
The end of December means the beginning of celebrating Kwanzaa, which starts December 26 and features eight nights of culture and holiday traditions based on 7 principles. Learn more about the holiday at these events around New Jersey:
December 6
Kwanzaa Community Awards Dinner
The Merion, Cinnaminson
The ceremony’s purpose is to empower youth and enhance the community of Burlington County.
December 7
Kwanzaa Festival
Edison Jobs Corps Athletic Center, Edison
Learn about Kwanzaa through spoken word, visual and performing artists, musical performances, a Kwanzaa marketplace and food trucks.
December 14
Harambee Breakfast & Kwanzaa Celebration
Jumping Brook Country Club, Neptune City
Hosted by the North Shore Area Section, your family will learn about the holiday while eating a delicious breakfast celebrating the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
Kwanzaa Community Celebration
Montclair Public Library, Montclair
There is a marketplace, Kora for Kwanzaa music and dance performances from West Africa, spoken word poetry, libations and the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa, a visit by author Ibi Zoboi, Children of the Sun poetry, and Maati Cultural Arts Community drummers and dancers.
Kwanzaa Celebration
Vauxhall Branch Library, Vauxhall
Mr. Bill Davis & Friends perform during a full day of festivities that includes music, dance, spoken word and snacks to celebrate the theme of “umoja” as a community.
December 19
Community Kwanzaa Celebration
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, New Brunswick
In the third floor exhibition space you can learn all about the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Hosted by the NAACP New Brunswick Area Branch.
December 20
Kwanzaa Awareness & Celebration
ATAP Foundation, Willingboro
Students will have the opportunity to explore Kwanzaa through the sounds and rhythms of African heritage. Dinner is provided by Smokin Rev & Lady Q’s BBQ.
December 21
Kwanzaa Family Festival
NJPAC, Newark
Each event and activity embodies one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Activities include dance and drumming classes, face painting, storytelling, child-friendly arts and crafts workshops, a Kwanzaa candle-lighting ceremony, a Vibunzi — a tradition of honoring young people with an ear of corn (or in this case, a slice of cornbread) to represent the hope for the future they bring — and a Kwanzaa Artisan Marketplace.
December 22
Forces of Nature Dance Theatre
NJPAC, Newark
This annual Kwanzaa celebration combines traditional West African dance with hip hop, modern dance and martial arts, plus lots of dancers and drummers.
December 26 – January 1
2024 Kwanzaa Celebration
African American Museum, Philadelphia, PA
Music, dance, storytelling, kinara lightings and craft sessions reflect the seven principles of the holiday.
Kwanzaa Festivities
Throughout Paterson
Hosted by Word Seed Inc., in collaboration with different community organizations, a range of cultural events, educational workshops and inspiring performances are planned throughout the week. Events include libation ceremonies to honor ancestors and set the intention for the day, guest speakers about the seven Kwanzaa principles, cultural performances, interactive workshops, interfaith prayer services, and a finale Harambee ceremony on January 1.
Kwanzaa Celebration
Sesame Place Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
Each evening, gather in Abby’s Paradise Theater for a special kinara lighting ceremony and sing-along. The celebration also features Kwanzaa Storytime with a furry friend and a special performance by the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble.
December 28
Community Awareness Series: Kwanzaa Celebration
Jersey City Free Public Library, Jersey City
There will be an annual ceremonial candle lighting, music, poetry, and traditional African dance and drumming.
December 29
Kinara Lighting
Van Saun County Park, Paramus
As part of Bergen County Winter Wonderland, the kinara lighting takes place December 29. There is also an open-air ice skating rink, ice bumper cars, a pavilion, a carousel, a crafts market village, food trucks, live music, a heated hospitality tent, and a beer and wine garden.
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