Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light December 23, 2008

Admission on December 24, 2008 is FREE.

The Museum of Science and Industry’s time-honored celebration, Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light features more than 50 dazzling trees—decorated by members of Chicago’s ethnic communities—that celebrate holiday customs from around the world. This year, a new tree from Bulgaria joins the Museum's forest. In honor of the Museum’s 75th Anniversary, 2008’s theme will be “Celebrating 75 Years of Museum Memories.” The Museum’s grand 45-foot tree will be decorated with shimmering ornaments that represent the Museum’s iconic exhibits—the Coal Mine, Take Flight, The Chick Hatchery, The Pioneer Zephyr—as well as more than 25,000 lights. Holidays of Light, a multicultural display of holiday traditions that celebrate light or enlightenment, such as Diwali and Hanukkah, will also illuminate the Museum’s halls. Guests will be able to enjoy various dance and choral performances every day of the week on the Holiday Stage.

During your visit, see how we’ve decked the halls of Smart Home: Green + Wired, Powered by ComEd and Warmed by Peoples Gas. The greenest home in Chicago will feature environmentally-friendly holiday decorations. (Requires a timed-entry ticket. Advance tickets recommended.)

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light is included in general admission free day. Check the Museum’s Web site, www.msichicago.org, for more details and a schedule of events. As part of our 75th Anniversary, Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light is sponsored by American Family Insurance and PepsiCo Chicago.

Museum hours:
Wednesday, December 24: 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Official Website: http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/christmas-around-the-world/