Christmas has always been a special holiday at MSI, as our member-favorite Christmas Around the World has been a Chicago tradition since 1942, when the Museum hosted a special tribute to America’s allies during World War II. In the years that followed, our celebration has grown to incorporate more than 50 trees celebrating nations and cultures across the globe, with the accompanying Holidays of Light display offering joyous greetings to people of all faiths and beliefs.

This year, as we look to keep the bonds between family, friends, and neighbors strong and even reaching across great distances, we invite you to toss your calendar aside and embrace the spirit of enlightenment and hope, with this visual tour of Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light from across the years. Enjoy rapturous holiday designs and sneak a peek at behind-the-scenes photos that show how communities come together to celebrate peace and harmony. See for yourself that July is the perfect time for Christmas—and all of our holidays of light and love.