"Started in 1942 as a United Nations Day salute to Allied forces, the Christmas Around the World celebration at the Museum of Science and Industry began with a single tree decorated every day for 12 days to represent each of the countries who fought alongside the USA during World War II. Today, the holiday tradition has blossomed into 60 trees and displays exploring customs celebrated by families around the world. Surrounding the 45-foot-tall Grand Tree—which twinkles with 45,000 lights—are volunteer-decorated displays of more than 50 cultures, meticulously decked out with hand-made ornaments nodding to global customs."
