CHICAGO — Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s (Griffin MSI) beloved annual tradition, Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light, returns on Saturday, November 16 and runs through Monday, January 6, 2025. With just 100 days until Christmas, tickets for Museum visits and events this holiday season are now available.  

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light features a forest of more than 50 trees and displays decorated by volunteers to represent the holiday traditions from cultures around the globe. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that brings together a whole world of holiday joy under one roof. Themed around the science of snow, this year’s annual holiday show will once again feature the photographic work of snowflake scientist and Caltech Physicist Ken Libbrecht, accompanied by a range of on-site programs and events for all ages.  

This year, additional holiday programming includes:  

• Tree Lighting & Cultural Festival: Join Santa Larry—the first Black Santa hired to spread holiday cheer at the Mall of America—at the lighting of the Christmas Around the World exhibit’s four-story, floor-to-dome Grand Tree on Saturday, November 16 at 11 a.m. The day-long kickoff to holiday season includes performances and activities throughout the Museum from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
• Naughty or Nice 21+ After-Hours Event: No matter which list you end up on this year, you can still celebrate at this 21-and-up after-hours holiday party on Thursday, December 12 from 6 to 10 p.m. Guests are invited to grab a seasonal cocktail or some hot cocoa, take a selfie with Santa or Krampus, Santa’s mischievous counterpart in European folklore, and explore the Museum after it’s been closed to the public.  
• Winter Break Camps: Students from Pre-K through 8th grades are invited to learn about winter science with Griffin MSI Winter Break Camps. Inspired by Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light, these week-long camps offer hands-on STE(A)M activities run by Griffin MSI’s Education team like creating winter-themed crafts with 3D printers, vinyl cutters and more in the Wagner Family Fab Lab.  Camps run Monday, December 30, 2024, through Friday, January 3, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (with no camp on Wednesday, January 1, 2025). 
• Holiday Shopping: Pick up the perfect gift for the science lover in your life at our gift shop, now with new merchandise celebrating beloved exhibits like the Baby Chick Hatchery, the Pioneer Zephyr and more. Plus, Griffin MSI’s Holiday Market returns with festive ornaments, treats, accessories and more. And to give the gift of a Griffin MSI experience, gift cards are available for use on Museum admission, memberships and camps.  
• Experience the Magic of Snowfall: Every 30 minutes, Museum guests can experience the magic of snowfall amid Christmas trees in the Museum’s North Court, near the Grand Tree. This snowfall simulation will bring the charm of a white Christmas indoors.  

This annual spectacle began in 1942 with a single tree, newly decorated every day for 12 days to represent the countries fighting alongside America during World War II. That display of a variety of global holiday customs was meant to serve as a reminder of the values and traditions that connect people from all around the world. Over the years, the exhibit has expanded to represent dozens of nations and traditions to maintain that original message but make it even more inclusive. Mars is the featured sponsor of the 82nd annual Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light. 

Photos: Images from Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light 2023 can be downloaded here. 
Credit: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry 

For more information about the exhibit, visit Griffin MSI’s website or contact Brianna Wellen, brianna.wellen@msichicago.org. 

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