Where to Celebrate Kwanzaa in New York Metro Area

Kwanzaa Celebrations in Manhattan

Kwanzaa Family Celebration
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 26, 11am-2pm
WHERE: Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Celebrate Kwanzaa and learn about the history and traditions of this African-American holiday. Make your own Mkeak (mat) and Kinara (candle holder). Use symbolic colors and discover their meaning while enjoying a special snack.
WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission ($20 adults; free for anyone younger than 20). 212-534-1672. mcny.org.

Kwanzaa Festival
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 28, 12-5pm
WHERE: The American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park W., Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: A celebration of African-American heritage that is rooted in seven principles known as Nguzo Saba, which promote unity, culture, and community development. This year's celebration will feature live musical performances, a drum call procession, and a local artisan marketplace.
WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission ($22 adults; $13 children ages 2-12). 212-769-5100. amnh.org.

 

Kwanzaa Celebrations in Brooklyn

Kwanzaa Marketplace
WHEN: Dec. 1-22, Dec. 1 and Dec. 22, 3-6pm
WHERE: Cumbe: Center for African and Diaspora Dance, 1368 Fulton St., Bedford-Stuyvesant
AGES: All
WHAT: You are invited to unleash your inner Kuumba (creativity) and Kujichagulia (self-determination) as vendors will be showing you how to make fun gifts and crafts through dance and music demos.
WANT TO GO? $10 suggested donation. 718-935-9700. cumbedance.org.

Celebrate Kwanzaa with Asase Yaa and Brooklyn Children's Museum
WHEN: Dec. 26-31, 10am-5pm
WHERE: Brooklyn Children's Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights
AGES: All
WHAT: Learn about the history and significance of Kwanzaa, play the djembe drum, create Zawadi gifts, and hear African folktales.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids can help paint a mural that explores each of Kwanzaa’s principles with painter ZuluSoul.
WANT TO GO? $13; free for members and infants younger than 12 months; pay as you wish Thursdays, 2-6pm, and Sundays, 4-7pm. 718-735-4400. brooklynkids.org.

Kwanzaa Celebrations in Queens

FREE Friends Of St. Albans Presents Kwanzaa Talk, Trim Our Tree & Holiday Celebration
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 21, 1:30-4pm
WHERE: Queens Library–St. Albans Branch, 191-05 Linden Blvd., St. Albans
AGES: All
WHAT: Andrew P. Jackson (Sekou Molefi Baako) will provide a talk on Kwanzaa. Please bring an ornament to trim the tree.
WANT TO GO? 718-528-8196. queenslibrary.org.

FREE Cambria Heights Gardening Club Kwanzaa Craft Program
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 26, 4-5pm
WHERE: Queens Library­–Cambria Heights Branch, 218-13 Linden Blvd., Cambria Heights
AGES: 13 and older
WHAT: Learn the techniques and materials needed to create natural and decorative wreaths. Registration required.
WANT TO GO? 718-528-3535. queenslibrary.org.

FREE Kwanzaa Celebration With Songhai Djeli
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 27, 6-7pm
WHERE: Pomonok Library, 158-21 Jewel Ave., Flushing
AGES: All
WHAT: Songhai Djeli presents a Kwanzaa program composed of music, poetry, and storytelling. 
WANT TO GO? 718-591-4343. queenslibrary.org.

FREE A Kwanzaa Holiday Celebration At Flushing Library
WHEN: Monday, Dec. 30, 5:30-7:30pm
WHERE: Flushing Library, 41-17 Main St., Flushing
AGES: All
WHAT: An evening of music and dance.
WANT TO GO? 718-661-1200. queenslibrary.org.

Kwanzaa Celebrations on Long Island

Kwanzaa Celebration
WHEN: Monday, Dec. 30, 12-2pm
WHERE: Roosevelt Field Mall, 630 Old Country Road, Garden City
AGES: All
WHAT: Roosevelt Field will again partner with Nassau County to celebrate the traditions of Kwanzaa with music, dance & more. North Court.
WANT TO GO? 516-742-800. https://www.simon.com/mall/roosevelt-field. 

 

Kwanzaa Celebrations in Rockland and Bergen Counties

FREE Kwanzaa Family Festival
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 21, 10am-1pm
WHERE: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center St., Newark
AGES: All
WHAT: NJPAC’s annual festival features West African dance and drums, a Kwanzaa ceremony and storytelling, arts and crafts, live performances, and more!
WANT TO GO? 800-466-5722. njpac.org.

Kwanzaa Marketplace
WHEN: Dec. 20-21, Friday 6-10pm; Saturday 9am-5pm
WHERE: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center St., Newark
AGES: All
WHAT: Shop custom and cultural clothing, handcrafted jewelry, original designer hats, bath and body products, candles, books, art, and more!
WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods. 800-466-5722. njpac.org.

 

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Main photo: A Kwanzaa celebration at the American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan
Courtesy ©AMNH/R.Mickens