Chicago Lights Up Holiday Spirit with Global Tree Festival

"The museum opens its holiday season with a bright tree lighting ceremony. This event kicks off the annual 'Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light' show. The idea started in 1942 when a single tree was decorated each day for twelve days. It stood for unity among allied nations during World War II. Today the display features more than fifty trees. Each tree stands for a different country. Volunteers sign up to represent their chosen nation. The trees are covered in handmade ornaments, big toppers and colorful ribbons."\n\n"Families in Chicago have turned the ceremony into a personal tradition. Bernadette McGonagle first brought her young daughter to the museum over forty years ago. She still looks forward to the yearly ritual. Her daughter Jackie Lagonie now repeats the habit with her own son Jimmy. They wear Christmas sweaters and wait for the four‑story tree to glow. The ritual feels like a warm hug that ties generation

s together."\n\n"Other visitors also find something special in the lights. Jocelyn Aranda and Jose Alvarado bring their two‑year‑old Camila to explore the trees. They love the holiday spirit and think it will become a family habit. The Mexican couple wants Camila to cherish her heritage while learning about other cultures. Chihling Chang and her family sit in the front row. She treats the holiday season as a big celebration and sees the lighting as the official start of her own festivities. She also adores the museum and never misses a chance to see the displays."\n\n"After the trees are lit, the crowd enjoys cultural performances. Dancers from Colombia, Ireland and Scotland share traditional moves. The variety shows how different places celebrate the season. The event gives guests a chance to mingle, share stories and enjoy music. It turns a simple tree lighting into a community gathering that feels both festive and educational."

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