Now in its 83rd year, Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light brings the magic of the holiday season to the halls of the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. In the weeks leading up to the festival, community volunteers come to the museum to decorate trees that celebrate their family heritage. From Australia and Assyria, to the United States and Wales, the main level of the museum is transformed with over 50 holiday trees celebrating communities throughout the world and Holidays of Light including Diwali, Hanukkah, and more.
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Riding up the escalators to the main level, your eyes are immediately drawn to the rotunda. At the center of the rotunda is the Great Tree, which stands over four-stories and makes for a picturesque holiday backdrop. Every 30 minutes, a snowfall simulation goes off, dropping “snow” down on viewers in the rotunda.
As you wander the main level of the museum, you’ll find trees covered with symbols and traditions from over 50 countries around the world. Under the Trees and Traditions portion of their website, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry outlines information about each country, what decorations were chosen, and the names of the families that decorated them. We loved reading the holiday greetings on the signs, looking for countries from our own family’s heritage, and learning more about countries our friend’s ancestors called home.
To go along with the festivities, the museum is offering additional programming. Naughty or Nice (a 21+ event) takes place on December 4, 2025. On select Saturdays and Sundays, Santa is available for meet and greet sessions. Located near the large train in the Transportation Gallery, a Party Shop and Stan’s Donuts pop-up are home to extra festive goodies. We also loved to see that there is even a holiday train going through The Great Train Story.
There is no additional fee to explore Christmas Around the World as you visit Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light is open through January 5, 2026.
Other Highlights at Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
The excitement of Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light extends the fun to already packed days at Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. Not sure what’s there? Their website outlines all of the temporary and permanent exhibits. We never feel like we have enough time to see all that we want to. Every time we go, we find new things to explore, read about, or put to the test. This visit, we spent more time in the U-505 Submarine and Farm Tech.
My oldest has been interested in the human body, so we explored YOU! The Experience for quite some time, and put plenty of science concepts to the test at Science Storms. It wouldn’t be a trip to GMSI without a stop to say hi to the baby chicks. If it’s been a while since you’ve visited GMSI, the baby chicks are now downstairs in the Farm Tech area.
The main special exhibit happening through February 8, 2026 is Marvel’s Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing — The Exhibition. Tickets to this area are $22 for adults (12+), and children (3-11) are $16. We opted not to do this on our visit, as we were excited to dedicate more time to trees, but saw many kids walking around in Spider-Man shirts, and plenty of people walking in and out of the exhibits rooms.
Bathrooms
There are a variety of restrooms stationed throughout the museum. Check their map to find the one closest to you. We like the ones near the Museum Kitchen, as there are traditional bathrooms, as well as family bathrooms. Additional amenities to be aware of are stroller and wheelchair rentals, a nursing room, and coat check.
Food
GMSI is home to the Museum Kitchen, Stan’s Donuts, as well as a variety of vending machines. All of the food options can be found on Lower Level 1, which is also home to plenty of tables at which to enjoy your food. Guests are also welcome to bring food from home to eat in this area. Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light brings new foods to the Museum Kitchen that celebrate dishes from various countries.
Prices
As of November 2025, adults ages 12 and up will pay $25.95 for general admission, while children 3-11 are $14.95. Pricing is subject to change. All of the exhibit spaces for Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light are included in general admission. Add-ons such as the Giant Dome Theater, Coal Mine, and U-505 On-Board Tour, will have an additional fee per person. Details on daily pricing, as well as memberships, can be found on their website.
Hours
Regular daily hours are 9:30am to 4:00pm. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The museum will offer extended hours throughout November and December to maximize time with Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light; they have outlined the days on their website.
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 684-1414
Looking for more ideas for holiday family-friendly fun? Check out our holiday guide!
