Bishop Hill is preparing to host its annual Julmarknad Christmas Market, inviting locals and visitors to experience a taste of Swedish heritage. Festivities on November 28th, 29th, and 30th, and December 6th and 7th, bringing the village to life with Swedish folk characters, colorful ornaments, and the sounds of live holiday music. Shoppers can browse unique handmade gifts, while children can join craft workshops or marvel at intricate model railroads. The event also features book signings with regional authors, making it a celebration for all ages. Those interested in schedules and specific activities can find more information at visitbishophill.com. The 2025 Julmarknad, or Christmas Market, will welcome visitors across five festive days this year. 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.
Attendees can join traditional cookie walks, try their hand at Dala horse crafting, and enjoy Swedish music concerts. Interactive workshops and the chance to spot Tomten, the festive Swedish elf, add charm for all ages. Events are scheduled across notable venues such as the Colony School, Vasa National Archives, and the Steeple Building Museum. Local organizers say the market embraces Swedish heritage, offering warm traditions and cheerful experiences just in time for the holiday season.
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
• Cookie Walk at the Colony School from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• 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.
• 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.
