Lucia Nights in Historic Bishop Hill

Bishop Hill invites you to join the Lucia Nights celebration! This Swedish tradition is based on a legend of Saint Lucia, Queen of Light. Girls in Sweden today wake their families on December 13, carrying a tray of Lucia buns while dressed in a white robe and wearing a crown of candles.

Lucia Nights begins in Bishop Hill with the Lighting of the Park Christmas Tree at 6 p.m. on Friday. The public is invited to bring edible ornaments to hang on the tree. Evening attractions include free musical performances in various locations in town. Businesses and museums will have a Lucia girl serving cookies. Around the village, each building will have a single candle in each window, and sidewalks will be illuminated. Restaurants are open in the evening. Special gifts will also be on sale.

Bishop Hill will be hosting a wide range of activities on Friday and Saturday. Jazz on the Side will be performing at 6 p.m. in the Dairy Building, with the Peoria Cooperative Academy Chorale following at 7:30 p.m. The VASA National Archives will have a closing reception for their exhibits, with storyteller Brian "Fox" Ellis sharing traditional Swedish and Pioneer Christmas stories.

At the Steeple Building Museum, Hammer and Pick will be playing from 6 to 9 p.m. with woodcarving demonstrations going on as well. In addition, the Bishop Hill Community United Methodist Church will host the annual Soup and Chili Supper beginning at 4 p.m. until they run out. A free-well donation is appreciated to cover the cost of the meal.

For more information about Lucia Nights, call 309 927-3899 or visit www.bishophill.com