Skip to main content
Shedd Aquarium

Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Lights at The Museum of Science and Industry

Sat, Nov 16 – Mon, Jan 06, 2025

5700 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637

Explore rich holiday traditions from around the globe while creating your own traditions with loved ones this season.

This year, we celebrate the 80th anniversary of this beloved Chicago tradition, which 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.

Today, Christmas Around the World features more than 50 trees highlighting a variety of countries and cultures, offering insight into the holiday customs celebrated by families around the world. These trees and displays are decorated by volunteers from around the Chicagoland area to represent the holiday traditions from cultures around the globe. The centerpiece surrounded by this dazzling display is the four-story, floor-to-dome Grand Tree in the Museum's Rotunda. You can also explore Holidays of Light, a celebration of global holidays throughout the year that honor light and enlightenment.

It's the one-of-a-kind experience that brings a whole world of holiday joy under one roof.

Places to stay nearby...

David Rubenstein Forum

Chicago

The David Rubenstein Forum is a contemporary, state-of-the-art global hub for the exchange of ideas and intellectual engagement located on the University of Chicago campus.

Read more about David Rubenstein Forum

Chicago Lake Shore Hotel

Chicago

Read more about Chicago Lake Shore Hotel

Amber Inn

Chicago

The Amber Inn is located in the Bronzeville district of Chicago.

Read more about Amber Inn

You might also be interested...

Lincoln Park ZooLights

Lincoln Park Zoo •  Nov 15 – Jan 05 @ 4:30PM

Enter a winter wonderland illuminated by the laughter of children and more than one million lights at Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual ZooLights.

Read more about Lincoln Park ZooLights

McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

Millennium Park •  Nov 15 – Feb 02

Ice Skate in Downtown Chicago

Read more about McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

City of Chicago Christmas Tree

Nov 22 – Jan 08 @ 5PM

Chicago’s “official” Christmas tree, presented by Powering Chicago.

Read more about City of Chicago Christmas Tree

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.