A colonial Christmas celebration coming December 7

“During the rest of the year, the public street is open and its private residences are closed,” said resident and Elfreth’s Alley Association board member Dan Gaidula. “At Deck the Alley, it’s the one afternoon when it’s the street that’s closed off and you can buy a ticket to go inside the houses.”

In addition to the chance to see what 21st-century living on an 18th-century street looks like, visitors will enjoy carols by the Colonial Revelers, authentic colonial mummery, and appearances by Ben Franklin and Belsnickel, the “cranky Santa” of the Pennyslvania Dutch. Ed Mauger and Bob Skiba will sign copies of their new book Lost Philadelphia and artifacts from last summer’s archaeological dig will be on display.

Deck the Alley, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, 3-7 p.m. at 126 Elfreth’s Alley, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Admission $25 adults, $10 students, $10 seniors; tickets at elfrethsalley.org.