Taking place from December 26 through January 1, Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American culture and traditions. It is a time dedicated to community, learning, and honoring Pan-African heritage and ancestry that brings people together. Each day of Kwanzaa, a candle is lit representing the 7 principles:
- Umoja / Unity
- Kujichagulia / Self-Determination
- Ujima / Collective Work and Responsibility
- Ujamaa / Cooperative Economics
- Nia / Purpose
- Kuumba / Creativity
- Imani / Faith
Los Angeles is full of incredible ways you can celebrate Kwanzaa — from a special local holiday market to cultural performances throughout the city. Embrace the principles of Kwanzaa and join the community this season by checking out one of the events below!
1. 8th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration & Marketplace
The 8th annual Kwanzaa Celebration & Marketplace will feature holiday music, local vendors, and more — put together by Zawadi Cultural Collective, Zawadi Troop 3246, and Black In The Valley. There will also be a free toy giveaway and photo opportunities with Santa! So come out and socialize with your friends and community with good tunes and holiday shopping. Find more info here!
📅When: December 9, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
📍Location: 9015 Wilbur Ave, Northridge, CA 91324
2. Heritage Holidays at the historic Bembridge House
The holiday tradition returns to the historic Bembridge House this season. Their beloved Heritage Holidays is back with all its festive beauty and magical splendor. All of the special Holiday Spirits of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa will come together and be celebrated in decorations and displays inside and outside the historic home. Grab your tickets here!
📅When: Now through December 16, 2023
📍Location: 953 North Park Circle, Long Beach, California, United States 90813
3. Kwanzaa Bonzanzaa Extravaganzaa at Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre
The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre wants to shine some light on Kwanzaa in the best way they know how — through comedy! Laugh it up with L.A. comedians who may or may not celebrate Kwanzaa this season. This show is 18+, grab your tickets here!
Performances by: Carl Foreman, Jr., April Rock, Paige Elson, Dyani Rejae, Ashleigh Hairston, Bri Giger, Chris De La Cruz, Geoff Ross, Jonathan Braylock, Maame-Yaa Aforo, Moni Oyedepo, and Yasmin Monét Watkins.
📅When: December 16, 2023
📍Location: 5919 Franklin Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
4. 2nd Annual Kwanzaa Celebration at Ovation Hollywood
Ovation Hollywood is back with their free Kwanzaa celebration featuring a day full of entertainment, poetry jams, music, food, live performances, and more! This event is free and open to the public.
Programming Includes:
- Performance from the Ujima dance & drum troupe
- Kwanzaa cookie decorating craft from Mwokaji Cakery (Tamara “Breezee” Brown, as seen competing on Food Network’s Halloween Baking Championship Season 2 & Season 6!)
- Kids Kinara craft
- Kids drums to join in with Ujima
- and more.
📅When: December 30, 2023 at 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
📍Location: 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
5. 47th Annual Kwanzaa Gwardie Parade
The 47th edition of the biggest Kwanzaa parade returns to South Los Angeles this season. The parade and festival will feature classic cars, vehicle floats, vendors, jazz, R&B, reggae, spoken word performances, African drumming, and more. Learn more here!
📅When: December 26, 2023 at 11 a.m., Festival at 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
📍Location: 4395 Leimert Boulevard, between Vernon and 43rd Place
- Parade — Check-in at 9:00 a.m. at Adams and Crenshaw. The Procession will be staged on Crenshaw Boulevard, East to Buckingham Rd, Los Angeles, CA
- Festival — Opens at 12:30 p.m., Leimert Park, Los Angeles, CA 90008
6. 4th Annual Kwanzaa Joy Celebration 2023
The 4th annual Kwanzaa Joy Celebration is back at the Millard Sheets Art Center at Fairplex in Pomona. Get ready for a day full of festivites featuring artistic performances, cultural foods, handcrafted gifts, and a local artisan marketplace. All families and all ages are invited and encourage to attend! Grab your tickets here.
📅When: December 30, 2023 at 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
📍Location: 1101 McKinley Ave Gate 1 Pomona, CA 91768