CHICAGO (WLS) — The festive spirit has already taken over the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, heralding the arrival of Christmas.
This past Saturday, the museum kicked off the holiday festivities with a spectacular tree lighting and its renowned “Christmas Around the World” festival.
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The anticipation has finally come to an end as the Griffin MSI embraces the holiday season with open arms.
“I hope visitors leave with a strong sense of community and togetherness,” expressed Laura Herrera, the Chief Marketing Officer at Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.
The museum’s “Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light” has become a cherished tradition, offering a rich tapestry of cultural and religious celebrations that unite people of diverse backgrounds.
The Leo High School Choir, fresh from their national acclaim, delighted attendees with a performance that undoubtedly lifted spirits and spread joy.
The exhibit’s magnificent four-story Christmas tree is surrounded by dozens of other smaller trees, decorated by volunteers showcasing other countries and customs.
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“Each of these trees is put together by a specific community,” Herrera said. “They spend almost the whole year, sometimes longer preparing for it.”
Chicago’s Flora Zayas visited the tree representing Puerto Rico with her family.
“You just get to share all these great memories that I had as a kid that I can pass on that love and great feeling,” Zayas said.
“When you think of a place like Chicago, you know not one culture built it,” said Nathan Brandt, who was visiting Chicago. “It was many different influences and so to show those influences not only are you honoring peoples’ religion but you’re honoring their identity.”
Michigan’s Nathan Brandt and Alyssa McCue say the cheerful exhibit, now in its 83rd year, is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.
“It’s really cool,” McCue said. “It’s nice to get to see all the different cultures and I’ve traveled to a few of these counties, but not enough of them and so it’s to nice to see them their cultures represented.”
