Extend your Christmas holiday. Come celebrate the feast of St. Stephen in a uniquely Irish way – Friday, Jan. 2. (Rescheduled from Dec. 26 because of the predicted inclement weather.)

You can join the revelry with the Philadelphia/Delaware Valley branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (pronounced COAL-tus KYOL-TOR-ee AIR-in). CCÉ is a worldwide organization that promotes and preserves Irish traditional music, dance, language, and culture.

The Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Comhaltas branch hosts a céilí — a rollicking Irish dance party— the night after Christmas.

St. Stephen is believed to be the first Christian martyr and, as legend would have it, he was tracked down and stoned to death by his enemies, betrayed in his hiding place by the noisy chattering of a wren.

Tradition has it that on Dec. 26, the “wren boys” go from house to house within their towns and villages in Ireland, dressed in colorful clothes, begging for coins, treats and liquid libations. In days of old, they carried the body of a wren on a decorated pole, calling to mind the small bird’s role in betraying the whereabouts of St. Stephen.

The tradition lives on in Ireland — albeit with a fake wren, thank goodness — and in its own distinctive form here, too, in Philadelphia and the Greater Delaware Valley.

First, the party. The fun begins at 7 p.m. on Jan. 2 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 235 Limekiln Pike in Glenside. All are invited. Expect a night of dancing and music a-plenty. If you don’t know how to dance, they’ll teach you. It’s easy! There’s also a contest for the best wren hats. Coffee, tea, and bar will be available. Bring a Christmas snack to share if you are so inclined, along with your lavishly decorated wren hat.

CCÉ Members – $10

Non-Members – $15

Children under 12 – Free