Prepare for the holidays by attending Julmarknad, or Christmas Market, in Bishop Hill. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. November 28-November 30 and December 6-7. The attractions include Swedish folk characters, traditional Swedish holiday decorations, and Christmas gifts for sale.
See Tomten, ourSwedish elves, roam through the town, shaking hands with tourists, looking through windows, and peeking around corners in their red and grey outfits. A working model railroad and woodcarving demonstrations will be in the Steeple Building. The Welcome Center will feature a decorated tree using the Bishop Hill Colony Dairy Maids as the inspiration. These decorations were used on a holiday tree at the Illinois Governor’s Mansion in 2013. A multi-artist exhibit will also be located at VagnHall Galleri in the Prairie Arts Center.
On Friday November 28 and Saturday November 29 only, Bishop Hill will have three special Julmarknad activities. Cookie baking will be done in the 1860’s Bjorklund Hotel kitchen. Sample freshly baked cookies from 1 to 3 p.m. Old World Santa Claus will visit with children from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Welcome Center. Cameras are welcomed. A Cookie Walk will be held at the Colony School from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Homemade cookies and other baked goods can be purchased by the pound.
On Saturday December 6 and Sunday December 7 only, two unique Christmas Market events will be held. Children are invited to make edible tree ornaments at the Colony Hotel, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. These ornaments may be taken home, or left at the Site to be placed on the Bishop Hill Park’s Christmas tree during the tree lighting on Lucia Nights. A Chocolate Walk will be held at the Welcome Center. Purchase quality chocolates by the pound from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information call 309-927-3899.
News & Events
