The holiday season is here to stay, and the list of events to attend and celebrate continues to grow.
If you’re looking for ways to learn about or honor Kwanzaa this year, you can find workshops, performances and more around the DMV. Here are five worth visiting this year.
For more things to do in Northern Virginia and the nation’s capital, subscribe to our weekly newsletters, and for more holiday stories, head to our Holiday Headquarters page.
Kwanzaa Workshop
Saturday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Want to learn more about the history, principles, symbols and activities related to Kwanzaa? Attend the kid- and adult-friendly workshop at the Alexandria Black History Museum. Not only will the workshop help community members expand their knowledge and celebrate, it will also offer everyone the chance to get ideas on how to celebrate with their own family and friends. // Alexandria Black History Museum: 902 Wythe St., Alexandria; $5 per person
Kwanzaa Celebration
Saturday, Dec 14., 7-10 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 15, 3-6 p.m.
Dance Place knows how to put on an incredible show, and its annual Kwanzaa Celebration is no exception. Under the direction of Sylvia Soumah, community members are encouraged to gather family and friends to watch dancers and performers from Coyaba Academy, Coyaba Dance Theater and special guests. // Dance Place: 3225 Eighth St. NE, Washington, DC; $15-$30
Kwanzaa 101
Tuesday, Dec. 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The National United Front is here to help when it comes to knowing about and celebrating Kwanzaa in 2019. Whether you still have questions about how it came to be or how to participate in celebrating, the organization is here to help. At the Tuesday, Dec. 17 workshop, attendees will learn about the values and symbols of Kwanzaa. The organization will then host a community service project on Saturday, Dec. 21 to celebrate the holiday, and on Monday, Dec. 23, host another workshop on the activities of Kwanzaa. // Frank D. Reeves Center of Municipal Affairs: 2000 14th St. NW, Washington, DC; free
ACM Kwanzaa Celebration
Friday, Dec. 27, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Bring the entire family to the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Kwanzaa celebration. Energetic and interactive performances will be held with Melvin Deal and the African Heritage Dancers & Drummers, as well as kid-friendly entertainment throughout. The audience is encouraged to participate with the dancers, singers, live music, colorful costumes and lively characters, followed by fun art workshops for even the youngest attendees. It’s the best time of the year! // THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus: 1901 Mississippi Ave., Washington, DC; free
Kwanzaa in Tsiazza
Saturday, Dec. 28, 7-11 p.m.
A celebration of family, culture and art, Kwanzaa in Tsiazza is an event dedicated to the education and exploration of the seven principles of the holiday. The event is set to include food, fashion, art and music from local vendors, and the primary goal is to encourage unity and family interaction, while sharing the experience of Kwanzaa in 2019. // JW Marriott Washington DC: 1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC; $97 and up
