Christmas Around the World in Brief:
Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry gets into the holiday spirit with its annual Christmas Around the World. Just as the name implies, the exhibit takes a look at how various cultures celebrate the winter holiday across the globe, with performances from multiple dance and chorus groups, as well as over 50 trees decorated by various ethnic groups throughout Chicago. The 45-foot tree in the museum's main hall is decorated with ornaments representing many of their classic exhibits.
The Museum of Science and Industry is included with the purchase of a Go Chicago Card. (Buy Direct)
Address:
57th Street and Lake Shore DrivePhone:
773-684-1414Getting to the Museum of Science and Industry by Public Transportation:
There are several bus options that run from downtown to the Museum:
- Hyde Park Express (#2) south to 57th and Stony Island, Museum is 1 block east.
- Jackson Park Express (#6) south to 56th Street, Museum is 1 block south.
- Stony Island Express (#28) south to 56th and Hyde Park Blvd., Museum is 1 block south.
- The best bet on weekends or every day between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the Museum of Science and Industry bus (#10) runs straignt to the Museum's front door.
For more information and links to system maps, read my article on Chicago public transportation.
Driving From Downtown Chicago:
Lake Shore Drive south to 57th Street. Turn right, and follow 57th around to the west side of the Museum. Turn left into parking garage.Parking at the Museum:
Parking is available in the museum's underground parking garage for a flat rate.Museum of Science and Industry Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The Museum of Science and Industry is open every day except Christmas Day (December 25).Museum of Science and Industry Admission:
Christmas Around the World is included with general museum admission.
- General Admission: Adults, $13; Seniors (ages 65+), $12; Children (ages 3-11), $9.
- Museum plus Omnimax Theater Admission: Adults, $20; Seniors, $19; Children, $14.
- U-505 Submarine On-Board Tour (requires general admission, not included): All Ages, $5.
Dates:
November 20, 2009 - January 3, 2010About Christmas Around the World:
Christmas Around the World became a tradition at the Museum of Science and Industry in 1942, as a United Nations Day saluting the allied forces that fought in World War II. It's since grown to be a cherished family holiday event, and now features over 50 trees, each decorated to highlight a different ethnic group and their Christmas celebrations. A central 45-foot tall tree is decorated with over 25,000 lights, and ornaments representing the museum's main exhibits. Every day the MSI will have performances on their "Holiday Stage", featuring various dance and chorus groups.
Read more about Chicago museums.
Museum of Science and Industry website
The Museum of Science and Industry is included with the purchase of a Go Chicago Card. (Buy Direct)
