Cheap Chick NYC Kwanzaa Cheap and Free Events Guide

December 15, 2011
Brooklyn Youth Chorus Featuring Harolyn Blackwell
“The Brooklyn Youth Chorus is joined by soprano Harolyn Blackwell for a special holiday concert featuring the world premiere of a new composition based on a Langston Hughes poem.” Plus there will be several new holiday arrangements by long-time BYC friend and collaborator Joel Martin. 7:30 p.m., World Financial Center Winter Garden, 225 Liberty Street, free!

December 16, 2011
Central Park Kwanzaa Celebration
“Celebrate the harvest, family, community and culture by crafting a work inspired by nature and African art. This free public program is co-presented by the Central Park Conservancy and the Museum for African Art.” 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Central Park Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, Inside the Park at 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues, free!

December 17, 2011
Jim Vagias Holiday Express
Take a magical train ride around the world to learn how different holidays are celebrated in different countries. Through a series of library books, children learn the celebrations behind Kwanzaa, Diwali, Solstice, Ramadan, Hanukkah and Christmas. All ages. 1 p.m. Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch, Grand Army Plaza at Flatbush Ave. Free!

December 26, 2011
Kwanzaa Crafts
Create Kwanzaa-inspired art projects inspired by the holiday! 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Central Park Chess and Checkers House Chess & Checkers House (Mid-Park at 65th), Free!

Meet the Holiday: Kwanzaa (Repeats on December 27, 2011 at 11:30 a.m.)
Kwanzaa is celebrated all around the world. Explore this African-inspire​d holiday by learning about the traditions, culture and meaning of this holiday. Create a Kwanzaa-inspire​d craft to take home. Appropriate for children ages five and under. 11:30 a.m. Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Avenue (at St. Marks Avenue, Free w/museum admission ($7.50)

December 27, 2011
Kinara-making
Make kinaras in the park with the Museum of African Art today! 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Central Park, Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, Inside the Park at 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues, free!

December 29, 2011
Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community, and Culture
From the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, “Habari Gani? What’s the news? Celebrate Kwanzaa! Enjoy this fascinating cultural celebration and understand the principles of the Nguzo Saba. Join the millions of people around the world, who now enjoy this holiday and take home your own Kwanzaa inspired craft. Harambee! 2:30 p.m., Appropriate for children ages six and up. Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Avenue -at St. Marks Avenue, Free w/museum admission ($7.50)

December 30, 2011
The Story of Kwanzaa
Hear how the story of how the holiday of Kwanzaa was created with The Museum of African Art. 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, Inside the Park at 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues, free!

Kwanzaa Celebration Regeneration Night
From the Apollo Theater “The Apollo Theater celebrates Kwanzaa with the renowned and energetic New York-based dance company, Abdel Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, in an evening of dance and music honoring the principles of Kwanzaa – family, community and culture. Performers include Craig Harris and the Tailgaters Tale, Michael Wimberly, Yacuba Sissoko and members of the Harlem Children’s Zone/Forces of Nature’s Youth Academy. Hosted by WBLS personality Imhotep Gary Byrd.” 7:30 p.m., Apollo Theater, 253 West 125th Street, tkts are $16 and can be purchased online here: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/000047478B8C866B, in-person at the Apollo Theater Box Office, or by calling TicketMaster at (800) 745-3000!

December 31, 2011
Museum of Natural History Kwanzaa Celebration
From the museum website, “KWANZAA 2011! is a vibrant celebration that honors the seven principles of Kwanzaa with performances of song, dance, and spoken word and an international marketplace. This year’s event will feature storyteller Linda Humes as master of ceremonies, the dynamic African-Caribbean performing group Something Positive, Inc., and other exciting presenters.” 12:00 pm - 4:00 p.m. Museum of Natural History, 79th Street and Central Park West, Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, First Floor, Free with museum admission (Suggested general admission: $19 adults, children ages two-12- $10.50)

You can also take the opportunity to visit The African Burial Ground and The Museum of African Art!