Kwanzaa Celebration At Montclair Library: 2025 Holiday Events

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Montclair Public Library. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The Montclair Public Library invites the community to celebrate Kwanzaa on Saturday, Dec. 13 with a local marketplace and a series of family-friendly free festivities. This celebration is part of the Library’s tradition of featuring Kwanzaa as a keystone of its winter programming.

Taking place on Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Library’s main branch, located at 50 South Fullerton Avenue, the marketplace opening at noon and festivities run from 1 to 4 p.m.

This festive program will bring families and neighbors together for an afternoon of culture, connection, and community. Guests can enjoy:

• Traditional pouring of libations and a discussion of the seven principles with Sister Kellia Sweatt
• Kwanzaa-inspired fashion show by the students of Payne Tech High School Fashion Club
• Dance and Drum performance by Umoja Dance Company
• Face painting, local shopping at our African Market, and more!

“We are delighted to host our annual Kwanzaa celebration once again,” said Library Director Radwa Ali. “This event brings our community together for a chance to learn, celebrate, and honor African American heritage with a day of festivities. Events like these are a cornerstone to programming at Montclair Public Library and highlight our commitment to creating welcoming spaces where cultures are celebrated and shared.”

The event is free and open to all ages, and no registration is required. Families are encouraged to attend together and participate in the activities.

For more information, please visit www.montclairlibrary.org.

About Kwanzaa and the Montclair Public Library

Founded by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, Kwanzaa is the seven-day African American festival that celebrates culture, family, and community from December 26 to January 1. Since 1989, Montclair Public Library has hosted a Kwanzaa event. The event grew yearly and has become an important part of the Library’s winter programming, cultivated by staff members Brother Saalik Cuevas and Matilda Williams. 2025 will be the 36th year of the Library celebrating Kwanzaa with the Montclair community.

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