Christmas Market, Merry Markets and more: 11 things to do in the Galesburg area
Thanksgiving week in the Galesburg area features a plethora of family fun activities.
From Swedish holiday traditions in Bishop Hill to shopping local, here are 11 things to do in the Galesburg area this holiday weekend.
Bishop Hill Julmarknad (Christmas Market)
What: Daily attractions include Swedish folk characters, traditional Swedish holiday decorations, holiday music, craft activities and Christmas gifts for sale. All shops, museums and restaurants will be open. A working model railroad will also be in the Steeple Building Museum, along with a Christmas display.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, Saturdays, Nov. 25 and Dec.2; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays Nov. 26 and Dec. 3
Where: Bishop Hill
Cost: Free
For more: 309-927-3899
Christmas at Walnut Grove Farm
What: Discover unique artisan treasures and enjoy live music throughout the farm. Meet with authors and illustrators who will have their books for sale. Visit with Santa Claus himself. Let the kids express themselves at the Art Table. Indulge in holiday treats.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24
Where: Walnut Grove Farm, 1455 Knox Station Road, Knoxville, IL, 61448
Cost: Free admission
For more: 309-337-5354
Bubble Wrap Advent Candles
What: Enjoy a holiday craft-making workshop.
When: 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24
Where: Discovery Depot, 128 S. Chambers St., Galesburg
Cost: Free with admission
For more: 309-344-8876
Joel Estes Book Signing
What: Joel will be signing copies of his newest children's book "Last Pick."
When: 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24
Where: Wordsmith Bookshoppe, 235 E. Main St., Galesburg
For more: 309-351-7767
Merry Markets at GCAC
What: Merry Markets will run through November and December in the Middle Gallery. The featured artist this weekend will be Karen Snow and Sheryl Nyman Friday, Nov. 24 and Sue Hamm and Sarah E. Ross on Saturday, Nov. 25. Get your shopping done and support local artists.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24 and Saturday, Nov. 25
Where: Galesburg Community Arts Center, 349 E. Main St., Galesburg
Cost: Free admission
For more: 309-342-7415
Pop-Up Shop with Crazy Woman Crochet
What: Come for a pop-up with Crazy Woman Crochet for Small Business Saturday.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25
Where: The Galesburg Antiques Mall Co., 349 E. Main St., Galesburg
For more: 309-342-8571
Holiday Open House – Small Business Saturday Shopping
What: Stop by for hot cocoa, coffee and sweet treats. There will be a 12-foot tree contest. Shop for fresh decorated wreaths, live trees, bough bunches, decorated porch pots, fresh garland mixed roping, swags, ornaments from the tree or an entirely decorated tree.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25
Where: Greenhouse & Décor, 963 E. Main St., Galesburg
For more:Holiday Open House – Small Business Saturday on Facebook Shopping
Science Saturday: Dying Clay Pumpkins
What: Come for some pumpkin-themed science fun.
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25
Where: Discovery Depot, 128 S. Chambers St., Galesburg
Cost: Free with admission
For more: 309-344-8876
Boxcar People Presentation
What: Join the library for a special presentation of the movie Boxcar People. Producers of the film, Luz and Will Schick, will speak before the film.
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25
Where: Galesburg Public Library, 40 E. Simmons St., Galesburg
For more: 309-343-6118
Wacky Water Olympics
What: Have fun on Thanksgiving break with Wacky Water Olympics. Come for some not so traditional games. No pre-registration required.
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25
Where: Hawthorne Pool, 2331 Veterans Drive, Galesburg
Cost: Free
For more: 309-345-3683
Santa is Coming to Mother Goosebumps
What: Santa will be joining for family photos and cookies. Capture a magical memory of your kiddos with Santa. Bring your own device to snap photo.
When: Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26
Where: Mother Goosebumps, 77 S. Seminary St., Galesburg
For more: 309-342-2867
Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Julmarknad among 11 things to near Galesburg Thanksgiving weekend
