In Bishop Hill, the community is gearing up for the annual Lucia Nights, a celebration inspired by the legend of Saint Lucia, known for bringing light into the darkest time of the year. Scheduled for December 13 and 14, 2024, from 6 to 9 PM, this festive event features a traditional tree lighting ceremony, captivating live music, and enchanting storytelling sessions. Visitors can stroll through the historic town as local businesses and museums open their doors, offering special sales and showcasing traditional Swedish decorations. This event promises to be a delightful experience, fostering community spirit and holiday cheer. Listen to Regional Media WKEI (102.5 FM and 1450 AM) at 8:15 on December 10th and 12th to hear Todd DeDecker talk about Lucia Nights.
2024 Lucia Nights Schedule
Hours are from 6 to 9 p.m. on December 13 and 14
Friday December 13:
• Christmas Tree Lighting at 6 p.m. in the village park
• Soup and Chili Supper at the Bishop Hill Community United Methodist Church will begin at 4:00 p.m. until they run out. A free-will donation is appreciated to cover the meal cost.
• Peoria Cooperative Academy Madrigal Singers will be performing at the Bishop Hill Methodist Church from 6:30 to 7 p.m.
• The Vasa National Archives will have a closing reception for their exhibit, with storyteller Brian “Fox” Ellis sharing Christmas Stories from 6 to 8 p.m.
• Hammer and Pick will be playing at the Steeple Building, starting at 6 p.m.
• At the Prairie Arts Center, Deirdre and Fiona Light will be performing holiday music from 6 to 7 p.m.
• Galva High School Choir will be caroling from building to building.
• At the Creative Commons, the Bishop Hill High Society Band will be performing from 6 to 7 p.m. followed by Coffee Creek from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday December 14:
• Soup and Chili Supper at the Bishop Hill Community United Methodist Church will begin at 4:00 p.m. until they run out. A free-will donation is appreciated to cover the meal cost.
• Peoria Cooperative Academy Madrigal Singers will be performing at the Bishop Hill Methodist Church from 6:30 to 7 p.m.
• The Vasa National Archives will have a closing reception for their exhibit, with storyteller Brian “Fox” Ellis sharing Christmas Stories from 6 to 8 p.m.
• Hammer and Pick will be playing at the Steeple Building, starting at 6 p.m.
• At the Prairie Arts Center, Deirdre and Fiona Light will be performing holiday music from 6 to 7 p.m.
• Cambridge High School Choir will be caroling from building to building.
• At the Creative Commons, Coffee Creek will be playing starting at 6:30 p.m.
• At the Colony School, there will be an Old-Fashioned Barn Dance, with Sangamo Stemwinders performing and Gail Hintze calling. Beginners are welcome and no partner is necessary.
Lucia Nights is organized by the Bishop Hill Heritage Association. Activities are partly funded by the Bishop Hill Arts Council, Bishop Hill Old Settler’s Association, Community State Bank, Illinois Arts Council, Bill and Susan Sherrard Foundation, Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation, and SWEA-Chicago. Special thanks to all the volunteers who made this festival possible!
