2023 Kwanzaa in Westchester
Kwanzaa is a week-long African American celebration of culture, unity, social values, and family. Celebrated from December 26th-January 1st, the holiday includes seven principles such as Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith). Additionally, the celebration of Kwanzaa includes gift giving, a family feast, and community events. Read on to learn more about some places in Westchester and the surrounding area where you can celebrate with your kids.
Psst…Check out these Holiday Toy Donations and Give Back Opportunities in Westchester
Tuesday, December 12th from 5:30pm-7:00pm
Kwanzaa Celebration
Celebrate Kwanzaa at the Mount Vernon Library. Learn about the history, customs and traditions of Kwanzaa. Additionally, there will be African dancers, drummers, and a Kwanzaa marketplace. Mount Vernon Public Library, 28 S 1st Ave, Mt Vernon, NY 10550.
Sunday, December 17th from 5:00pm-9:00pm
2023 Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration
Join Sisters to Sisters International for a pre-Kwanzaa celebration in New Rochelle. Additionally, the event includes dinner, dancing, and shopping. Tickets are $15 for children and $30 for adults. Hotel NoMa, 1 Radisson Plaza, New Rochelle, NY 10801.
Thursday, December 21st from 5:30pm-7:30pm
15 Days of Light- 2nd Annual Hanukkah/Kwanzaa Candle Lighting
The community, along with Black and Jewish families, are invited to come together for this candle lighting event. Downtown Gazebo, Peekskill, NY 10566.
Saturday, December 23rd from 9:00am-9:00pm
Kwanzaa Family Festival and Marketplace
Enjoy a day in celebration of Kwanzaa at this annual event. Guests of all ages are invited to curate their own experience with different activities that embody one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. During the event families can enjoy free activities such as performances, family activities, dance, drumming, face painting, storytelling, and arts and crafts workshops.
Additionally, there will be Kwanzaa candle-lighting ceremony and a vibunzi — a tradition of honoring young people with an ear of corn (or, in this case, fresh fruits and vegetables) to represent the hope for the future they bring. In addition, festival local crafters, artists, and merchants will be on-hand. They will be selling a variety of one-of-a-kind treasures such as custom and cultural clothing, handcrafted jewelry, bath and body products, candles, books, art, and more. 1 Center Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Tuesday, December 26th-Saturday, December 30th from 10:00am-5:00pm
Celebrate Kwanzaa
Take a trip to Brooklyn for the 16th annual Kwanzaa celebration at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. Additionally, the event includes five days of live music, dance demonstrations, spoken-word presentations, art-making, food, and more! Plus, this year includes a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop with special activities and tributes.Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11213.
Wednesday, December 27th from 7:00pm-7:45pm
Family Storytime: The Sound of Kwanzaa
Learn more about Kwanzaa by listening to a story about a family who is celebrating. Plus, enjoy songs and a craft. 100 Martine Ave, White Plains, NY 10601
Thursday, December 28th from 7:00pm-9:00pm
Home for the Holidays
Celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, Kwaanza, diversity, and the Nutcracker at this communal holiday event. Additionally, tickets are $10 per person. The Artist Spot, 925 South Street, Peekskill, NY
Wednesday, December 26th from 2:00pm-3:00pm
Kwanzaa: A Stamford Celebration
Attend this community celebration in the Ferguson Library in celebration of Kwanzaa’s seven principles. Additionally, Mayor Caroline Simmons and drummer and storyteller, Gina Levon Simpson, will be in atttendance. Stamford Government Center, 888 Washington Boulevard, Stamford, CT 06901.
Friday, December 30th from 6:00pm-8:00pm
Kwanzaa Poetry
Celebrate Kwanzaa with poetry and the community in Tuckahoe. TCC Gym Space, Tuckahoe, NY 10707
Friday, December 29th from 4:00pm-8:00pm
Parkchester’s Annual Celebration of Kwanzaa
Attend Parkchester’s Annual Celebration of Kwanzaa. Firstly, the event includes music and guest speakers. Secondly, guests are invited to wear African attire. Thirdly, the event has a suggested donation of $20. However, children are free. 1315 Olmstead Avenue, Bronx, NY 10462
