Celebrating 65 Years of a Chicago Tradition

Chicago Museum of Science & Industry inaugurated its 65th Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Light today at the Holiday Stage.  David R. Mosena, President & CEO, Museum of Science & Industry welcomed the gathering with his remarks by praising all participants of Christmas Around the World ? those who decorated Christmas trees and those who prepared their cultural shows for the museum since 65 years.

Todd Libbra, Regional General Manager of Wal-Mart was the chief guest for the program.  In his speech, he highlighted museum?s tradition in bringing people to represent their countries and take part in these celebrations throughout this Holiday Season. 

Special performers ? The Elizabethans of Harvard High School and The Walter Payton Jazz Ensemble entertained the gathering during Buffet Dinner.  There was a Snow Show in the entrance of the Rotunda every half hour.

Christmas Around the World

A Museum of Science and Industry time-honored celebration, Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Light features more than 50 dazzling trees and displays that are decorated by members of Chicago?s ethnic communities to celebrate holiday customs from around the world.  Now in its 65th year, this year?s theme, Dashing Through the Snow, makes the Museum a dazzling winter wonderland.

Holidays of Light

Holidays of Light, a multicultural display of holidays that celebrate light or enlightenment ? such as Kwanzaa, Chinese New Year, Hanukkah and Diwali ? also illuminates the Museum?s halls during this time of year.

A Snow Story

In this special holiday exhibit, you can meet Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley, the first person to photograph snow crystals and determine that no two are alike.  Bentley?s original photomicrograph snowflake prints from the early 1900?s are on display.  Hand-colored woodcut illustrations b Mary Azarian ? from the award-winning children?s book, Snowflake Bentley ? is showcased as well in the museum.

Holiday Shoppe

 The Holiday Shoppe features hand-crafted ornaments, decorations and one-of-a-kind items from around the world!  Whether you are looking for a special holiday gift or something new and unique to add to your own holiday collection, the Shoppe is a must-see!  Also for the visitors museum had 20% discount on all merchandise today.

Frogs! A Chorus of Colors   

From tadpole to toad, you?ll explore the diverse world of the most beloved amphibians.  You can see more than 150 vibrantly colored frogs from 15 different countries in self-contained custom habitats.   You can learn how they face in our changing environment.  You can challenge yourself by performing a virtual dissection or creating a croaking chorus. 

Hungry Planet

You can take your place at family dinner tables around the world in this stunning photography exhibition.  See what a week?s worth of groceries looks like in Guatemala, Greenland or China and how diets and nutrition are changing ? for better or worse ? in a global economy.

Museum Spectacular

During this holiday season until January 7, 2007 you can visit Museum and feel the warmth of Holidays of Lights ? including ? Target America: Opening Eyes to the Damage Drugs Cause on the main floor; U-505 Submarine on the Ground Floor; Take Flight on Balcony; The Great Train Story, Genetics: Decoding Life, ToyMaker 3000 and The Coal Mine on Main Floor; for youngest visitors ? Idea Factory on the ground floor; Henry Crow Space Center Omnimax Theataer; Volcanoes of the Deep Sea; Wired to Win; Mars 3-D and Misadventures in 3-D.  To your entire family, a total package of entertainment and knowledge in Science regardless of age.

Anil D’Souza, Chicago, USA

Author: Anil DSouza- USA