Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light at MSIChicago

Disclosure: I’ve joined Generation Graco and have been compensated for writing this post.

One of the traditions we’ve started as a family is going to see the holiday trees at the Museum of Science and Industry Chicago every year. This is the 74th year the exhibit has been on display. It started as a single tree in 1942 “decorated as a salute of solidarity to the Allies in World War II” to over 50 trees representing as many countries and cultures from around the globe today. The Grant Tree stands 45-feet high and is covered by over 30,000 twinkle lights and the other trees are placed around the main floor of the museum. Mr. Dude loved seeing the trees for the first time this year:

We looked at the trees for a long while. We read each tree’s plaque and learned something new about the tree, it’s history and the connections with the culture it was representing. Most were very well done, but a few missed the mark when judged based on cultural sensitivity and accuracy. You can pre-read some of the tree’s information based on country at MSIChicago.org.

Holland Christmas Tree _ MSIChicago

We moved on to other parts of the museum after we finished looking at the trees. I’m glad we brought along our Graco Relay Click Connect Performance Jogging Stroller. It was much easy to navigate the 400,000 square foot museum while Mr. Dude and his diaper bag road in it.

Daddy's Grounded - MSI Chicago - Graco

The train set and full size airplane were of particular interest to Mr. Dude.

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We got to see some newly born chicks and a few just breaking out of their shells.

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The lights in one of the elevators was also of particular interest. You can tell by the amused look on our faces. Ha!

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There were plenty of interactive exhibits in the museum to keep a toddler busy.

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Along with some fun family photo opportunities.

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We spent the last part of our day in the Idea Factory.

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There were so many things for Mr. Dude to play with that he wasn’t ready to leave when the museum was ready to close. We’ll be back again soon for sure!

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