Prepare for the holidays by attending Julmarknad, or Christmas Market, in Bishop Hill.  Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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 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.

A Chocolate Walk will be held Saturday and Sunday at the Welcome Center from 9 am to 4 pm.  Purchased homemade chocolates  by the pound.  This is a fundraiser for the Bishop Hill Arts Council.

On Saturday December 6 in the Steeple Building, there will be a make it/take it Christmas tree ornament workshop for children 12 and under.  This free activity from 1 to 3 p.m. is sponsored by the BHHA.  There will also be woodcarving demonstrations in the Steeple Saturday  as well.

For more details, call 309 927-3899 or email bhha@mymctc.net.