The Museum of Science and Industry’s annual holiday spectacle, Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light, is set to open November 18, 2023, with a ceremonial tree lighting and community-focused festival. Themed around the science of snow, this year’s annual holiday show will feature the photographic work of a snowflake scientist and will be accompanied by a range of on-site programs and events for all ages. Santa Larry—the first Black Santa hired to spread holiday cheer at the Mall of America—will join MSI’s Vice President of Education and Chief Learning and Community Partnerships Officer Jessica Chavez on Saturday, November 18 to flip the switch on the Museum’s four-story Grand Tree at 11 a.m. The day-long celebration also includes a meet-and-greet with a Chicago Cubs player courtesy of Coca-Cola, activities from Sloomoo Institute, story time with Chicago Public Libraries, and live performances from local cultural institutions represented throughout the exhibit. The Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibit, which runs through January 7, 2024, features a forest of more than 50 trees and displays decorated by volunteers to represent the holiday traditions from cultures around the globe. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that brings together a whole world of holiday joy under one roof. For general information or for tickets, www.msichicago.org

Photo Credit: The Museum of Science and Industry