Do This!

A panel discussion on the portrayal of African American women in the entertainment industry, moderated by Moshay LaRen of WRNB (100.3 FM) with Lehigh University professor and hip-hop scholar James Braxton Peterson will be offered 7:30 to 9 p.m. Friday at St. Joseph's University, 5600 City Ave. Participants will focus on the representation of black women in society, how their voices are heard, and any perpetual or diminishing factors that contribute to their image. Scheduled panelists include R&B singer Jade Alston, and Shaheed Rucker, executive director of the nonprofit organization Changemakers. To RSVP, go to

» READ MORE: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2448481474?ref=eweb

.

The historic Indian King Tavern, where the Great Seal of New Jersey was officially adopted, has been decorated to reflect the spirit of Christmas. It is part of the Holiday House Tour in Haddonfield. Warm apple cider will be served to visitors who need to thaw from the winter cold. On Friday night, dulcimer musicians the Cheat Mountain Boys will perform traditional music. The Tavern will be open Fridays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. through Dec. 16 and Saturday mornings through the end of the year. Tour tickets are $15, $20 on the day of the tour of the tavern, 233 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield, N.J. Information: 856-429-6792;

» READ MORE: www.indiankingfriends.org

.

Gerald Charles Dickens, the great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens, will honor his famous ancestor's forthcoming 200th birthday with his one-man hit show of

A Christmas Carol

, in which he plays all 26 characters. Home to one of the most extensive Dickens' collections in the world, Pennsylvania is one of the anticipated stops of this annual U.S. holiday tour. In honor of his ancestor, Gerald Dickens tries to perform his Christmas readings with just as much gusto and energy as Charles did in the 1860s. The shows are at 7 p.m. Friday, and at 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday, at Byers' Choice, 4355 County Line Rd., Chalfont, Pa. Information: 215-822-6700;

» READ MORE: www.byerschoice.com

.

Fairmount Park's historic mansions are lavishly bedecked for the holidays and will be open for tours through Sunday. A local tradition, the tours showcase six mansions that have re-created the Christmas experience during the nation's colonial times. Cedar Grove and Mount Pleasant Mansions both feature a "traditional children's Christmas." Lemon Hill Mansion shows off the "charms of the park," while Sweetbriar Mansion boasts a "colonial Christmas." Laurel Hill features carolers and colonial wool spinners, and Woodford will hold a 1700s-style high-society party. Group tours will visit three mansions at a cost of $25 per person. Reservations are strongly recommended for groups. Visitors can tour the mansions on their own for $5. All six homes are open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays to Sundays. Information: 215-685-0274;

» READ MORE: www.facebook.com/parkhouses

.

The renowned Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale will perform three concerts in celebration of the holidays, showcasing a repertoire of traditional carols and sacred and classical music. The singers also perform a cappella versions of favorite Christmas tunes. With 80 members and a men's chorale, the choir is directed by Jeffrey R. Smith and its performances are 8 p.m. Friday at St. Davids Episcopal Church, 763 South Valley Forge Rd., Wayne; 8 p.m. Saturday at the Church of the Holy Trinity, 1904 Walnut St., Philadelphia; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at St. Rose of Lima, 300 Kings Hwy., Haddon Heights, N.J. Tickets are $40 with discounts for groups. Information: 215-222-3500;

» READ MORE: www.phillyboyschoir.org

.