By Andrea Stevens
AFRO Staff Writer
astevens@afro.com
The end of the year is here and with it, a host of Christmas and Kwanzaa family friendly holiday activities. From tree lighting celebrations and holiday markets to seasonal performances and light displays, take a look at events sure to make this season bright for kids and adults alike.
Maryland
Baltimore City
Christmas Village in Baltimore
The Inner Harbor is hosting a holiday celebration for their 12th season. The corner of Light street has been transformed into a magnificent holiday family-friendly destination, including ice skating, vendors and Christmas carolers.
Date: 11/22/25 – 12/24/25
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: 501 Light St.
Baltimore, MD 21230
Cost: Free
Merry Marathon
A holiday movie marathon is the perfect way to spend Christmas Eve. The Southwest Sports and Fitness Alliance is hosting a “Polar Express” movie marathon, bring your favorite snacks and your blanket and get cozy with an all day movie marathon.
Date: 12/24/25
Time: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: 1049 West Saratoga St.
Baltimore, MD 21223
Cost: Free
It’s All About the Children: Kwanzaa Celebration
The National Great Blacks in Wax museum is hosting an amazing Kwanzaa celebration for children at Henderson-Hopkins Elementary School. There will be special wax displays, giveaways, cultural drumming and light refreshments for participants.
Date: 12/26/25
Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: Henderson-Hopkins Elementary School
2100 Ashland Ave. (the “security” entrance)
Baltimore, MD 21205
Cost: Free
Kwanzaa Jeopardy
This event is perfect for those who are new to the Kwanzaa holiday and would like to learn more about it. There will be surprises, refreshments and team activities.
Date: 12/30/25
Time: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: 807 East Baltimore St.
Baltimore, MD 21202
Cost: Free
Baltimore County
Kwanzaa Live w/ Culture Queen
At the Owings Mills Public Library, Culture Queen will be teaching children and teens about Kwanzaa. She will be assisting in crafts and teaching ways to celebrate the 7 principles of Kwanzaa through games and storytelling.
Date: 12/27/25
Time: 2 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Location: 10302 Grand Central Ave.,
Owings Mills, MD, 21117
Cost: Free
Washington D.C.
Frosted at Franklin Park 2025
For the entire holiday season Franklin park has been celebrating with a dazzling light show, sing-a-long carolers and free hot chocolate and apple cider. This event is perfect for the family that wants to celebrate outdoors, be amazed by life sized ice sculptures and take pictures with Santa.
Date: 11/21/25 – 1/7/26
Time: 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: 1332 I Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
Cost: Free
Kwanzaa at ACM
Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum will be hosting a seven-day celebration of Kwanzaa with Culture Queen. Each day’s theme mirrors the acknowledgements that take place during the holiday. This gives an opportunity to experience the true meaning of Kwanzaa on more than one occasion.
Date: 12/26/25 – 1/1/26
Time: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: 1901 Fort Pl, SE
Washington, DC 20020
Cost: Free
Interactive Kwanzaa Celebration Closes Out Groundbreaking DAR Exhibit
A Kwanzaa celebration you won’t want to miss will be held at the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Museum. This event serves as the finale to the 9-month long DAR Museum exhibit, “Fighting for Freedom: Black Craftspeople and the Pursuit of Independence.” There will be children’s crafts and entertainment for the entire family.
Date: 12/31/25
Time: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Museum
1776 D Street NW, Washington, DC
Cost: Free