A beloved Philadelphia holiday tradition returns for the eighth annual “A Soulful Christmas” on Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. in Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for Performing Arts, 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia.

Led by Dr. J. Donald Dumpson, the inspiring gathering of regional choirs will perform holiday spirituals and gospel favorites.

The Philadelphia Catholic Gospel Mass Choir, under the direction of Tonya Dorsey, is one of the featured choirs. Father Stephen Thorne will represent the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and join other pastors offering words of hope.

This year’s guest singer is recording artist Kathy Taylor.

Other choirs performing include Arch Street Presbyterian Church, Deliverance Evangelistic Church, Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, Mount Carmel Baptist Church, Gospel Music Preservation Alliance, Pa. Commonwealth COGIC Mass Choir, Philadelphia Heritage Chorale, organist Evelyn Simpson Curenton and praise dancers.

Emcees for the event are Patty Jackson of WDAS-FM and Fred Blain of Gospel Highway.

“A Soulful Christmas” is meant to bring communities and community-based choirs, pastors across Philadelphia, praise dancers and many instrumental artists together for an annual celebration of worship and music.