 a.m. Continue through Holidays of Light displays to break up your tree viewing with culture and history. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
11:30–12:30 p.m. Add a Dome Theater film or grab a festive treat (watch for seasonal pop-ups like Stan’s Donuts). Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
12:30–1:30 p.m. Hit one add-on (Coal Mine or U-505 on-board tour) if pre-booked; otherwise, loop back for last photos as the Rotunda “snow” cycles. Go City+1

Money-Saving and Time-Saving Tips

• Book early: Holiday weeks (especially after Christmas) are peak. Reserve dated tickets and any add-ons in advance. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry+1

• Consider CityPASS: If you’re hitting multiple attractions, CityPASS can trim costs while keeping your itinerary flexible. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

• Arrive at open (or use extended hours): Less crowding, better photos, calmer vibe. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

• Use transit when possible: Hyde Park traffic and holiday parking can stack up; CTA and Metra drops are close. Go City

Why This Exhibit Belongs on Your Chicago Holiday List

Beyond its obvious Instagram-ready visuals, Christmas Around the World is meaningful. It’s built by local hands, often across generations—families pass down ornaments and responsibilities, turning each tree into a conversation about home, heritage, and belonging. The museum’s team and volunteers start planning months ahead to bring it to life every year; it’s as much a community project as it is an attraction. Time Out Worldwide

And because the exhibit lives inside one of the world’s largest science museums, you can pair festive favorites with hands-on galleries that kids (and curious adults) love—making it an easy full-day itinerary for residents and visitors alike. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Essential Resources (Check Before You Go)

• Official exhibit page for 2025–2026 dates, details, and what’s new. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

• Tickets & pricing (real-time availability; add special exhibits here). Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

• Hours & holiday exceptions (extended days listed as they’re added). Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

• Directions & parking (garage hours and alternate options). Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

• Multi-attraction savings via CityPASS if you’re planning a bigger Chicago itinerary. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Final Take

If your winter plans include Chicago, Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light at Griffin MSI is the rare tradition that balances big-wow visuals with real cultural storytelling. You’ll leave with a camera roll full of sparkle—and a better understanding of how communities near and far celebrate hope and light during the darkest days of the year.

Exhibit runs Nov 8, 2025 – Jan 5, 2026, and is included with general admission. Book ahead, aim for an early slot or extended-hour evening, and give yourself time to linger at the trees that speak to your story. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry+2Griffin Museum of Science and Industry+2

Note: Event specifics (hours, add-ons, special programming) can shift during the season. Always confirm the latest details on the museum’s site before your visit.