Kwanzaa, the African American and Pan-African holiday celebrating African culture, heritage and unity, starts on Dec. 26. Celebrate the holiday with these events all over New York!
Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side
December 26-29, Monday-Thursday, 10am-5pm
All ages
$16; $13 visitor with disabilities and seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1
Learn and celebrate together the seven principles of Kwanzaa at CMOM! Every year families, and communities come together to honor the ancestors and celebrate African and African American culture.
The holiday is seven days and centered around seven principles known as the Nguzo Saba; Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).
Each day, CMOM invites you to contemplate on these principles and how each one makes us better as we move into the next year.
Harlem Mothers Saves, 306a West 128th Street, Morningside Heights
Tuesday, December 27, 1:30-3pm and 3:30-5pm
All ages
Free
Bring your family out to Celebrate Kwanzaa with a presentation of The 7 Principals by Wise Islam Allah. There will also be refreshments, music, arts & crafts & gifts for everyone.
This powerful evening of intergenerational festivities allows audiences to celebrate the season with moments of unity, self-determination, sharing, and giving back to local communities.
Join us for a joyous celebration of Kwanzaa through dance, music and spoken word and honoring the principles of Kwanzaa – family, community, and culture.
Kwanzaa: A Regeneration Celebration features Forces of Nature Dance Theater under the leadership of critically acclaimed choreographer Abdel Salaam and hosted by actress, Stephanie Berry.
The electrifying evening includes special guest jazz vocalist Pauline Jean and the young performers of the Harlem Children’s Zone/Forces of Nature Youth Academy of Dance and Wellness. Be there for a powerful evening of music, percussion, and modern and African dance.
Roy Wilkins Recreation Center, 177-01 Baisley Blvd., Jamaica
Friday, December 30, 7pm
All ages
Donations suggested upon RSVP
Advanced Registration Required
Celebrate Kwanzaa with the lighting of the Kinara, celebrate the Your Queens Inc boys mentorship program and see a fashion Show by the Queens of Your Queens. Plus, vendors, music, mood, and more!
LIFE Camp’s Neutekraker Suite is a work in progress that uses Tchaikovsky’s historical soundtrack enhanced by contemporary sounds and the influence of George Balanchine’s storytelling to tell a story of an African American family from Jamaica Estates and the true meaning of Kwanzaa.
Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Avenue, Garden City
Thursday, December 22, 11:30am-12pm
Ages 3-5
$4 or $3 members plus $15 admission, free admission for members
Bring your little ones for a reading “My First Kwanzaa” by Karen Katz. The name Kwanzaa means “first fruits” and is based around harvest celebrations traced back to ancient African civilizations. Prepare for this year’s holiday by creating a craft kinara and a candleholder for seven candles used in the celebration of Kwanzaa.
Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Avenue, Garden City
Tuesday, December 27, 1pm
All ages
Included with $15 admission, free admission for members
Join Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and LICM to explore this unique holiday that celebrates African-American culture. Get hands-on and learn about the rich traditions and the meaning behind Kwanzaa, and make your own crafts to join in the festive fun!
Bring the family to this special FREE Kwanzaa Celebration.
The event will feature sounds by DJ Kwame, Kwanzaa Ceremony Led by Queen Mother Imakhu, Vocal Performance by Aurway, Interactive STEAM Activities, African Drumming & Dance, Free Zawadi (Gifts) *while supplies last, and free Harvest Produce Boxes for the first 100 families sponsored by Urban Ag Cooperative.
