Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light 2026

CHICAGO — Griffin MSI’s 84th annual holiday exhibit Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light kicks off the holiday season on Saturday, Nov, 7. Guests can enjoy the Museum’s seasonal spectacle, which includes holiday-themed events, camps and treats, through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027.  

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light features a forest of more than 50 trees, each lovingly decorated by community volunteers who share family and cultural traditions drawing on their cultural heritage. Placed throughout the trees are displays representing international seasonal celebrations of light, like Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali and more. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that brings together a whole world of holiday joy under one roof.

Additional holiday programming includes:  

• Tree Lighting & Cultural Festival: Join Santa at the lighting of the Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibit’s four-story, Grand Tree on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 11 a.m. The day-long kickoff to holiday season includes performances in the Museum’s Rotunda from 10 a.m. to 3:30 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, Dec. 10 from 6 to 10 p.m. Guests are invited to grab a seasonal cocktail, try their hand at holiday trivia and crafts, join forces with Santa and Mrs. Claus or the Grinch and explore the Museum after hours.  
• Naughty or Nice: All Ages Edition: New this year, a family-friendly version of Griffin MSI’s signature after-hours event on Saturday, Dec. 19 from 6 to 10 p.m. Families can explore Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light, strike a mischievous pose with the Grinch and get their faces painted by elvish artists.
• Winter Break Camps: Students in grades Pre-K through 8 are invited to learn about winter science with Griffin MSI Winter Break Camps. Inspired by Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light, these three-day camps run by Griffin MSI’s education team offer hands-on STE(A)M activities like creating winter-themed crafts with 3D printers, vinyl cutters and more in the Wagner Family Fab Lab. All camp levels available Dec. 21 – 23 or Dec. 28 – 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Holiday Eats: New this year, Griffin MSI’s Museum Kitchen is collaborating with Publican Quality Bread for a special holiday menu including sandwiches and sides from James Beard Award-winning baker Greg Wade. Also new is the holiday family package, allowing families to enjoy a bundled meal for four (including Christmas cookies) for just $85. Plus, the Stan’s Donuts holiday pop-up will feature seasonal donuts and milkshakes, specialty hot and cold cocktails, snacks and more.
• 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, Science Storms, U-505 Submarine and more. Plus, Griffin MSI’s Holiday Shop 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 brings 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.  

Photos: Images and b-roll from Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light 2025 can be downloaded here. 
Credit: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry 

Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Griffin MSI) offers world-class and uniquely interactive experiences that support the Museum's mission: to inspire the inventive genius in everyone. As one of the largest science museums in the world featuring award-winning exhibits and hands-on activities, a visit to Griffin MSI is guaranteed to connect fun and learning. Griffin MSI is committed to offering comprehensive educational programs ­for students, administrators, teachers and families that make a difference in local communities and contribute to Griffin MSI's goal to transform and illuminate STE(A)M (science, technology, engineering, art and math) pathways for people of all ages. The Museum is grateful for the support of generous donors and guests who make its work possible. Griffin MSI is also supported in part by the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District. For more information, visit griffinmsi.org or call (773) 684-1414.