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.
Kwanzaa Crafts at Jeffery Manor Branch
Dec. 20, 2022
- Address: 2401 E. 100th St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Kids ages 3-9 can enjoy holiday stories about Diwali, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year’s and more. It will be followed by seasonal crafts.
Holiday Story Time at Jefferson Park Branch
Dec. 21, 2022
- Address: 5363 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Kids ages 3-9 can enjoy holiday stories about Diwali, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year’s and more. It will be followed by seasonal crafts.
Kwanzaa Storytime at Fountaindale Public Library
Dec. 22, 2022
- 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.
Kwanzaa at Bronzeville Children’s Museum
Dec. 26, 2022
- Address: 9301 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $5/person, free/members
Celebrate Umoja (Unity) with crafts, music, singing, face painting and a special visit from the BCM Kwanzaa King.
Kwanzaa Kinara Lighting in Fountain Square
Dec. 26, 2022
- Address: 1601 Sherman Ave., Evanston
- Cost: Free
Celebrate Kwanzaa with the lighting of the kinase at Fountain Square. The event is open to the public.
Family Craft Time: Kwanzaa Craft at North Austin Branch
Dec. 28, 2022
- Address: 5724 W. North Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 3 and up can create a placemat for Kwanzaa at this family craft time event at North Austin Branch.
Kwanzaa Observance Program at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
Dec. 28, 2022
- Address: 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago
- Cost: Free admission
This Kwanzaa event will feature a children’s storytime, marketplace, drum call and Kwanzaa ritual.
Community Kwanzaa Celebration at Oak Park Public Library – Main Library
Dec. 29, 2022
- Address: 834 Lake St., Oak Park
- Cost: Free
Enjoy a celebration in honor of Kwanzaa at the Oak Park Public Library. The event will take place in the Veterans Room. Registration required.
MIA Kwanzaa 2022
Dec. 29, 2022
- Address: 5309 S. Hyde Park Blvd., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Enjoy music, performances, candle lighting ceremony, face painting and more at this event to celebrate Kwanzaa.
Kwanzaa at Garfield (James) Park
Dec. 31, 2022
- Address: 100 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Enjoy a community Kwanzaa celebration with art, music, food and more. For all ages.
This post is updated annually.
