Christmas in July

CHICAGO — Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Griffin MSI) is bringing the holiday cheer with a Christmas in July celebration from Thursday, July 23, through Sunday, July 26, complete with festive activities, exclusive savings and an early look at this year's Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibit and events.  

Guests can enjoy a winter wonderland all weekend long in the Museum's iconic Rotunda featuring holiday music, a festive photo opportunity and an icy liquid nitrogen live science show. Holiday cookies will be available in Museum Kitchen, and guests can start their tree decorating early with a special selection of Christmas ornaments available in the Museum Store. On Friday, July 24, visitors can also participate in hands-on holiday-themed science activities with Griffin MSI's education team including a mobile Fab Lab for guests to laser cut their own ornaments.  

Griffin MSI’s 84th annual Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light opens Saturday, Nov. 7 with the annual Tree Lighting and Cultural Festival. New to this year’s holiday programming is Naughty or Nice: Family Edition (Saturday, Dec. 19, 5-9 p.m.), an after-hours event featuring face painting, a meet-and-greet with Santa and festive fun for all ages. This is in addition to the annual Naughty or Nice: 21+ Adults Only event (Thursday, Dec. 10, 6-10 p.m.), featuring festive cocktails and exclusive after-hours access to exhibits.  

And starting Thursday, July 23, Griffin MSI is offering holiday discounts:  

• 10% off $50 and $100 Griffin Museum gift cards that can be used for General Admission, Camps and Special Exhibits with code: XMASGIFT.  
  • Supplies are limited, so get them while you can!
• 20% off Naughty or Nice tickets (both versions) purchased through Thursday, Aug. 6 with code: JULYXMAS.
  • Adult: $35; Child (2-12 years old): $28; Children under 2: Free; Member: $28; Member child: $25
• A 14-month Griffin MSI membership for the price of 12, plus a holiday gift (available starting Saturday, Nov. 7) when purchased through Friday, July 31 with code: 14MONTHS.
  • Membership includes exclusive access to Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light during morning hours on Saturday, Nov. 14 and evening hours on Wednesday, Dec. 16, featuring Santa Claus, holiday treats, special activities and more.

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 global 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. The exhibit runs through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027.

Photos and video: CATW exhibit and programming 2025 
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.