It's not only Christmas time in Philly! This year Kwanzaa and Hanukkah are all happening the same week as Christmas, adding even more fun to the month!
Kwanzaa begins on December 26th and runs through January 1st, and there are lots of family events happening around Philadelphia to celebrate!
Learn About Kwanzaa at West Oak Lane Library: Monday, December 16th: 4:30 PM
Learn about each day of Kwanzaa and how it can connect to our everyday lives. Participants will create something that is specific to the African American/African diaspora experience such as mat weaving, card making, beading and collaging. Healthy snacks will be provided.
https://libwww.freelibrary.org/calendar/event/143882
Kwanzaa Celebration at Parkway Central Library: Thursday, December 19th, 4:00 PM
Join Mama Carla Wiley for a special Kwanzaa celebration! Learn all about Kwanzaa through stories!
https://libwww.freelibrary.org/calendar/event/128944
Kwanzaa 2 Day Celebration for All Ages at Parkway Central Library: Thursday, December 26th and Friday, December 27th, 12:00 PM
Join the Kwanzaa Cooperative in this free 2 day celebration for all ages! There will be dance, music, and sharing of the history of the Kwanzaa Holiday! Children and teens under 18 will receive a bagged lunch and gifts following the program.
https://libwww.freelibrary.org/calendar/event/144663
Kwanzaa Celebration at Sesame Place: December 26th - January 1st: 1:00 PM
Join the staff and characters of Sesame Place for a festive and fun Kwanzaa Celebration! Your favorite Sesame Street friends will be on hand to have a Kinara lighting each night of Kwanzaa as you learn about the Principals of Kwanzaa.
https://sesameplace.com/philadelphia/events/kwanzaa-celebration/
Kwanzaa Celebration at Please Touch Museum: Saturday, December 28th, 10:00 AM
The Kwanzaa Celebration will feature engaging story time sessions and interactive activities that highlight the traditions and principals of Kwanzaa. Enjoy hand-on crafts, music, and dance!
https://www.pleasetouchmuseum.org/visit/signature-events/?
Kwanzaa Children's Festival at Penn Museum: Sunday, December 29th, 11:00 AM
The Afro Culture Preservation Council's 41th Annual Kwanzaa Children's Festival will take place at Penn Museum from 11 AM - 4 PM. Admission is free and included access to the museum's galleries and exhibitions. The Festival will include live music, special performances, and family friendly fun!
https://www.penn.museum/calendar/413/kwanzaa-celebration
Kwanzaa Celebration at Franklin Square: Sunday, December 29th, 5:00 PM
Celebrate the fourth night of Kwanzaa at Franklin Square! There will be a family-friendly market experience featuring Black-owned vendors from across the region with gifts! There will also be a Kwanzaa themed quizzo, food trucks, and music!
https://historicphiladelphia.org/events/kwanzaa-celebration/
Kwanzaa Family Celebration at Lucien E. Blackwell Library, Monday, December 30th, 3:00 PM
Join the library this holiday season in celebrating Kwanzaa! Learn all about the seven principles, engage in some fun crafts and activities. Enjoy some delicious snacks and spend quality time with your family. We look forward to seeing you!
https://libwww.freelibrary.org/calendar/event/145153
Hanukkah will begin the evening of December 25th, and will run through January 2nd. Here are some events happening in the Philly area for Hanukkah.
Hanukkah Celebration at Please Touch Museum: December 15th, 10:00 AM
Enjoy interactive stories and special storytimes that celebrate The Festival of Lights. Bring your family to create memories and learn about the joys of Hanukkah.
https://www.pleasetouchmuseum.org/visit/signature-events/?
Shine a Light 2024 Family Day: Sunday, December 15th, 3:00 PM
Join the staff at The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History for the annual Shine a Light program for a free family day of fun activities for ages 3 and up. There will be story time, crafts, scavenger hunts, and more!
https://theweitzman.org/events/shine-a-light-2024/
Hanukkah Celebration at Sesame Place: December 26th - January 1st, 1:00 PM
Celebrate Hanukkah at Sesame Place with your family from December 26th - January 1st! Play a game of dreidel, light a menorah, dance and learn all about Hanukkah!
https://sesameplace.com/philadelphia/events/hanukkah-celebration/
Center City Hanukkah: Thursday, December 26th, 5:00 PM
Join Center City Kehillah for a Hanukkah Celebration! All ages are invited for an evening of music, a prayer ceremony, candle lighting and jelly donuts (sufganiyot).
Historic Holidays Community Menorah Lighting and Hanukkah Celebration at Betsy Ross House: December 30th, 4:00 PM
Head to the Betsy Ross House for a sunset lighting of the giant electric menorah, and musical performances, children's activities, and latkes and donuts! There will also be free take-home menorahs and gelt for kids (while supplies last). Held in partnership with Old City Jewish Arts Center.
https://historicphiladelphia.org/events/community-menorah-lighting/
Hanukkah in Manayunk: December 26th, 5:00 PM
Manayunk shines bright for the Festival of Lights! At 5:00 there will be a magical Hanukkah candle lighting in Canal View Park! Enjoy candles, delicious latkes, and more!
https://manayunk.com/events/holidays-in-manayunk.html
