Grab your mittens, scarf and holiday wish list and head to Historic Stagville for "Christmas in the Big House, Christmas in the Quarters" for free family fun.

Bluegrass and Appalachian music, African-American drumming and storytelling, artisans and Durham barbecue will offer a generous dose of unique history Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"It is unusual to have a depiction of how the enslaved community would celebrate Christmas, as well as the plantation family," says Kimberly Puryear, site manager of Historic Stagville State Historic Site. "It's a priceless experience, with free admission to the 18th century plantation and home, decorated in holiday finery."

Plan to sing along or dance with Braima Moiwai, originally from Sierre Leone, and the Sankofa Cultural Group, with drumming that harkens back to celebrations past. Sid Luck, a fifth-generation potter from Seagrove, makes the demanding task of creating beautiful pottery look easy. The Living Treasure of North Carolina Award recipient will demonstrate the art and have pieces for sale.

Piedmont artists will demonstrate crafts from fused glassware to fiber arts and help recreate the holiday festivities. Music from old-time bluegrass band Flies in the Kitchen, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and traditional Appalachian band Little Windows, 1 to 3 p.m., will enliven the day.

Hungry families will find Durham's famous Bullock's Barbecue for sale.

Children can discover what youngsters of yesteryear did after handling household or plantation chores.

They were occupied not by computer games but by Colonial games like hoops and chuck farthing. Kids will be able to make and take home an ornament as well.

Blacksmiths Covalt and Friends, from Morrisville, will let visitors try hammering metal that will be used in a grill set at future site events. Other demonstrations will include spinning, weaving and wood turning.

For more information contact Puryear at (919) 620-0120. Historic Stagville State Historic Site is located at 5828 Old Oxford Highway, Durham.

For more information about this and other events, visit www.historicstagvillefoundation.org.