The weekend brings Bishop Hill’s Julmarkand, Galva’s Ol’ Fashioned Christmas and the Frogtown Craft Beer Festival, along with fundraisers, live music and more to the Kewanee area.
2025 Julmarkand (Christmas market)
What: Daily attractions include Swedish folk characters, traditional Swedish holiday decorations, holiday music and Christmas gifts for sale. Shops, museums and restaurants will be open. See Tomten, the Swedish elves, looking through windows and peeking around corners in red and grey outfits. A working model railroad will be in the Steeple Building Museum. Paint stations will be set up in the Vasa National Archive for painters to decorate a wooden Dala Horse. Paint, brushes and smocks are provided. Participants can leave their Dala horses at the archive to dry while shopping. Dala horses are $5 for an ornament or $7 for a standing horse whether painting here or at home. Call or email to reserve horses to ensure supply.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 28 and Nov. 29 and Dec. 6; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 7.
Where: 103 N. Bishop Hill St., Bishop Hill
Annual Cookie Walk
What: Buy homemade cookies and other baked goods while they last at the annual cookie walk during Julmarknad. Prices are $3 for a quarter pound of cookies, $6 for a half pound and $12 for a pound. Proceeds will benefit the Bishop Hill United Methodist Church. There will also be an Advent wreath making activity that visitors can participate in for free.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 28 and Nov. 29
Where: The Colony School, 405 W. Main St., Bishop Hill
Jump into Fun Day
What: Enjoy non-stop action with interactive inflatables and a classic bounce house.
When: 9:30 a.m. to noon Nov. 28 (9:30 to 10 a.m. for age 4 and younger; 10 a.m. to noon all ages)
Where: Geneseo Park District
Cost: Free
Alpaca Farm Holiday Open House
What: The Santa and Alpaca picture booth will be open from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, with photos for $5. Shop all things alpaca: socks, yarn, scarves, hats, gloves, glittens, throws, teddy bears, alpaca figures, rugs, fiber art, fiber art kits, sweaters and more.
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 28; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 29.
Where: Heartland Criations Alpacas, 2512 Knox Road 500 East, Rio
Galva’s Ol’ Fashioned Christmas
What: Celebrate Galva’s Ol’ Fashioned Christmas traditions with open houses at businesses around the square. They will have extended hours, refreshments and giveaways. The celebration kicks off with activities at the Galva Arts Council and ends with the 5 p.m. lighted parade, then the lighting of the City of Galva’s Veterans Park. Visit with Santa Claus, have a family photo taken, take a free pony ride or carriage ride.
When: 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 29
Where: Galva Arts Council, 128 Exchange St., Galva
Cost: Free
Galva Girl Scout Toy Drive
What: The local Girl Scout troop is hosting a toy drive to help with the local Love Tree program during the Ol’ Fashioned Christmas celebration. Bring new, unwrapped toys or gifts for children up to 15 years old. The scouts are also accepting donations for the local food pantry.
When: 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 29
Where: Crescent City Tap, 336 Front St., Galva
Frogtown Craft Beer Festival
What: The Quad Cities only Fall Craft Beer Festival brings more than 500 people to sample craft beers from more than 35 breweries and listen to live music, while helping raise funds for local QC charity, the Peaceful Palate.
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 29
Where: The Rust Belt, 1033 Seventh St., East Moline
Cost: $40-$67
Winter Wonderland Craft and Vendor Show
What: There will be more than 150 crafters, vendors and boutiques at the second annual show.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 28 and Nov. 29.
Where: The Bend Event Center, 967 Bend Blvd., East Moline
Cost: Free admission
Girls Day
What: Bring your friends to shop for jewelry, food and gifts with vendors; listen to music; and see Bad Santa. The bar will be open.
When: 2 to 5 p.m. Nov. 30
Where: Oxford Legion Post 1197, 211 W A St., Alpha
Coming next week
Friends of the Library book sale
What: Join the Friends of the Library for a pop-up book sale. Discover a selection of gently used books. All sales are by donation. Give what you can and take home some reads while supporting your library’s programs and community events. Come browse and chat with fellow book lovers.
When: Dec. 4 to Dec. 6
Where: Community room, Kewanee Public Library District, 102 S. Tremont St., Kewanee
Kathi Edwards is a freelance contributor to the Kewanee Star Courier.
This article originally appeared on Star Courier: Christmas market among 9 events happening this weekend around Kewanee
Reporting by Kathi Edwards, Special to the Kewanee Star Courier / Star Courier
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