Celebrate Kwanzaa and Hanukkah in Evanston, December 26

Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre and the Evanston Public Library invite community members to join together to celebrate Kwanzaa and Hanukkah at two free public events in Evanston on Monday, December 26.

Community Sharing at Fountain Square, 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Community members from Evanston and beyond are invited to gather in Fountain Square, located at Davis Street and Sherman Avenue, from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on December 26 for a “Community Sharing” celebration.

December 26 marks the first day of Kwanzaa and the last day of Hanukkah, providing a unique opportunity to blend the two holidays together for an uplifting and inspiring community and cultural celebration.

The event will include remarks from Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, Rabbi Andrea London of Beth Emet Synagogue, and Pastor Ken Cherry of Christ Temple Church, as well as a holiday dance performance and the lighting of the first candle of Kwanzaa and the last candle of Hanukkah at the City’s public kinara and menorah displays.

Kwanzaa Festival at Robert Crown Community Center, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Following the Community Sharing, community members are invited to the Robert Crown Community Center, 1801 Main St., from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for the City’s annual Kwanzaa Festival.

The event will include:

- Artisan and food vendors, including Jamaican cuisine from Claire’s Korner and C&W Sweet Treats

- Family arts and crafts area

- Community African drum circle with Tony Toneji Garrett

- Dance performance by NAJWA Dance Corps

- Storytelling presentation of Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story, narrated by nationally renowned storyteller Dr. Stephanie Davenport

- Lighting of the first candle of Kwanzaa

Both events are free and open to all ages. All are invited to attend.

For questions, contact [email protected], call/text 847-448-4311, or simply dial 311 in Evanston. Visit cityofevanston.org/eventcelebrations for more holiday events in Evanston.