There will be several opportunities in 2025 to learn about and to celebrate Kwanzaa in the Charlotte area. All of these are free, family-friendly events, unless otherwise specified.
Kwanzaa is an African American celebration of family, community, and culture. Established in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, this seven-day series of events are non-heroic and non-religious observances that are celebrated by millions throughout the world.
The holiday is based on African “First Fruits” harvest celebrations, which were times of gathering. The Kiswahili language is used to express the seven principles.
Kwanzaa lasts seven days, starting December 26th, each one with a focus on a different principle:
- Day 1. Umoja means unity.
- Day 2. Kujichagulia means self-determination.
- Day 3. Ujima means working together.
- Day 4. Ujamaa means supporting each other.
- Day 5. Nia means purpose.
- Day 6. Kuumba means creativity.
- Day 7. Imani means faith.
Kwanzaa Program with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Kwanzaa Family Workshop
Saturday, December 6, 2025
12 to 2 p .m.
Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library
2412 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC
Free
“Celebrating Kwanzaa at Home” is the theme of this workshop. It is designed for families who
want to learn the origins, fundamental activities, the essential values and the seven basic symbols
of this time-honored celebration of family, community, and culture. Pronunciation of the
Kiswahili terms used in Kwanzaa celebrations and the creation of a Kwanzaa take-home craft
will be a part of this interactive program.
Kwanzaa Charlotte 2025 Programs
Kwanzaa Charlotte presents daily, in-person celebrations each night of Kwanzaa.
Daily celebration programs will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m., from December 26, 2025 to January 1, 2026.
The opening and closing celebrations, December 26th and January 1st, will take place at Greenville Memorial AME Zion Church, at 6116 Montieth Drive, Charlotte, NC 28213.
All other daily celebrations – December 27 to December 31 – will be held at the Movement School, 2701 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208.
American Sign Language interpretation will be available for the programs and both locations are wheelchair/handicapped accessible. All events are free, and open to the public.
An African Marketplace will precede and conclude the daily celebrations from 6 to 7 p.m. and 8:30 to 9:15 p.m. The Marketplace will be available December 26 to December 31. There will be no Marketplace on January 1, as that program will be a day of reflection and a sober assessment of things done and things to do on a personal, family and community level.
Friday, December 26:
- Principle: Umoja (Unity)
- Host: A Sign of the Times
- Greenville Memorial AME Zion Church
- 6 p.m.: African Marketplace
- 7 p.m.: Kwanzaa Program
- 8:30 to 9:15 p.m.: African Marketplace
- Neurodivergent space available this night
Saturday, December 27:
- Principle: Kujichagulia (Self – Determination)
- Host: The Jzar Family
- Movement School
- 6 p.m.: African Marketplace
- 7 p.m.: Kwanzaa Program
- 8:30 to 9:15 p.m.: African Marketplace
Sunday, December 28:
- Principle: Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility)
- Host: Brother Ali Steele
- Movement School
- 6 p.m.: African Marketplace
- 7 p.m.: Kwanzaa Program
- 8:30 to 9:15 p.m.: African Marketplace
Monday, December 29:
- Principle: Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
- Host: Urban Advisors and Kwanzaa Charlotte
- Movement School
- 6 p.m.: African Marketplace
- 7 p.m.: Kwanzaa Program
- 8:30 to 9:15 p.m.: African Marketplace
Tuesday, December 30:
- Principle: Nia (Purpose)
- Host: Nation of Islam
- Movement School
- 6 p.m.: African Marketplace
- 7 p.m.: Kwanzaa Program
- 8:30 to 9:15 p.m.: African Marketplace
Wednesday, December 31:
- Principle: Kuumba (Creativity)
- Host: Charlotte African Drum & Dance Collective
- Movement School
- 6 p.m.: African Marketplace
- 7 p.m.: Kwanzaa Program
- 8:30 to 9:15 p.m.: African Marketplace
Thursday, January 1:
- Principle: Imani (Faith)
- Host: A Sign of the Times
- Greenville Memorial AME Zion Church
- 7 p.m.: Kwanzaa Program
Kwanzaa at the Gantt Center
Kwanzaa at Gantt Center
Saturday, December 27, 2025
12 to 4 p.m.
Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture
551 S Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
Free
The Gantt’s all-ages celebration focuses on Kujichagulia, which means self-determination.
The celebration centers on community interdependence through dance, hands-on art, family portraits and discussion.
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