Holidays at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry is a spectacular sight, all decorated for the Christmas holidays. The Museum of Science and Industry is an excellent destination in downtown Chicago, for a family friendly event. The Museum will have their Christmas and Holiday shows on display until January 2. Visit the Museum to experience a bit of what Christmas is like around the world.

Christmas Trees From Around the World

More then fifty Christmas Trees are decorated according the the holiday customs from around the world. The them of the display is "Dashing Through the Snow". The Christmas Tree in the Grand Rotunda is decorated with snow and ice crystals and iridescent purple, blue and silver hues.

The website of the Museum of Science lists the traditional ornaments and traditions of different countries: Following is a summary of the different types of decorations for Christmas Trees From Around the World.

Armenia: White Doves that represent peace with gold bows and colored ribbons.

Austria: Glass and hand made ornaments, family keepsakes, fruits and nuts.

Belarus: Straw Ornaments. The tree is called Jalinka.

Belgium: Various fruits which represent the rich agriculture of Belgium.

Belize: Birds represent peace. Boats represent the fishing industry.

Bosnia: Toys, chocolate, lights, and colored balls, topped with a star.

Canada:

Lighthouse, trawler, lobster, lobster trap, and fish for the maritime provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
Cowboy boots, covered wagon, grain elevator, Mounties and log cabin for the prairie provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Trillium flower is for Ontario.
Teepee, igloo, totem canoe, papoose, and dolls are for the native people of Canada.
Musical instruments are for Canada's rich musical heritage.
Sled, skates, broom, stone and snowshoes are for Canada's winter sports.
Polar bear, loon, Canada Goose, horse and moose are for Canada's winters.
Plane, railroad car and snowmobile ornaments for Canada's transportation industry.
Wreath with three figures called "Bonne Homme de Nige" (Good Men of the Snow) is for Quebec's winter carnival.

China:

Paper lantern symbolized the coming year.
Shiny paper cutouts for good luck, prosperity, long life and happiness.
Fishes symbolize wealth or abundance,
The Phoenix symbolized rebirth.
The Panda represents the living treasure of China.

Columbia: Lights, candy, fabric dolls, ribbons, homemade ornaments.

Croatia: Painted walnuts and acorn shells, with painted heart shaped baked dough, red garland, white paper chains and dolls.

Czech Republic:

Fruits on the tree consisting of apples and pears which are very expensive, precious gifts in Eastern Europe.
Homemade ornaments consisting of angels, wreaths and bells made of wood shavings.
Crocheted snowflakes and painted cloth hearts.
Glass ornaments imported from the Czech Republic.

Denmark:

Red and white hearts made of paper.
Paper doves for a remembrance of all God's creatures and remind the family the help feed the animals. Peace and joy of the holidays.
Red cornucopia filled with nuts, candy and little gifts.
Paper angels represents the birth of Christ.
Garland of Danish flags.
White muff for warmth.
Yarn elves symbolize the Julenisse (Yulenissa)

Ecuador: Straw ornaments of fans and Santa basket. Two large dolls are under the tree.

Egypt: Pyramids, icons, and ankhs.

Estonia: Mittens, sashes, lace stars and Estonian flags.

Finland: Angel, straw ornaments, apples, elves, flags, and garland. The tree is topped with a star symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem.

France:

Dolls representing various regions of France: Provence, Poitou, Normandie, Bretagne, French-Comte, Gyenne, Basque, Alsace, and Bresse.
Flowers, lily colored roses, apples and sugar represent the tree in the Garden of Eden.
Toys Candles, fruit, crystal balls, pine cones and garland.

Germany: Germany was the first country to use glass ornaments as decorations.

Greece: The tree is decorated with presents which are not opened until New Years Day.

Guatemala: Wooden boxes an pictures of Guatemalan children.

Hawaii: Decorations represent the past times and wonders of Hawaii. Poi balls are white balls on braided yarn.

Hungary: Gilded nuts, fruits, paper cornucopia, foil wrapped fudge, slippers, honey cookies.

Iceland: Snowflakes, Elves and candles.

India: Garlands of colored palm fronds, dolls, bows.

Ireland: Irish flags, thatched cottages, Celtic Cross, sheep, St. Bridget's Cross.

Italy has never adopted the Christmas Tree as a symbol of Christmas. The Nativity is the focal point of the Italian Christmas celebration.

Japan: Paper Origami ornaments.

Korea: Kites, lanterns, stocking, Lucky Pouch.

Latvia: Straw ornaments and garlands of cranberry, apples, and pine cones.

Lebanon: White decorations convey hope for peace in their land.

Lithuania: White Straw ornaments, nutshells and birds.

Luxembourg: Red, White and Blue ornaments represent the national flag.

Mexico: Red and White Poinsettias with candles.

Native America: Mirrors, Chikala dolls, feathers, cradle, canoe and other ornaments symbolizing Native America.

Netherlands: Candles, glass ornaments, beads, delft pattern, wooden shoes and tulips.

Norway: Stars, Norwegian flags, Rosemaled ornaments.

Philippines: Ornaments of Capiz shells, rattan and palm leaves.

Poland: Wisiorek (3-sided hanging ornament), Owca (sheep), Oset (Thistle (Lancuch Szarotkowy (Edelweiss garland).

Puerto Rico: Musical ornaments, poinsettia.

Romania: Star, lights, globes, dolls, apples, fir-cones, and nuts.

Russia: Lights and silk flowers.

Scotland: Holly, tartan and evergreen branches.

Slovak Republic: Colored ornaments represent the national colors.

Slovenia: Hand made wooden ornaments, baskets, decorated hearts, bread ornaments.

Sweden: Heart shaped straw baskets, straw ornaments, wooden hearts.

Switzerland: Crystal globes, snowflakes, stars, white candles.

Thailand: Cloth dolls.

Ukraine: Embroidered balls.

United Kingdom: Christmas crackers, Christmas boxes, toy soldiers.

United States of America: The Museum decorates the American tree with patriotic colors in remembrance of September 11, 2001.

Holidays of Light highlights the customs and traditions of Chinese Year Year, Diwali (a Hindu and Kikh festival), Kwanzaa (as celebrated by African Americans), Ramadan (celebrated by Muslims), Hanukkah (a Jewish celebration, Visakha Puja Day (a Buddhist holiday, St. Lucia Day (a Swedish tradition) and Winter Solstice.

A Snow Story is a exhibition about snow. The first person to photograph snow and determine that no two snowflakes are identical was Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley. At the exhibition you can see some of Bentley's original photomicrograph snowflake prints from the early 1900's. Learn about the technology that made is possible to capture the intricate beauty of a snow flake on film. This fascinating exhibition also shows the stunning photography of California Institute of Technology physicist Ken Libbrecht. His career has been focused on flurries, using current technology to capture the beauty of snow. A Snow Story exhibit is located on the lower floor.

The Museum of Science and Industry will have live performances by select school groups on December 23, 24, 30, and 31.

The Museum has extended hours for the holidays:

Monday - Saturday: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am - 5:30 pm.
Closed on Christmas Day
Open on Christmas Eve until 4:00 pm (free admission on Christmas Eve)

The Holiday Shoppe and Holiday Cafe will be open for shopping and snacks. Jack Frost Photos offers photography with seasonal backgrounds for family photos.

The Museum of Science and Industry is located at 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60637.
773-684-1414.

The Museum of Science and Industry is an excellent place to take the family during the holiday season. Learn about traditions around the world and enjoy the spectacular decorations at the same time.