American author, activist and professor Maulana Karenga created the holiday of Kwanzaa in 1966 as a way to celebrate and honor African American and Pan-African culture. The name Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase meaning “first fruits.” Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 through January 1, but L.A. libraries, museums and other cultural institutions have many ways to celebrate throughout this holiday season.

The Kwanzaa Experience

10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Dec. 14 | Houghton Park Community Center

This annual celebration highlights the seven principles of Kwanzaa—unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith—and emphasizes the vital role of social capital in the Black community through youth engagement and fostering social connections. 

Celebrate culture, community, and creativity at The Kwanzaa Experience for a day filled with crafts, music, refreshments, and family fun featuring the incredible DJ Sonny! Hosted by the April Parker Foundation and partners.

CAAM Kwanzaa Kuumba Celebration 2024

11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Dec. 14 | California African American Museum

Join CAAM for an early Kwanzaa celebration in honor of the sixth principal of Kwanzaa, Kuumba—or creativity. Start your day with a yoga practice, then join Jayon and Jon Kev who will brighten your day with an interactive family storytime, and later create a zine with AbleARTS celebrating this esteemed African American holiday.

Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration

1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Dec. 21 | Crenshaw Yoga & Dance

Join Parenting for Liberation for their annual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration at Crenshaw Yoga & Dance! Come together to honor African heritage and culture during this special time of year. Bring your friends and family to enjoy Kwanzaa arts and crafts, performances, local goodies from vendors, and more.

Kwanzaa

11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Dec 27 | Pretend City Children’s Museum

Celebrate Kwanzaa with Pretend City! Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration honoring African heritage and culture, observed from December 26 to January 1. Each day focuses on one of the seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Come together to celebrate community, culture, and connection during this joyful occasion! 

36th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration

11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Dec. 27 | Jefferson Branch Library

Heri za Kwanzaa! Happy Kwanzaa! Join the Pasadena Public Library for a joyous Kwanzaa celebration full of music, storytelling and youth presentations, in partnership with the Pasadena Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Celebrate heritage and tradition with family, friends and the whole community!

LULA WASHINGTON DANCE THEATRE 2024 Kwanzaa Celebrations

1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Dec. 28 | Lula Washington Dance Theatre

Bring the family to experience Lula Washington’s beloved Harambe Suite, celebrating our African roots, blending classical and street dance with traditional African dance and live drumming!

This year Umoja Circle participants will be invited to help LWDT celebrate their 45th Anniversary throughout the 2025 year! At each 45th Anniversary event, Umoja Circle participants will be thanked and acknowledged from the stage, and invited to pre and/or post performance receptions.

The two public performances and two Umoja Circle Receptions are Saturday, Dec. 28 2024 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. This Kwanzaa, the Umoja Circle receptions will begin one hour before each performance: Saturday December 28 at 12 p.m., (with a 1pm show) and 4 p.m. (with a 5 p.m. show).

African American Cultural Center of Long Beach Kwanzaa Celebration

5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., Dec. 30 | Expo Arts Center

Join AACCLB for a Kwanzaa Celebration (theme is “Nia” – Purpose) featuring cultural performances, candle-lighting ceremony, children’s corner and more.

This special event is an opportunity for the community to come together to honor African American heritage, reflect on the seven principles of Kwanzaa (Nguzo Saba), and embrace unity, culture, and purpose.

This event is open to all, whether you’re new to Kwanzaa or have celebrated for years.