Top Kwanzaa Events in the Houston Area This Year
THE DAY after Christmas marks the beginning of the storied Pan-African holiday Kwanzaa. Created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, the annual holiday spans seven days from December 26 to January 1 and shows reverence to Pan-African beliefs and traditions. Kwanzaa celebrates culture, family, and community, with each day representing one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith).
Each day holds new meaning and serves as preparation for the new year or harvest. Houston has many ways to celebrate, including the most prominent and popular weeklong event held at SHAPE Community Center, along with other local organizations that honor the Kwanzaa holiday and its origin.
Kwanzaa at the Children’s Museum of Houston
December 26 | Noon–6pm | $17.95–19.95
The Children’s Museum of Houston is making sure the little ones get access to the cultural practice, too. The museum will be marking the holiday with an afternoon of fun, informative workshops, and music, including an arts workshop and djembe drumming.
1500 Binz St
Kwanzaa at Helen Hall Library
December 26 | 10:30am–Noon | Free
The Helen Hall Library in League City is celebrating Kwanzaa with a morning full of hands-on activities for all ages. Go learn about the seven principles of the holiday while engaging in culturally enriching activities like arts and crafts, Kwanzaa stories, and music.
100 W Walker St
Kwanzaa at SHAPE Community Center
December 26–January 1 | Various times | Free
When it comes to Kwanzaa celebrations, SHAPE Community Center in Third Ward holds the largest bash in Houston every year. The organization will be celebrating the holiday over the course of a week. The Kwanzaa Umoja event will take place on December 26, and there will also be a children’s event and Kwanzaa Kuumba on December 27 and 31, respectively—these three events will include markets with local vendors.
3611 Ennis St
