The 45-foot rotunda tree in the Christmas Around the World exhibit

Experience the holiday traditions of over 50 different countries at the annual “Christmas Around The World and Holidays of Light” exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry. A Chicago tradition for 68 years, the glittering exhibit showcases trees decorated to reflect the holiday traditions from around the world through January 3.  Anchored by a towering 45-foot tree in the Rotunda, the display also features intermittent snow showers. This year’s theme focuses on the holiday history of the White House, with White House-themed ornaments adorning the Rotunda tree and holiday cards signed by presidents and first ladies.

Learn holiday greetings like Hauskaa Joulua (Finland) and Shubh Naya Baras (India) and how the troll-like Yule men leave gifts in Iceland and  La Befana flies on her broomstick and leaves presents in Italy.  Browse through the exhaustive holiday displays ranging from Belize to Wales and then visit the Holiday Shoppe to snag similar handcrafted ornaments and gifts.  Skip the over-priced, fast food court and visit a Hyde Park institution, the nearby Medici 57 Restaurant.  This cozy cafe offers everything from baked goat cheese to steak burritos but most locals order the excellent deep dish pizza. Don’t leave without trying a hot croissant from the bakery, along with freshly brewed, fair trade coffee.

Photo courtesy of Museum and Science and Industry/ Scott Brownell