The Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum continues its nearly 60-year tradition of celebrating Kwanzaa with weeklong programming Dec. 26–Jan. 1, 2026. Throughout the celebration, museum educators will also offer free, hour-long guided tours each day at 2 p.m. starting Dec. 26.
“We have celebrated Kwanzaa with the local community since the 1970s and look forward to another holiday of joyful connection and contemplation,” said Katelynd Anderson, acting director of the museum. “Our daily guided tours and Kwanzaa events will allow us to engage more deeply with visitors, especially as we prepare to share inspiring stories in our new exhibition next year commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary.”
Kwanzaa activities will connect interactive performances, craftmaking and more to the theme of each day: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith). Daily events take place from noon to 2 p.m. Tickets are free, but reservations are encouraged.
A full schedule of Kwanzaa programs is below:
Friday, Dec. 26—Umoja (Unity): Opening Program
The weeklong festivities begin with storyteller and griot Mama Ayo sharing the history of Kwanzaa, leading the traditional ceremony honoring the ancestors, pouring libations and lighting the Kinara (candle holder). Washington native Baba Ras D will perform unity songs with African drumming. Registration is requested.
Saturday, Dec. 27— Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): Let Your Story Be Told With Playback Theatre
With a blend of live music and improvisation, Playback Theatre will lead visitors through an interactive experience where audience members’ real-life stories get transformed into dynamic theatrical performances. Registration is requested.
Sunday, Dec. 28—Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): Kwanzaa Extravaganza With Culture Queen
Visitors will sing, dance and create custom-designed crafts with performer and teaching artist Culture Queen. The vibrant experience invites everyone to celebrate family and community through lively music, storytelling, games and Culture Queen’s “Kwanzaa Slide.” Registration is requested.
Monday, Dec. 29—Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): Storytelling and Game Plan Game Show
Master storyteller Baba-C will lead an interactive game show called “Game Plan?” a team-based competition to solve challenges with creativity and resourcefulness. The goal is not just winning, but strengthening bonds and demonstrating cooperative economics within families and communities. Registration is requested.
Tuesday, Dec. 30—Nia (Purpose): Celebrating Purpose Through Aromatherapy
In this workshop, visitors will ignite their senses by creating essential sprays and discover their purpose in a group discussion on discovering purpose through individual gifts and talents, led by Habeebah Muhammad, a certified aromatherapist. Materials will be provided; registration is requested.
Wednesday, Dec. 31—Kuumba (Creativity): Scrapbooking Workshop With Tamara Thomas
Artist Tamara Thomas will lead a hands-on workshop exploring the art of scrapbooking. Visitors will learn creative techniques for arranging photos and decorative elements, as well as how to tell personal stories on the page. Materials will be provided; registration is requested.
Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026—Imani (Faith): Creating Mkeka Mats by by Needlepoint
Mkeka mats sit under the centerpieces of Kwanzaa and symbolize a foundation rooted in culture and tradition. Participants will create mats with needlepoint, using stencils to draw their patterns on the mat and colorful yarn to weave the mat together. Materials will be provided; registration is requested.
During the week of Kwanzaa, daily guided tours will take visitors through the exhibition “A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, DC, 1900–2000,” which traces the story of trailblazing African American artist-educators in Washington. Tours are free and open to the public; visitors are asked to gather 15 minutes prior at the museum. The exhibition closes Jan. 4, 2026, and the museum will close Jan. 5, 2026, to begin installation of its upcoming exhibition.
About the Anacostia Community Museum
Founded in 1967, the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum shares the untold and often overlooked stories of communities furthest from justice in the greater Washington, D.C., region. In celebrating stories of resiliency, joy and strength, the museum inspires those who visit to translate their ideas into action. For more information about the museum, visit anacostia.si.edu or follow the museum on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
