Experience the Magic of Lucia Nights in Historic Bishop Hill, IL!
Get ready to celebrate the enchanting tradition of Lucia Nights at Bishop Hill on December 13 and 14, 2024, from 6 to 9 p.m.! This heartwarming festival, rooted in a Swedish legend, honors Saint Lucia, the Queen of Light.
According to tradition, during a time of famine in Sweden, Lucia appeared on the darkest night of the year, dressed in a flowing white robe and crowned with candles, bringing hope and food to those in need. As part of the celebration, local businesses and museums will be visited by Lucia Girls, greeting guests with warmth and cheer. The entire village will twinkle with candlelight, with luminous candles adorning each building and illuminating the sidewalks. Both evenings, the delightful restaurants will be open, and you’ll find unique Christmas gifts at every store.
The festivities kick off on Friday, December 13, at 6 p.m. with the Lighting of the Park Christmas Tree. The public is invited to bring edible ornaments to adorn the tree and join in the festivities afterward! The evening will be filled with a variety of free Christmas activities across Bishop Hill.
Enjoy live performances by Hammer and Pick, who will serenade attendees with Christmas and folk music, and catch Brian “Fox” Ellis telling captivating Swedish and Pioneer Christmas stories at the Vasa National Archives. Over at the Prairie Arts Center, Deirdre and Fiona Light will fill the air with beloved holiday music, while the Bishop Hill High Society Band rounds out the entertainment at the Creative Commons. Plus, the Galva High School Choir will spread joy by singing carols throughout the village, and the Peoria Cooperative Academy Madrigal Singers will perform at the Bishop Hill Methodist Church.
The fun continues on Saturday, December 14, with more performances and activities. The artistry of Hammer and Pick and the storytelling talents of Brian “Fox” Ellis will delight audiences once again. The Light girls will enchant visitors at the Prairie Arts Center, and Coffee Creek will perform at the Creative Commons. The Peoria Cooperative Academy Madrigal Singers will return to the Methodist Church, while the Cambridge High School Choir spreads festive cheer through the streets. Don’t miss the Old-Fashioned Barn Dance at the Colony School, starting at 7 p.m., where the Sangamo Stemwinders will provide music, and everyone is welcome to join the fun—no experience necessary!
Throughout both evenings, the Bishop Hill Community United Methodist Church will host its annual Soup and Chili Supper starting at 4:00 p.m., with a free-will donation appreciated to support this community meal.
And the festivities don’t end there! Join us on Sunday, December 15, for a special free afternoon concert featuring the Knox-Galesburg Symphony Brass Ensemble at 2 p.m. in the Bishop Hill Creative Commons, part of their Community Series. Mark your calendars for a memorable Lucia Nights celebration in Bishop Hill—where light, music, and community come together to create lasting memories!