Philadelphia's African American Holiday Traditions Alive And Well In 2004

The Philadelphia region has long been a cradle for African American history, culture and community, and the holiday season is no exception as area attractions offer spirited seasonal activities that incorporate learning, creativity - and lots of talented performers. The rich history of the city’s African American citizenry and neighborhoods provides an exciting backdrop for entertainment and fun during Christmas and Kwanzaa.

• In December, the Philadelphia Doll Museum mounts its annual holiday display, featuring festive dolls and cheerful angels that are all part of the Museum’s 300-plus doll collection. Run by collector and founder Barbara Whiteman, the Doll Museum is also a popular spot to pick up Kwanzaa gifts. 2253 N. Broad Street, (215) 787-0220, www.philadollmuseum.com
  
  
• Historic Germantown Preserved, a coalition of sites in the northwest section of the city, celebrates the season with a Holiday Open House on December 6-7, 2004. During the two-day event, Stenton, Cliveden, Wyck and many other historic sites open their festively decorated properties to holiday revelers. At The Johnson House Historical Site, which once served as a stop on the Underground Railroad, visitors can enjoy house tours, storytelling, educational activities and holiday treats. 6306 Germantown Avenue, (215) 438-1768, www.johnsonhouse.org
  
  
• The Point Breeze Performing Arts Center’s finest vocalists are putting their talents and good will to use this holiday season. The singers delight audiences with old-fashioned Christmas tunes spiced up with modern music and soul, from December 13-17, 2004. In addition, the Point Breeze Caroling Caravan has plans to distribute more than 5,000 gift bags and 100 food baskets to poor families in the Philadelphia area as part of a 15- to 20-stop itinerary. 1717 Point Breeze Avenue, (215) 755-1014, www.pbpac.org
  
  
• The Point Breeze Dance Company, part of the Point Breeze Performing Arts Center, brings its seasonal magic to the city with its annual holiday concert/recital, taking place December 17-18, 2004. Formerly known as the Point Breeze Kwanzaa Show, the event is a showcase for the Center’s talented dancers, singers and musicians. University of the Arts, Drake Theater, 1512 Spruce Street, (215) 755-1014, www.pbpac.org
  
  
• Take 6, the Grammy Award-winning sextet, takes to the stage of the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts’ Zellerbach Theatre on December 18, 2004, with their smooth a capella sounds tuned for the holiday season. Making music together for more than 15 years, the group enchants audiences with inspirational holiday songs performed with harmonic eloquence. 3680 Walnut Street, (215) 898-3900, www.pennpresents.org
  
  
• Educating Philadelphia’s African American community for almost 30 years, The African American Museum in Philadelphia gives back yet again with another season of historical instruction and meaningful family fun during the 2004 holidays. Its annual Holiday Festival Family Day and Kwanzaa Celebration, scheduled for December 18, 2004, features storytelling, musical performances and ornament-making workshops perfect for the entire family. 7th & Arch Streets, (215) 574-0380, www.aampmuseum.org

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC), Philadelphia's regional tourism marketing agency, is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to building the region's economy and positive image through tourism and destination marketing. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, call the new Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676, or visit www.gophila.com. For information about arts and cultural attractions in the region, click on the CultureFiles link. philadelphia doll museum johnson house historical site point breeze performing arts center take 6 annenberg center for the performing arts’ zellerbach theatre african american museum in philadelphia