Kwanzaa, the pan-African holiday created by professor and activist Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, celebrates family, culture and heritage and is modeled after the first harvest celebrations in Africa. This year it begins on Sunday, December 26th and lasts until Saturday, January 1st.

Created during the Black Freedom Movement, Kwanzaa is a seven day cultural festival that stresses the ideals of celebrating and improving upon family, community, culture and self in the African American community. During the holiday, families and communities host activities and gatherings focused on the Nguzo Saba, or “Seven Principles“. They are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).

Celebratory meals, music, dance, story-telling and culturally significant gift-giving are also part of the holiday. To learn more about Kwanzaa, and get in the holiday spirit, check out the videos, fun activities, and family-friendly books below!

Learn About the Holiday

Elwood City Celebrates the Holidays⎪Kwanzaa

Grades PreK-5
See how Elwood City celebrates the holidays with Brain as he starts getting ready for Kwanzaa. Learn about the history, symbolism and traditions of the holiday with a short interactive story. Then, print and color this picture of Brain lighting the kinara!

Kwanzaa | All About the Holidays

Grades 3-5
Kwanzaa is a time to celebrate African American heritage. Learn the ways people observe this festivity and trace back its roots to ancient African customs. Then, try this Kwanzaa Word Search to keep the fun and learning going with new holiday vocabulary words.

Malik Seneferu Dresses Kwanzaa Table⎪Craft in America

Grades 6-12
In this video, artist Malik Seneferu dresses a table for Kwanzaa, teaching us the meaning and intention behind the placement of objects.

Celebrating Kwanzaa⎪Your South Florida

Grades 6-12
Whether you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, family and tradition are cherished during the holidays – and the celebration of Kwanzaa is no different. We learn how this cultural tradition continues to unite the community from the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum in Delray Beach, as they prepare for the annual celebration.

Activities, Books & Recipes

Kwanzaa Card

Grades PreK-1
Celebrate the holidays with this printable Sesame Street Kwanzaa Card.

DIY Kwanzaa Kinara

Grades PreK-4
Traditionally during Kwanzaa, one candle is lit each day in recognition of seven principles. The candles are displayed in a special holder called a kinara. Learn how to make one for your own home.

5 Books to Celebrate Kwanzaa

Grades PreK-5
What does your family like to do to celebrate Kwanzaa? Introduce your child to the history and traditions of Kwanzaa with these books to enjoy over the holidays.

The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa⎪Daily Activities, Recipes and Songs

All Ages
Kwanzaa is a time of learning, family and celebration. Each day families and communities light a candle dedicated to one of the seven principles, or Nguzo Saba, and celebrate with various activities. Enjoy these daily songs for reflection, thoughts for the day, recipes, and children’s activities from the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture.