Finishing touches are put on the tree representing Puerto Rico at the Museum of Science and Industry on Nov. 11, 2023. (Angel Idowu / WTTW News)

Families and organizations from all over the Chicago area came to the museum bright and early to decorate their country’s Christmas tree. This year, the trees represented a total of 57 countries, including Austria, Puerto Rico, Kenya, Switzerland, and France, to name a few.

The famed Downton Abbey dining room featured at “Downton Abbey: The Exhibition.” (Marc Vitali / WTTW News)

In the old Bloomingdale’s store, there’s plenty of elbow room to tour this museum-quality show filled with sets, memorabilia and props. 

Chicago Jazz Festival (Courtesy of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events)

Get ready for fun with this guide to neighborhood street fests, art shows, outdoor concerts and cultural celebrations of all sizes across Chicago and the suburbs.

“ICONS” features photographs by Steve McCurry. The exhibit is on display at the Loyola University Museum of Art through March 31, 2024.

A new exhibition focuses on photographs that remind us of the vastness of human culture. It’s a striking blend of art, journalism and storytelling. More than 80 large-format prints represent the career of Steve McCurry, a photography Hall of Famer and a controversial figure to some.

Curtis “The Grandyman” Granderson works with kids at the Chicago Baseball and Educational Academy. (WTTW News)

Curtis “The Grandyman” Granderson spent 16 seasons playing Major League Baseball. Now he’s passing down those years of experience to the next generation of players and inspiring them to pursue college.

(Courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden)

Comedy shows, a French market and dazzling lights usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in and around Chicago.

Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell waves to the crowd as he is honored as a former Arizona Diamondbacks player, during the fourth inning of the team’s baseball game against the Diamondbacks on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, in Phoenix. (AP Photo / Ross D. Franklin, File)

After the blockbuster Cubs signing, the Brewers now must try to keep winning in Major League Baseball’s smallest market without the manager who led them to their greatest run of sustained success.

“Carlos Cortéz: 100 Años,” currently running at the National Museum of Mexican Art, is one of many Art Design Chicago exhibitions that explore the role of artists as activists, problem-solvers and interpreters of history. (Rachel Ruttle / Rudd Resources)

The Art Design Chicago initiative will work with more than 50 art-focused organizations to showcase the work of hundreds of artists now through 2025.

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago in “Coltrane’s Favorite Things” by Lar Lubovitch. (Michelle Reid)

During the past couple of weeks, three of Chicago’s most formidable contemporary dance troupes — the Hubbard Street Dance Company, Giordano Dance Chicago and Deeply Rooted Dance Theater — have turned in terrific performances.

Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell looks on before a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Saturday, April 1, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo / Quinn Harris, File)

The Chicago Cubs hired manager Craig Counsell away from Milwaukee on Monday in a surprising move, replacing David Ross after the team slipped out of a playoff spot in the last part of the season.

The Chicago Blackhawks logo adorns a jersey in Raleigh, N.C., May 3, 2021. (AP Photo / Karl B DeBlaker, File)
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One of the player’s “Black Aces” teammates was Kyle Beach, who reached a settlement with the Blackhawks in December 2021 after alleging he was sexually assaulted by then-video coach Brad Aldrich. The lawsuit filed last week raises similar allegations against Aldric.

froSkate attendees braved skating on the rain-slick concrete at the Wilson Skate Park, 700 W. Wilson Ave., on Oct. 26, 2023. (Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News)

“They make an environment where it’s easy to be a beginner, it’s easy to not know people and find someone to talk to and work on a trick together,” longtime skateboarder Randi Rogers said of froSkate, a Chicago collective centered around women, people of color and queer people.

The De La Cruz family with the 45-foot Colorado Blue Spruce that will light up Millennium Park this holiday season. (Courtesy De La Cruz family; City of Chicago)

The 45-foot Colorado Blue Spruce will take centerstage during an official tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 17 at 6 p.m.

(Provided)

El Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Day, is a two-day celebration where people come together to remember their late loved ones. It’s a beautiful, colorful tradition with festivities, music and food.

Danny Sotomayor was an AIDS activist and the first openly gay nationally syndicated political cartoonist. (Lisa Howe-Ebright)

The late Chicago AIDS activist Danny Sotomayor didn’t just open doors at City Hall. He was also a political cartoonist and an organizer who used civil disobedience to wage war on city officials marginalizing the LGBTQ+ community.

The cast of “The Greatest Show On Earth” takes center stage during the opening scene, “Welcome to the Show.” (Courtesy of Ringling)

A dance series, film festival and Native American art usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in and around Chicago.