8 Great Kwanzaa Events in NYC and Westchester to Celebrate This Year

Find great Kwanzaa events for your family in NYC, Long Island, and New Jersey.

By Shara Levine November 30, 2021

Kwanzaa is an African American celebration of culture, unity, and family. This year, Kwanzaa is celebrated Dec. 26-Jan. 1, 2022. It's a wonderful opportunity to explore African American history. Here's where you can learn about and celebrate Kwanzaa in Manhattan, Queens, and Westchester.

Kwanzaa Events in NYC

FREE NYSoM HolidayMania 2021

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 18, 2-6pm
WHERE: East Harlem Tutorial Program, 2050 Second Ave., Harlem
WHAT: HolidayMania 2021 is a holiday extravaganza that features a NYSoM Gift Giveaway. Visit Kwanzaa Village to see Papa Kwanzaa, spin the Wheel of Kwanzaa, and enjoy Kwanzaa activities and games. Plus, hang out with the Dreidelator and all members of Hanukkah Town. Play Hanukkah jeopardy and enjoy Hanukkah activities and games. New Year's 2022 Jam Party with Lady New Year's and sing karaoke. Winter Wonderland: Head upstairs where Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, and more of your North Pole favorites will be spreading Christmas cheer.
WANT TO GO? No reservations for the gift giveaway. Gifts available while supplies last.

"A Christmas Carol, Oy! Hanukkah, Merry Kwanzaa"

WHEN: Dec. 22-Jan. 2, 2022, see website for schedule
WHERE: Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave., East Village
WHAT: It's an adaptation of Dickens' classic with Old World accents and New World inclusiveness, featuring more than 30 puppets including a quartet of Rockettes in Slovak, Moravian, and Ruthenian folk costumes, and holiday songs in Czech, English, Hebrew, and Swahili. Into the familiar story is woven a surprising and delightful blend of winter rituals, customs, and holiday songs, all performed by more than three dozen marionettes. The piece is still set in Old London, but with Czech accents. Imagine that the familiar tale was told to you not by an English serial novelist, but by your Czech grandmother.
WANT TO GO? $18; $12 seniors and students; $10 kids.

Kwanzaa: A Regeneration Celebration

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 26, 7pm
WHERE: Apollo Theater, Online
WHAT: Celebrate with the Forces of Nature Dance Theater and hosted by Imhotep Gary Byrd, the 2021 edition of the Kwanzaa Celebration on the Digital Stage features traditions from across the country in a powerful evening of music, percussion, and modern and African dance. Join the Apollo Theater for a powerful evening of intergenerational sharing and celebrate the holiday season with moments of unity, self-determination, and collective responsibility.
WANT TO GO? $10 suggested donation. Advanced registration required.

Kwanzaa Family Activities in Queens

Kwanzaa Celebration 2021: The Legacy Continues!

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 11, 7pm
WHERE: Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, 161-04 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica
WHAT: See performances featuring choreography by performing artists who are all brought together to celebrate Kwanzaa through dance and culture.
WANT TO GO? $10-$30. Advanced registration required.

Your Queens 5th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 26, 4-7pm
WHERE: Linden Studios, 187-17 Linden Blvd., St. Albans
WHAT: Celebrate Kwanzaa with the Lighting of the Seven Kwanzaa Principles, dance performance, vendors, gifts, and delicious food!
WANT TO GO? Admission by donation. Limited seating.

Kwanzaa Family Activities in Westchester County

FREE Celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa December Holiday Grab and Go Crafts

WHEN: Through Dec. 23: Monday-Tuesday, 9am-6pm; Thursday-Saturday, 9am-5pm
WHERE: Port Chester/Rye Brook Library, 1 Haseco Ave., Port Chester
WHAT: Pick up a Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa December holiday grab-and-go craft. Children will be given a bag with all of the pieces they need to make a Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa craft.
WANT TO GO? Call or email [email protected] to sign up.

Parkchester's Annual Celebration of Kwanzaa

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 30, 4-8pm
WHERE: St. Helena Church, 1315 Olmstead Ave., Bronx
WHAT: Parkchester’s Annual Celebration of Kwanzaa program will celebrate the fifth principle “Nia (Purpose) which is a commitment to the collective vocation of building, developing, and defending our community, its culture, and history in order to regain our historical initiative and greatness.”
WANT TO GO? Admission by donation. Free for children. This event will be held in person and online.