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Read the press release here.

Harlem Storefronts Light Up With Seasonal History Lesson

By Dartunorro Clark | December 2, 2016 9:54am
 A holiday window display at Vinteria in Harlem detailing the dance and music of the Harlem Renaissance.
A holiday window display at Vinteria in Harlem detailing the dance and music of the Harlem Renaissance.
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DNAinfo/Dartunorro Clark

HARLEM — You don’t have to go downtown this year to see storefronts transformed into seasonal wonderlands.

A series of holiday window displays will light up Frederick Douglass Boulevard to add some holiday cheer for shoppers.

The displays will lead passersby through the history of the neighborhood’s most famous period of music, art, dance and literature — the Harlem Renaissance — from 114th to 122nd streets along the boulevard.

“It’s our aim to create holiday window displays that are [another] option to Fifth Avenue department stores while showcasing Harlem’s proud history," said Jacqueline Orange of ArtCrawl Harlem, one of the organizers.

"We want to foster support of the community, its businesses and, most importantly, our youth.”

More: See DNAinfo Partners' Neighborhood Picks in the 2016 Holiday Guide

Window displays in Harlem have been around for a couple of years. In 2014, there were features that told the story of Harlem through a time-traveling boy and his horse.

Students from the Fashion Institute of Technology helped put together the displays this year.

They will be a launch on Dec. 3 with live storytellers and vignettes with actors and performers at 122nd Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard at 3 p.m.

It will include free children’s activities and coloring books highlighting the history shown in the displays.

Interactive guided tours will continue on Dec. 10 and 17 for $10 per person, but locals are encouraged to check out the displays on their own. 

The windows will be on display until Jan. 2.

The eight businesses that will have the display windows are:

► Vintage Harlem NYC Wine & Spirits, 2235 Frederick Douglass Boulevard

► Chocolat, 2223 Frederick Douglass Blvd.

Vinateria, 2211 Frederick Douglass Blvd.

Lido, 2168 Frederick Douglass Blvd.

Harlem Tavern, 2153 Frederick Douglass Blvd.

Silvana, 300 W. 116 St.

Harlem Skin & Laser Clinic, 2119 Frederick Douglass Blvd.

Land Yoga, 2116 Frederick Douglass Blvd.

For more information visit, www.harlemholidaywindows.com