Where to Celebrate Kwanzaa in New York Metro Area

Kwanzaa is an African American celebration of culture, unity, and family. This year, Kwanzaa is celebrated Dec. 26-Jan. 1, 2019. It's a wonderful opportunity to explore African American history or celebrate your people. Here's where you can learn about and celebrate Kwanzaa in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, and Westchester and Bergen counties.
 

Kwanzaa Celebrations in Manhattan

Kwanzaa Family Celebration
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 26 , 11am-2pm
WHERE: Museum of The City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave., East Harlem
AGES: All
WHAT: Celebrate Kwanzaa at the Museum by making a mkeka to learn about this African-American holiday. Enjoy a special snack while you create your placemat.
WANT TO GO? $18; $12 seniors and students; free for children 19 and younger. 212-534-1672. mcny.org.

Kwanzaa 2018
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 29 , 12-5pm
WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West and 79th Street, 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. The festival features a local artisan marketplace. Black Comics Collective hosts a live drawing performance inspired by the seven principles and Oyu Oro Collective performs music and dance from Afro-Cuban traditions. Kwanzaa is hosted by Dr. Linda H. Humes, scholar and storyteller.
WANT TO GO? $23; $18 seniors and students; $13 children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2. 212-769-5100. amnh.org.

FunikiJam's Holiday Beat
WHEN: Nov. 23 - Dec. 30 , see website for showtimes
WHERE: Actor's Temple Theatre, 339 W. 47th St., Midtown 
AGES: 3-5, 5-8, 9-12, Adult 
WHAT: When Bahjat wants to throw a holiday party that includes everyone, Captain Jam and the Agents of Jam take him on a globe-spanning musical adventure to complete Special Mission: HOLIDAY PARTY and throw the ultimate celebration. Part live concert and part stage show, FunikiJam’s HOLIDAY BEAT is New York City’s only off-Broadway show this season to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Chinese New Year, and Shichigosan - for kids. 
WANT TO GO? $30. 212-947-3499. funikijam.com.

RELATED: 2017 Holiday Markets, Fairs, and Festivals in NYC

Kwanzaa Celebrations in Brooklyn

10th Annual Celebrate Kwanzaa!
WHEN: Dec. 26 -30, Check schedule for details
WHERE: Brooklyn Children's Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights
AGES: All
WHAT: Learn about the African-American holiday and explore Kwanzaa’s seven principles.
WANT TO GO? $11; free for children younger than 1. 718-735-4400. brooklynkids.org.

ShopRite Kidz Cook: Winter Holidays
WHEN: Dec. 7 -28, Fridays, 3 and 4pm
WHERE: Staten Island Children's Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: Make delicious cookies to celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Omisoka, the Japanese new year.
WANT TO GO? $8. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.

Home for the Holidays
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 14 , 6:30-7:30pm
WHERE: Brooklyn Music School, 126 Saint Felix St., Fort Greene
AGES: All
WHAT: The show will feature holiday songs of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, and scenes from popular musicals such as Ragtime, Into the Woods, and The Wiz.
WANT TO GO? $12; $15 at door . 718-638-5660. brooklynmusicschool.org.