Awesome Kwanzaa Events in New York City 2025
Kwanzaa, the celebration of African American and Pan-African culture, heritage, and unity, kicks off on December 26th and runs through January 1st. It’s a time to come together, honor tradition, and embrace the seven principles that make this holiday so special: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith.
This year, New York City has several great events to help you celebrate, from cultural performances to family activities and community gatherings. Check out these local happenings around the city.
Psst… Check Out What Is Kwanzaa? Everything You Need to Know About the Seemingly Forgotten Holiday
Manhattan
NYSoM HolidayMania 2025
2017 1st Ave., Harlem
Saturday, Dec. 20, 2 – 5 pm
All ages
Free
Celebrate Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year’s in one holiday extravaganza!
Kwanzaa Celebration: Verses of Unity at CMOM
The Tisch Building at CMOM, 212 West 83rd St., Upper West Side
Dec. 28 – 29, Sunday and Monday, 10 am – 5 pm
Ages 8 and younger
$18
Learn and celebrate together the seven principles of Kwanzaa through art programs.
Bronx
Folk Culture Collage Workshop
Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center, 3415 Olinville Ave., Norwood
Thursday, Dec. 18, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Ages 3 and older
Free
Advanced registration required
In this collage workshop mixed-media artist, Ayanna Legros, will teach participants about the role of art in developing pride, joy, and self-determination for Afro-descendant peoples.
Kwanzaa Regeneration Celebration
Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture, 450 Grand Concourse, Mott Haven
Sunday, Dec. 28, 3 pm
All ages
Tickets start at $25
Kwanzaa Regeneration Celebration will be an uplifting performance featuring Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, under the leadership of critically acclaimed choreographer, Abdel Salaam. Celebrate Kwanzaa through dance from across the African Diaspora, music and spoken word, honoring the principles of Kwanzaa, family, community, and culture.
Brooklyn
Kinfolk Playhouse Kwanzaa Party
The B.R.O. Space, 7 Marcus Garvey Blvd., Bushwick
Sunday, Dec. 21, 1 pm
All ages
Free
Enjoy fun activities for children, meaningful connections for adults, and joyful celebration for the whole family. This free event will include small bites and treats by Kayla Cooks Food, specialty mocktails and cocktails, art with Artist Grace Lynne Haynes (paid add-on), a family dance party, special performance by the RBG Girls, and more.
Celebrate Kwanzaa
Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights
Dec. 26 – 30, Daily, 10 am – 5 pm
All ages
$15
NYC’s largest Kwanzaa festival returns for its 18th year—a week-long celebration of African heritage and culture. Join daily candle lightings, watch youth performances, and take part in dance, drumming, and art workshops inspired by Kwanzaa’s seven principles. Presented with Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation.
Kwanzaa Celebration
Little Sun People, 352 Classon Ave., 4th Floor, Clinton Hill
Friday, Dec. 26, 6 pm
All ages
$40; $100 ticket 4 pack
Celebrate the rich history and traditions of Kwanzaa while exploring the Seven Principles. Take part in a meaningful candle lighting ceremony, and enjoy vibrant performances, delicious food, fun games, local vendors, and a joyful sense of community.
Children’s Kwanzaa Village 2025
Brownsville Heritage House, 581 Mother Gaston Blvd., Brownsville
Saturday, Dec. 27, 11 am
Ages 3 – 12
Free
Celebrate Kwanzaa with fun activities and learning opportunities. Enjoy a day filled with joy and celebration. Come together to honor African heritage and culture through various activities and performances. This event is a great opportunity for children to learn about the principles of Kwanzaa in a fun and interactive way.
Queens
Kwanzaa Crafts
Queens Public Library Arverne, 312 Beach 54 St., Arverne
Friday, Dec. 26, 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Ages 12 and younger
Free
Celebrate Kwanzaa with a fun craft activity!
Kwanzaa Storytime and Giveaway
Queens Public Library Rosedale, 144-20 243 St., Rosedale
Saturday, Dec. 27, 1 – 2:30 pm
Ages 6 – 11
Free
Join the Friends of Rosedale Library for a Kwanzaa storytime! There will be a reading of the book “Together for Kwanzaa” by Juwanda G. Ford and Shelly Hehenberger. Discover the meaning of the holiday and connect with your community! Limited quantities of “Together for Kwanzaa” will be available for a free giveaway after the storytime on a first-come, first-served basis.
Staten Island
Unity Cup Decorating
Port Richmond Library, 75 Bennett St., Port Richmond
Friday, Dec. 26, 1 – 2
All ages
Free
Join the Library in showing Umoja during Kwanzaa celebrations and decorate your very own unity cup!
Kwanzaa Storytime + Craft
St. George Library Center, 5 Central Ave., St. George
Friday, Dec. 26, 3 – 4 pm
Ages 3 – 8
Free
Join the library for a warm and joyful Kwanzaa celebration filled with stories, creativity, and community spirit! The program begins with a special Kwanzaa-themed storytime, where children can enjoy meaningful tales that highlight the seven principles and the importance of family and heritage. After the stories, kids can make their own simple Kwanzaa craft to take home. This family-friendly program is perfect for young children and promises an inspiring and festive time for all!
Psst… Check out Free Kid and Family Activities in NYC: 10 Free Things to Do This Week
