Griffin Museum of Science and Industry decks the halls for Christmas in July

Christmas came early this year for Chicago's Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. 

From Thursday to Sunday, the museum will deck its halls and host a variety of holiday activities. Visitors can take holiday photos, watch a liquid nitrogen live science show, buy holiday cookies or browse Christmas ornaments in the gift shop.

Guests can also prepare ahead for Christmas with a special selection of ornaments in the Museum Store.

On Friday, July 24, visitors can participate in hands-on activities at the museum, including a mobile Fab Lab where visitors can cut their own ornaments with a laser.

The museum's rotunda will also give a sneak peek at what this year's Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibit ahead of its Nov. 7 opening.

New this year among holiday events at the Griffin MSI is a "Naughty or Nice" after-hours event for families — featuring face painting, a meet-and-greet with Santa, and fun for all ages. The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19.

There is also a "Naughty or Nice" event for adults 21 and over, with festive cocktails and exclusive after-hours exhibit access. This event is on Thursday, Dec. 10, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

To top off the holiday cheer, an early sale will take place for customers to get discounted tickets to their holiday celebrations in December.

The Christmas Around the World event at the Griffin MSI started in 1942 to represent unity during World War II, and now features more than 50 trees. The museum also plays holiday-themed silent films in the Nickelodeon at its Yesterday's Main Street exhibit during the Christmastime season.