Celebrate Kwanzaa in Philadelphia

For the first day of Kwanzaa, one house in the middle of the row will be illuminated in yellow lights only on the roof, representing the middle black candle and its flame, while the rest of the houses will be dark. Each successive evening one more house on Boathouse Row (representing that night’s candle) will be lit beginning with red on the left and ending with green on the right. By the seventh and final day of Kwanzaa, all seven buildings representing the Kinara will be lit to reflect the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.

Kwanzaa is a non-religious, cultural African American and Pan-African holiday, celebrated worldwide by people of African descent. The holiday focuses on the cultural, ethical, and spiritual visions and values of African culture.

This year, the City joins the Kwanzaa Cooperative to host an event on the first night of Kwanzaa, Tuesday, December 26th, to celebrate the Boathouse Row lights being lit to honor the holiday for the first time. This event will also be held at the Fairmount Fish Ladder on MLK Drive at 5:30 pm. The festive program will feature speakers and entertainment, culminating in the illumination of the lights on Boathouse Row at 6:00 pm.

Philadelphia Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa  - The City of Philadelphia announced plans to celebrate for Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa through public recognition and celebrations on one of the City’s iconic landmarks, Boathouse Row. The Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation, Office of the City Representative, and the Mayor’s Office of Public Engagement are joining together to produce these celebrations.

Rothman Institute Ice Rink at Dilworth Plaza at Dilworth Park will open Friday, November 10, 2017, with a salute to veterans. This winter season at Dilworth Park is supported by Live Nation, Temple University, Capital One and 6abc. Welcoming more than 60,000 skaters last season, the Rothman Ice Rink will open this year in time to celebrate winter in the heart of the city.

America’s Garden Capital Maze Dilworth Plaza, a holiday-inspired garden created in partnership with Greater Philadelphia Gardens and supported by Temple University Ambler. Located on the Albert M. Greenfield Lawn, children and adults will delight in discovering picture-perfect moments amid holiday topiaries, twinkling lights, and seasonal plants that showcase more than 30 public gardens, arboreta, and historic landscapes located within 30 miles of Philadelphia, giving Philadelphia the distinction of America's Garden Capital.

Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market at Dilworth Plaza will open again this year at the southern end of Dilworth Park, featuring local artisans, designers and crafters offering unique selections for gifts. The market was conceived and designed to complement the Christmas Village in Philadelphia. The market opens Saturday, November 18, 2017, with special hours on Thanksgiving Day and extended hours on Black Friday, and closes Monday, January 1, 2018.

Join SEPTA and Center City District for Santa Express, with fun-filled holiday train rides and a festive parade to welcome Santa Claus to Dilworth Park at City Hall. Festivities will also include skating with Santa at the Rothman Ice Rink. Kick off the season on Friday, November 24, 2017, and spend the day in Philadelphia visiting the city’s boutiques on this shoppers’ holiday. Dilworth Park has convenient access to SEPTA’s Broad Street, Market-Frankford and Trolley Lines.