Kwanzaa, which means “first fruits of the harvest” in Swahili, honors African heritage in the African-American culture. It lasts one week, beginning on Dec. 26 and ending on Jan. 1, with each day devoted to one of the seven core principles, known in Swahili as Nguzo Saba.
Here are some of the family-friendly Kwanzaa celebrations taking place in Chicagoland this year.
This article was recently updated on Dec. 11, 2024 by Chicago Parent’s audience development coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. The update included her adding Kwanzaa events to ChicagoParent.com‘s calendar and featuring the best Kwanzaa events in Chicagoland. Questions? Please reach out to kari@chicagoparent.
Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration with Kucha and Baba Tony at King Branch
Dec. 14, 2024
- Address: 3436 S. King Drive, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can celebrate the upcoming Kwanzaa holiday with songs and stories that discuss the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Registration required.
Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae Chapter Ujamaa Kwanzaa Festival at Maywood Park District
Dec. 15, 2024
- Address: 921 S. Ninth Ave., Maywood
- Cost: Free
There will be over 30 Black-owned vendors, a live DJ, African drummers and dancers, line dancing and more at this festival. RVSP recommended.
Family Maker Day: Kwanzaa Creations and Gift Exchange at Woodson Regional Branch
Dec. 19, 2024
- Address: 9525 S. Halsted St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 13 and up can come out to Woodson Regional Branch to celebrate Kwanzaa by making a Kwanzaa ornament and a friendship bracelet.
Chi-Village Kwanzaa Celebration
Dec. 26, 2024
- Address: 10201 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
All ages can celebrate the second Annual Chi-Village Kwanzaa Celebration with free workshops, Watoto station, wellness station and more. RVSP recommended.
Kwanzaa at Bronzeville Children’s Museum
Dec. 26, 2024
- Address: 9301 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $5/person, free/members
Celebrate Kwanzaa with crafts, music, storytelling, singing, face painting and a special visit from the BCM Kwanzaa King.
Kwanzaa Celebration at Robert Crown Community Center
Dec. 26, 2024
- Address: 1801 Main St., Evanston
- Cost: Free
Celebrate Kwanzaa with an artisan marketplace, food, face painting, arts and crafts and performances.
Kwanzaa Storytime at Fountaindale Public Library
Dec. 26, 2024
- Address: 300 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook
- Cost: Free
Families can head to Fountaindale Public Library to enjoy hearing a special story about Kwanzaa in the Children’s Storytime Room.
Family Craft Time: Kwanzaa Crafts at North Austin Branch
Dec. 28, 2024
- Address: 5724 W. North Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 3-13 can celebrate Kwanzaa by creating various Kwanzaa crafts at North Austin Branch.
Kwanzaa Celebration at Center on Halsted
Dec. 28, 2024
- Address: 6323 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
This Kwanzaa event celebrates Day 3 of Kwanzaa, Ujima, which means collective work. There will be music, discussion, food and artwork. RSVP recommended.
The Shields Tribe Annual Kwanzaa Celebration at Palos Park Recreation Center
Dec. 28, 2024
- Address: 8901 W. 123rd St., Palos Park
- Cost: Free
Honor African heritage and culture at this Kwanzaa Celebration with music, dance, food and more. RSVP recommended.
Kwanzaa Celebration at Oak Park Public Library – Main Library
Dec. 30, 2024
- Address: 834 Lake St., Oak Park
- Cost: Free
Enjoy a celebration in honor of Kwanzaa, which will include a drumming by Hassani Cannon, Kuumba Kids dance performance, local food, libration ceremony led by Ade Adeyemi and live music from The Snake Doctors. Registration required.
Kwanzaa Crafts at King Branch
Dec. 30, 2024
- Address: 3436 S. King Drive, Chicago
- Cost: Free
All ages can join King Branch for simple crafts to celebrate Kwanzaa. Registration required.
Kwanzaa Family Story Time at Hall Branch
Dec. 30, 2024
- Address: 4801 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 0-5 along with their families can enjoy a Kwanzaa-themed storytelling program with featured stories, songs, and activities. Registration required.
Kwanzaa Celebration at Dan Ryan Woods
Dec. 31, 2024
- Address: 2314 W. 87th St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Enjoy a celebration in honor of Kwanzaa, which will include a drumming by Hassani Cannon, Kuumba Kids dance performance, local food, libration ceremony led by Ade Adeyeme and live music from The Snake Doctors. Registration required.
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