Prepare for the holidays by attending the first weekend of Julmarknad, or Christmas Market, in Bishop Hill. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. November 27 and November 28. On Sunday November 29, the hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.. In Sweden, the Julmarknad tradition started in the 14th century, with the market typically held in the town square. The attractions in Bishop Hill include Swedish folk characters, traditional Swedish holiday decorations, and unique Christmas gifts for sale. The traditional foods and handicrafts offered for sale give a glimpse of life in the past, as well as the opportunity to incorporate them into modern life. Saturday November 28 is also Small Business Saturday, so please support your local economy and shop the small businesses of historic Bishop Hill.
Due to COVID-19 and Illinois Tier 3 Mitigations, there has been some changes. The museums of Bishop Hill will be closed the first weekend of Julmarknad. Our restaurants are currently doing only curbside pickup, take out, and outdoor seating, weather permitting. We do ask our guests to please social distance. Our businesses do require masks indoors and have new capacity limits. Due to the changing nature of the pandemic, there is the possibility that additional modifications might be made to Julmarknad. So please check before visiting.
For more information about 2020 Julmarknad activities, please call 309-927-3899, email bhha@mymctc.net, or visit www.visitbishophill.com. Information will also be posted on various Facebook pages including the Bishop Hill Heritage Association and the Bishop Hill Arts Council Facebook pages. Julmarknad events are sponsored, in part, by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency.
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