Prepare for the holidays by attending Julmarknad, or Christmas Market, in Bishop Hill. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. November 27, November 28 and December 5. On November 29 and December 6, the hours are from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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 outfits. A working model railroad and woodcarving demonstrations will be in the Steeple Building. A multi-artist exhibit will also be located at VagnHall Galleri in the Prairie Arts Center. The Welcome Center will feature a decorated tree using Bishop Hill’s painter, Olof Krans, as the inspiration. These decorations were used on a holiday tree at the Illinois Governor’s Mansion in 2014.
On Friday November 27 and Saturday November 28 only, Bishop Hill will have two 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. 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.
At 6 p.m. on Saturday November 28 only, attend an evening of dining and mystery at PL Johnson’s Dining Room as Die Laughing Productions present The Mystery of the Ugly Christmas Sweater. The cost is $38.00 per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance so call 309-927-3064 to make reservations. A prize will be awarded for the ugliest Christmas Sweater. This event is a fundraiser for The Bishop Hill Arts Council Welcome Center.
On Saturday December 5 and Sunday December 6 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 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information call 309-927-3899.
Julmarknad events are sponsored, in part, by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
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