Kwanzaa 2025: Honoring culture, community, and tradition, here are the events happening
- The ONME Newswire
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
Celebrating unity and heritage across California
By ONME News
As the year draws to a close, families across the United States come together to observe Kwanzaa, an annual holiday celebrating African American culture, unity, and heritage; readers can scroll below to see Kwanzaa events happening throughout California, and watch the ONME Network special above to get more insight about the reflective celebration.
Founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa is observed from December 26 to January 1, and highlights seven core principles known as the Nguzo Saba, which include unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
This weeklong celebration is marked by lighting the kinara—a candleholder with seven candles—each representing one of the principles. Families gather each night to light a candle, share stories, and discuss the meaning of each principle. Traditional foods, music, and dances add vibrancy to the festivities, with many events held in local community centers, churches, and homes.
The Seven Principles are at the heart of Kwanzaa, guiding the week’s celebrations and daily reflections:
Umoja (Unity): This principle emphasizes the importance of togetherness for the family, community, and race. It's about maintaining unity in every aspect of life.
Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): This encourages individuals to define, name, create, and speak for themselves, fostering self-confidence and independence.
Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): Ujima is about building and maintaining the community together, and helping each other solve problems and share responsibilities.
Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): This principle focuses on supporting each other economically by building and maintaining businesses and profiting together as a community.
Nia (Purpose): Nia inspires people to look within themselves and set goals that benefit their families and communities, encouraging a sense of mission and shared purpose.
Kuumba (Creativity): Kuumba urges everyone to do as much as they can to leave their community more beautiful and beneficial than they inherited it, celebrating innovation and artistic expression.
Imani (Faith): The final principle is about believing in each other, the leaders, and the righteousness of the struggle for a better life, fostering trust and hope.
Together, these principles are celebrated through candle-lighting ceremonies, music, storytelling, and community gatherings, making Kwanzaa a time for reflection, unity, and joy.
“My children look forward to Kwanzaa every year because it’s a time when we come together, not just as a family, but as part of a larger community,” explained Marcus Johnson, a father of three from Chicago. “We talk about our goals for the future and honor those who came before us.”
In recent years, Kwanzaa celebrations have grown in popularity, with cities hosting public events such as cultural fairs, art exhibitions, and educational workshops. These gatherings offer opportunities for people of all backgrounds to learn about Kwanzaa and its significance. According to organizers, the holiday serves as a bridge between generations, encouraging young people to embrace their heritage and contribute to the well-being of the community.
“Kwanzaa reminds us of the importance of unity and collective progress,” said Dr. Karen Fields, a historian specializing in African American studies. “It’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and hope—values that resonate far beyond the seven days of observance.”
As Kwanzaa continues to inspire individuals and families nationwide, its message of togetherness and cultural pride remains as relevant today as it was nearly six decades ago. For many, the holiday is not only a time for celebration, but also a call to action to strengthen communities and honor traditions that uplift and empower.
Here is a list of some of the 2025 Kwanzaa events happening throughout California, including celebrations in San Diego, Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and more. Kwanzaa is celebrated annually from December 26 through January 1.
Southern California
Los Angeles: Lula Washington Dance Theatre Presents: Kwanzaa 2025
Date: Sunday, December 28, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Lula Washington Dance Theatre, 3773 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
Details: Enjoy a performance celebrating Kwanzaa, with tickets starting at $17.85.
Los Angeles (Compton): Kwanzaa Celebration & Marketplace
Date: Saturday, December 27, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: A C Bilbrew Library, 150 E El Segundo Blvd, Compton, CA 90061
Details: Explore a free marketplace featuring unique crafts, food, and music at this family-friendly event.
Los Angeles (Pomona): 6th Annual Kwanzaa Joy Celebration
Date: Sunday, December 28, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Millard Sheets Arts Center at the Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Avenue, Pomona, CA
Details: This event for the Pomona Valley, San Gabriel Valley, and Inland Empire features speakers, vendors, and art. Tickets are "pay what you can" (suggested $10 donation), and parking is free.
San Diego: WorldBeat Cultural Center 45th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
Dates: Friday, December 26 – Monday, December 29, 2025
Time: Doors open at 6:00 PM, program at 6:30 PM nightly
Location: WorldBeat Cultural Center, 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Details: This free, four-night event honors the principles of Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility), and Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics). Each night includes speakers, drumming, dance, poetry, and a traditional feast (Karamu).
San Diego: Kwanzaa Celebration at Sesame Place
Dates: December 26 – January 1, 2025
Location: Sesame Street Theater & Big Bird's Nest, Sesame Place San Diego
Details: The celebration features a daily Kinara lighting ceremony and Kwanzaa-themed storytime with Sesame Street friends. Included with park admission.
Central California & Bay Area
Bakersfield: Community Kwanzaa Celebration (Ujamaa Day)
Date: Monday, December 29, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM (African Artifacts Gallery and vendor patronage) to 4:30 PM (Program starts at 1:00 PM)
Location: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 1000 S. Owens Street, Bakersfield, CA
Details: A free event celebrating Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) with music, dancing, and vendors. African attire is encouraged.
San Francisco: The Village Project Kwanzaa Celebration
Dates: December 26 – January 1, 2025 (Seven days of events)
Details: The 18th annual celebration starts on December 26th at Glide Memorial Church and continues with various community events around the city.
San Francisco: Celebration of Purpose (Nia)
Date: Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: African American Art & Culture Complex, 762 Fulton St, San Francisco, CA
Details: A celebration of the seventh day of Kwanzaa, focusing on Nia (Purpose), featuring live performances and light bites.
San Francisco: Winter Wonderland Kwanzaa & Noon Year’s Eve
Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Thrive City, 1 Warriors Way, San Francisco, CA
Details: This free event includes live music, dance performances, arts and crafts, and a countdown to noon.
Oakland: Kujichagulia Celebration
Date: Saturday, December 27, 2025
Time: 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Oakstop, 2323 Broadway, Oakland, CA
Details: Celebrate the second day of Kwanzaa (Self-Determination) with African drumming, dance, storytelling, and a community dinner.
Berkeley: Let's Cook Karamu!
Date: Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Berkeley Public Library - North Branch, 1170 The Alameda, Berkeley, CA
Details: A cooking demonstration and history talk centered around the Kwanzaa meal, Karamu.
Vallejo: 25th Annual Community Kwanzaa
Date: Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum, 734 Marin St, Vallejo, CA
Details: The annual community event includes special tributes and a musical presentation by the Nzuri Soul band.