Where families can celebrate Kwanzaa across Dallas-Fort Worth
Dec. 25 is not the end of the holiday season for all. Once Christmas ends, Kwanzaa begins.
Kwanzaa takes place every year from Dec. 26 until Jan. 1. This week-long celebration honors African American heritage and legacy.
Kwanzaa is not a holiday that replaces Christmas or Hanukkah; it’s an additional celebration.
So for those who participate, here is where you can celebrate Kwanzaa in Dallas-Fort Worth.
What is Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa began in 1966 during the Civil Rights Movement to help African Americans connect to their cultural heritage.
Each day of Kwanzaa represents a core principle of the holiday. These seven principles are called “Nguzo Saba.”
- Day one: Unity (umoja)
- Day two: Self-determination (kujichagulia)
- Day three: Collective work and responsibility (ujima)
- Day four: Cooperative economics (ujamaa)
- Day five: Purpose (nia)
- Day six: Creativity (kuumba)
- Day seven: Faith (imani)
People celebrate by decorating their homes with straw, corn husks and a candle holder called a “kinara.” Seven red, green and black candles are lit for each day of the celebration. A feast is also commonly held to wrap up the celebration on Dec. 31.
Kwanzaa celebrations in Dallas-Fort Worth
The Dock Bookshop
- 6637 Meadowbrook Drive, Fort Worth.
- Celebrations on all seven days of Kwanzaa, except Jan. 1 when the store is closed for rest.
- Music, speakers and performances all week long. See the full schedule here.
Denton Parks and Recreation Center
- MLK Jr. Rec Center, Park, and Playground: 1300 Wilson, Denton.
- Dec. 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Presentation and lighting of the seven candles.
2025 Kwanzaa and African Celebration
- Torii & Katrina Hunter Event Center: 25631 Smotherman Road, Frisco.
- Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m.
- Music, performances, food and cultural attire encouraged.
- Reserve a free spot here.
Crafternoon: Kwanzaa Kinaras
- Forest Green Branch Library: 9619 Greenville Ave., Dallas.
- Dec. 20 from 2 to 3 p.m.
- Learning about and crafting a hanging kinara ornament.
Oak Cliff Vendor Marketplace: Kwanzaa
- 4107 W. Camp Wisdom Road, Suite 235, Dallas.
- Dec. 20 from noon to 2 p.m.
- Vendors, swag bags, food, games, trivia and photo booths.