Prepare for the holidays by attending Julmarknad, or Christmas Market, in Bishop Hill.  Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. December 5 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on December 6  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 will be in the Steeple Building,.  The Welcome Center will also 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 Saturday December 5 and Sunday December 6, four unique Christmas Market events will be held.  Children are invited to make edible tree ornaments at the Bjorklund Hotel from 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 also be held at the Welcome Center.   Purchase quality chocolates by the pound from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.  On Saturday only, a woodcarver will be demonstrating from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a free Make it/Take it Christmas Tree Ornament Workshop for children 12 and under will occur from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Steeple Building Museum.

Call 309 927-3899 or email bhha@mymctc.net for more details.