Brooklyn Children’s Museum Kwanzaa 2025: Schedule & Activities
If there is one thing I’ve learned after surviving countless New York winters, it’s that December in Brooklyn is a marathon, not a sprint. We just wrapped up Thanksgiving, and my group chat is already blowing up with plans for everything from holiday markets in Union Square to navigating the crowds at Rockefeller Center.
But if you are locally grown (or just know where the real community vibes are), you know the season isn’t over until we hit the Brooklyn Children’s Museum for their Kwanzaa celebration. It is hands down one of the most soulful, energetic, and genuinely fun family events in the city. I’m talking about the kind of energy you usually only find at a block party in Bed-Stuy or a Sunday afternoon in Harlem.
Whether you celebrate Kwanzaa every year or you’re just looking to introduce the kids (or yourself!) to the Seven Principles, here is everything you need to know about what’s going down at the BCM this year.
Disclaimer: While I am a long-time local and these details were verified at the time of writing (December 2025), event schedules in NYC can change faster than the G train delays. Always double-check the official Brooklyn Children’s Museum website or specific event pages before you head out!
The 2025 BCM Kwanzaa Schedule: What You Need to Know
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum (located right in the heart of Crown Heights on Brooklyn Ave) is hosting its 18th annual Kwanzaa festival. This isn’t just a “walk around and look at decorations” situation—it is a full-on cultural immersion presented in partnership with the Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation.
If you haven’t seen Asase Yaa perform, you are in for a treat. The drumming? Immaculate. The dancing? High energy. It’s the kind of thing that makes you proud to be a Brooklynite.
Dates and Times
- When: Friday, December 26 – Tuesday, December 30, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
- Location: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave, Crown Heights
Highlights of the Week
The museum organizes the days around the Nguzo Saba (the Seven Principles). While the full daily breakdown often shifts slightly, you can expect these staples every single day of the festival:
- Daily Candle Lighting Ceremony: This is the heart of the event. They light the Kinara and discuss the principle of the day (like Umoja for unity or Kujichagulia for self-determination).
- Live Performances: Traditional African dance and drum performances that usually get the whole room moving.
- Workshops: They have art-making zones where kids can make gifts (Zawadi) or crafts that align with the day’s principle.
- Storytelling: Griot-style storytelling that captivates even the toddlers with the shortest attention spans.
What Do Families Do on Kwanzaa?
If you are new to this, you might be wondering, what actually happens during Kwanzaa? It’s not just about the events; it’s about the practice.
Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday, not a religious one, so plenty of families I know in Crown Heights celebrate it alongside Christmas or Hanukkah. The vibe is all about reconnecting with African roots and community values.
Here is the cheat sheet for the daily routine:
- Greet each other: You say “Habari Gani?” (What’s the news?) and the answer is the principle of that day.
- Light the Kinara: You light one new candle each day on the Kinara (candle holder).
- Discuss the Principle: Families actually sit down—no phones!—and talk about how they used that principle (like Nia, or purpose) in their day.
How Do Families Usually Celebrate the Last Day of Kwanzaa?
The final day, January 1st, is dedicated to Imani (Faith). But the big celebration actually happens usually on the evening of December 31st, known as the Karamu feast.
Think of Karamu as the ultimate potluck. Families cook traditional dishes—Jollof rice, collard greens, black-eyed peas, you name it. It is a time for music, dance, and reading the Kukumbuka (a commemorative statement). It’s basically a massive celebration of life and culture before ringing in the New Year.
Planning Your Visit: Insider Tips
What Day is Brooklyn Children’s Museum Free?
Okay, let’s talk budget because rent in this city is no joke.
- Amazon Free Hours: The museum usually offers free admission on Thursday afternoons from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
- Pro Tip: Since Kwanzaa runs Dec 26–30, check if one of those dates falls on a Thursday. If not, the BCM often has “pay as you wish” or special community ticket grants, so check their website before booking full price!
What to Do to Celebrate Kwanzaa (Beyond the Museum)
If you can’t make it to Crown Heights, you can still keep the energy alive:
- Support Black-Owned Businesses: This is huge for Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics). Buy your gifts from local vendors in Bed-Stuy or Fort Greene.
- Decorate Your Home: Set up a Mkeka (mat) and put ears of corn (Muhindi) on it to represent the children in the house.
- Host a Karamu: Invite friends over on New Year’s Eve for a cultural feast instead of paying $200 for a club entry in Manhattan.
Don’t Miss: Other December Holiday Highlights
Since Kwanzaa starts after Christmas, your early December calendar might still have some open slots. If you are trying to soak up all the lights and festive energy in Brooklyn (and a bit of Manhattan) before the 26th, here are a few major verified events happening mid-month, especially for Hanukkah (which is Dec 14–22 in 2025):
- Brooklyn Largest Menorah: You cannot call yourself a Brooklynite if you haven’t seen this. It’s located at Grand Army Plaza (the main entrance to Prospect Park). The lighting usually happens every evening of Hanukkah. The kickoff often has live music and hot latkes.
- Park Slope Menorah Lighting: This is essentially the same Grand Army Plaza event, but it’s the heart of the Park Slope holiday scene. It’s a public menorah lighting, so it’s totally free and super welcoming.
- Menorah Lighting 5th Ave: If you are feeling ambitious and want to cross the bridge, the “World’s Largest Menorah” is at 5th Ave and 59th St in Manhattan. However, Park Slope often has its own smaller festivities along its own 5th Avenue, so check local BID schedules if you want to stay local!
Keeping It Affordable
Look, between the gifts, the MetroCards, and the holiday lattes, December is expensive. If you are looking for more ways to enjoy the city without draining your savings, I actually wrote a guide on how to eat good in NYC for cheap.
Check it out here:NYC On A Budget: The Ultimate 20+ Best Cheap Eats Guide (Local Secrets)
Happy Kwanzaa, Brooklyn! Harambee! (Let’s pull together!)
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