CHICAGO — Griffin MSI’s 83rd annual holiday exhibit Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light is opening one week early this year on Saturday, Nov, 8. Guests will have even more time to experience the Museum’s seasonal spectacle, which includes holiday-themed events, camps and treats, before the exhibit closes on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.  

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. 

Additional holiday programming includes:  

• Tree Lighting & Cultural Festival: Join Santa Larry — the first Black Santa to spread holiday cheer at the Mall of America — at the lighting of the Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibit’s four-story, Grand Tree on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 11 a.m. The day-long kickoff to holiday season includes performances and activities throughout the Museum 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. 4 from 6 to 10 p.m. Guests are invited to grab a seasonal cocktail, try your hand at holiday trivia and crafts, join forces with Santa and Mrs. Claus or Scrooge and the Grinch and explore the Museum after it’s been closed to the public.   
• 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 offer hands-on STE(A)M activities run by Griffin MSI’s Education team like creating winter-themed crafts with 3D printers, vinyl cutters and more in the Wagner Family Fab Lab. All camp levels run Monday, Dec. 29 to Wednesday, Dec. 31. 
• Holiday Eats: Enjoy seasonal donuts, specialty hot and cold cocktails, snacks and more at the Stan’s Donuts holiday pop-up. Plus, Griffin MSI’s Museum Kitchen will feature a rotating menu of international cuisines connected to the cultures represented in Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light. 
• 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, the Pioneer Zephyr 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 from Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light 2024 can be downloaded here. 
Credit: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry