Tree Lighting and Cultural Festival
FestivalNov 7 · 09:30 – 17:30
Included in General Admission — Included in General Admission on Nov. 7, 2026. Free for active military and veterans, Chicago residents get $9 off adult admission.
Griffin MSI lights its four-story Grand Tree amid dozens of global, community-decorated trees and live performances.
Who's Involve
Griffin Museum of Science and IndustryOrganizer
Description
The day-long festival opens the museum's Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibit. Across the floor, more than 50 trees represent different countries alongside displays dedicated to international seasonal traditions including Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Diwali. The schedule builds toward the tree-lighting countdown with performances from local cultural organizations, paired with seasonal samplings from Stan’s Donuts and gifts in the Holiday Shop.