Step into the festive spirit with the 2024 Julmarknad in historic Bishop Hill! This Christmas Market, brimming with Swedish traditions, offers a variety of activities for all ages. From traditional Swedish holiday music by Tennessee-based Lisa Horngren at the Steeple Building Museum to creative workshops like the Advent Wreath Workshop and Dala Horse Painting, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the unique Cookie Walk and the Chocolate Walk, where you can purchase delightful treats by the pound. Plus, capture the moment with holiday portraits available for a fee at Dee Schroeder Photography.
Every day, the community comes alive with Swedish folk characters like Tomten, the friendly elves, and the festive Julbock, a Christmas goat. Explore traditional crafts, listen to holiday music, and indulge in unique shopping opportunities. Attractions include a captivating model railroad display at the Steeple Building Museum and a chance to transform into a Swedish tomten at the 1882 Peasant Works barnyard photo station. Don’t miss out on crafting your own Dala Horse at the Vasa National Archives with take-home kits or painting sessions available throughout the event. Register here for the Dala Horse crafts
For more details on event schedules and activities, visit www.visitbishophill.com or call 309-927-3899. Embrace the holiday cheer at Bishop Hill’s Julmarknad! Hours are from 10 AM to 4 PM on November 29th, 30th, and December 7th. Hours are 11 AM to 4 PM on December 1st and 8th.
On Friday November 29 only, the Cookie Walk will be held at the Colony School from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Homemade cookies and other baked goods can be purchased by the pound. Also at the Colony School, the Bishop Hill Methodist Church will be conducting an Advent Wreath Workshop where families can make Advent Wreaths to take home. Tennessee-based performer Lisa Horngren will be performing a free concert of traditional Swedish music on her nyckelharpa (keyed fiddle) at the Steeple Building Museum at 1 p.m.
On Saturday November 30 only, the Cookie Walk will continue at the Colony School. Dee Schroeder Photography will be at the Colony School taking holiday portraits for a fee from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Bishop Hill Methodist Church will continue their Advent Wreath Workshop. Authors Mary Davidsaver and Jannifer Powelson will have book signings at the Prairie Arts Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tennessee-based performer Lisa Horngren will again be performing a free concert of traditional Swedish music on her nyckelharpa at the Steeple Building Museum at 1 p.m. Saturday is also Small Business Saturday, so please support your local economy and shop the small businesses of Bishop Hill.
On Sunday December 1 only, Tennessee-based performer Lisa Horngren will be performing her final free concert of traditional Swedish music at the Steeple Building Museum at 1 p.m. At 7 p.m., Rupert Wates will be performing at the Bishop Hill Creative Commons.
On Saturday December 7 only, a Chocolate Walk will be held at the Bishop Hill Creative Commons from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Purchase quality homemade chocolates by the pound. Also, the BHHA volunteers are sponsoring a make it/take it Christmas tree ornament workshop for children ages 12 and under at the Steeple Building Museum. Kids will have a choice of several types of ornaments to make and to take home to put on their Christmas tree. This is a free activity occurring from 1- 3 p.m.
Julmarknad events are financed by the Bishop Hill Arts Council, Community State Bank, Illinois Arts Council, Bill and Susan Sherrard Foundation, Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation, and SWEA-Chicago. Regional Media is our major media sponsor.