I am a regular visitor to Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry, dating back to my high school days at nearby Mt. Carmel. The yearly international holiday tree exhibit is always a highlight.

© Museum of Science and Industry

“Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light” at MSI celebrates holiday traditions around the world. Debuting in 1942 with one tree symbolizing hope, it was a salute to our allies in World War II. By representing many ethnic holiday customs, the display was a reminder there is more to join us than divide us.

© Museum of Science and Industry

A tree is still the centerpiece, but now it is a four-story, floor-to-dome “Grand Tree” decorated with more than 30,000 lights, surrounded by more than 45 other trees representing holiday celebrations around the world. As always, volunteers do the decorating. Since its first year, the display has grown but the spirit remains unchanged, making it the perfect place to tour a world of traditions during the holidays.

In 1994, “Holidays of Light” was added to include countries and cultures without trees as part of their holiday celebration. Along with promoting inclusion, this addition adds another layer of beauty to the exhibit.

© Museum of Science and Industry

New this year are displays featuring six traditional outfits representing Kenya, Norway, Scotland, Hungary, Japan and Ecuador. Also new are star sculptures to honor the volunteers not able to participate due to the pandemic.

Unfortunately, at least for now, “Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light” can only be seen virtually online. While that limits the access, it does not diminish the spirit of the exhibit. Again it serves to remind us we are all in this together.

Located off Lake Michigan on Chicago’s south side, MSI opened in three stages beginning in 1933. The building is the former Palace of Fine Arts from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. There are more than 2,000 exhibits in 75 halls. The Giant Dome Theater is always a highlight for me.

© Sandro Vannini – Museum of Science and Industry

In addition to the permanent exhibits, MSI has several special attractions throughout the year. In March 2021, “Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes” brings Spider-Man, Black Panther, Hulk, Captain Marvel and the entire Marvel gang to life through interactive displays, comic books, costumes, props and more. I am really looking forward to this pop culture experience.

“Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light” is scheduled to run through Jan. 3. The current COVID restrictions will be reviewed Dec. 4. Hopefully, with a little holiday magic, the Museum of Science and Industry will reopen then.

— John Wroblewski, online writer