Todd DeDecker with the Bishop Hill Heritage Association joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the 2025 Julmarknad, or Swedish Christmas Market, beginning on November 28th. Bishop Hill is gearing up for its annual Julmarknad Christmas Market, a vibrant celebration of Swedish culture scheduled across five festive days: November 28th, 29th, and 30th, and December 6th and 7th. Note: Saturday, November 29th, events may be rescheduled due to severe winter weather in the forecast. From Scandinavian folk characters and traditional cookie walks to Dala horse crafting and Swedish music concerts, the village is set to transform into a holiday destination for all ages. Shoppers will find unique handmade gifts, while children can enjoy model railroads and interactive workshops. Special events, including book signings, take place at sites like the Colony School and Vasa National Archives. Full event details are available at visitbishophill.com. The market runs from 10 AM to 4 PM on November 28th, November 29th, and December 6th. On November 30th and December 7th, doors open an hour later at 11 AM, closing at 4 PM each day.
Adding to the tradition, Bishop Hill will also host Lucia Nights on December 12th and 13th. The village transforms after dark with glowing candlelight, traditional music, and appearances by Swedish holiday characters. Organizers invite families and holiday enthusiasts to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of Sweden right in the heart of Illinois.
DAILY EVENTS:
Friday November 28
• Cookie Walk at the Colony School from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Take Home Dala Horse Kits and Make and Take Dala Horse Painting Station at the Vasa National Archives
• Tomten roaming the village
• Working Model Railroad in Steeple Building Museum
• Advent Wreath Workshop at the Colony School from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Nyckelharpa concert of Swedish music by Lisa Horngren at the Steeple Building at 1 p.m.
• Cookie Baking at historic Bjorklund Hotel from 1 to 3 p.m.
Saturday November 29
• Tomten roaming the village
• Working Model Railroad in Steeple Building Museum
• Take Home Dala Horse Kits and Make and Take Dala Horse Painting Station at the Vasa National Archives
• Dee Schroeder Photography will be at the Colony School taking holiday portraits for a fee from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Book signing by author Jannifer Powelson at the Prairie Arts Center 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Advent Wreath Workshop at the Colony School from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Nyckelharpa concert of Swedish music by Lisa Horngren at the Steeple Building at 1 p.m.
• Cookie Baking at historic Bjorklund Hotel from 1 to 3 p.m.
Sunday November 30
• Working Model Railroad in Steeple Building Museum
• Tomten roaming the village
• Take Home Dala Horse Kits and Make and Take Dala Horse Painting Station at the Vasa National Archives
• Nyckelharpa concert of Swedish music by Lisa Horngren at the Steeple Building at 1 p.m.
• Cookie Baking at historic Bjorklund Hotel from 1 to 3 p.m.
Saturday December 6
• Chocolate Walk at the Bishop Hill Creative Commons from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Cookie Walk at the Colony School from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Take Home Dala Horse Kits and Make and Take Dala Horse Painting Station at the Vasa National Archives
• Tomten roaming the village
• Make it/take it Christmas tree ornament workshop for kids 12 and under at the Steeple Building Museum from 1 to 3 p.m.
• Working Model Railroad in Steeple Building Museum
• Free Swedish Folk Song Workshop with Kongero at Dairy Building from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
• Kongero Concert at the Bishop Hill Creative Commons at 7 p.m.
• Make edible tree ornaments at the Bjorklund Hotel from 1 to 3 p.m.
Sunday December 7
• Tomten roaming the village
• Working Model Railroad in Steeple Building Museum
• Take Home Dala Horse Kits and Make and Take Dala Horse Painting Station at the Vasa National Archives
• Make edible tree ornaments at the Bjorklund Hotel from 1 to 3 p.m.
