Prepare for the holidays by attending Julmarknad, or Christmas Market, in Bishop Hill. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. December 7- 8. The attractions include Swedish folk characters, traditional Swedish holiday decorations, and Christmas gifts for sale. See Tomten, our Swedish elves, roam through the town, shaking hands with tourists, looking through windows, and peeking around corners in their red and grey outfit. Watch out for the Julbock, Yule- Goat!
The BHHA is sponsoring a make it/take it Christmas ornament workshop for children ages 12 and under at the Steeple Building. Kids will have a choice of several types of ornaments to make and to take home to put on their Christmas tree. It is a free activity occurring from 1- 3 p.m. Saturday Dec. 7 only!
A Chocolate Walk will be held Sat. Dec. 7 and Sun. Dec. 8 only. Purchase quality chocolates by the pound at the Welcome Center. Hours are 10 am to 5 pm.
Several new exhibits will also be on display throughout the town. Wintertime in Bishop Hill will be presented at the Bishop Hill Museum. A working model railroad with the exhibit Swedish Christmas Traditions will be on display in the Steeple Building. At the Welcome Center, a Christmas tree that celebrate the Bishop Hill Colony’s rag rug industry is on display. This tree was in the Governor’s Mansion in 2012. A multi-artist exhibit will also be located at VagnHall Galleri in the Prairie Arts Center.