21 Uplifting Kwanzaa Decorations​ To Enhance Your Celebration in 2024

December is a month full of reasons to celebrate, and if you and your family will be celebrating Kwanzaa, there are a few joyful Kwanzaa decorations you should include this year. If you’ve been celebrating for a long time, then you probably already have the Kinara and Unity Cup covered, but there are plenty of other festive tokens to make your space feel more special. From the front yard to the dinner table, read on to discover some fun Kwanzaa decorations to get in the spirit of the holiday. 

Kwanzaa decorations and celebrations are unique to each family, but the overarching purpose is to highlight the seven principles that represent ideals, according to History Channel. The story of Kwanzaa only began in 1966, but in a relatively short time, the holiday is now celebrated by millions of people around the world. The backstory to this African-rooted celebration is rich and uplifting. The holiday runs for the week starting the day after Christmas, on December 26th and ending on January 1st, but you can start decorating any time you want so you can enjoy the festive ambiance for a while.

Jump to Section:

• What is Kwanzaa?
• Traditional Kwanzaa Decorations
• DIY Kwanzaa Decorations
• Outdoor Kwanzaa Decorations

What is Kwanzaa?

As briefly discussed earlier, Kwanzaa is an African-rooted holiday that takes place from December 26th to January 1st each year. The holiday originated in 1966 when Dr. Maulana Karenga, a chairman and professor of Black Studies at California Beach Univeristy (Long Beach) created it. Following the Watts riots in nearby Los Angeles, Dr. Karenga was searching for a way to create unity within the African-American and Black communities. By combining aspects of several different traditional harvest celebrations, Kwanzaa came about. The name comes from a Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza” that means first fruits. The extra “a” came from the originial celebration of Kwanzaa in 1966 where a seventh child wanted to be included so each child in the household could represent one of each ideal. 

Is Kwanzaa a Christmas Celebration?

No, Kwanzaa is not related to Christmas at all. Dr. Karenga was actually a non-Christian and said his goal in creating the holiday was to give African-Americans and other Black people an alternative to Christmas and give them an opportunity to celebrate themselves and their history. However, many households celebrate Christmas and Kwanzaa as the two are not at odds with each other. 

What Items are on a Kwanzaa Altar?

The Kwanzaa altar features the seven symbols, discussed below. Items like fresh fruit, the traditional Kinara candleholder, a unity cup, ears of corn, gifts and a traditional woven textile placemat. Each of these items or symbols represents important facets of the seven principles and African-American culture.  

What Do You Put on the Kwanzaa Table? 

The Kwanzaa table is just another way to describe the altar. While these items may be seen or described as Kwanzaa decorations, they’re much more symbolic and their purpose is beyond just being festive. 

What Are the 7 Principles of Kwanzaa?

The focus of the holiday is on seven principles that represent ideals for living. The Kinara (a candleholder, more on that later) gets one candle lit each day to represent one of the seven ideals. They are: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Each evening, families gather to light a candle and discuss the principle for that day. 

On December 31st, a special African feast called a Karamu, is held with family and loved ones to celebrate the week winding down and all the important cultural principles that were discussed earlier. Throughout the week, many families utilize drums along with traditional song and dance routines and Kwanzaa food to celebrate. 

Traditional Kwanzaa Decorations

The Kinara is a candle holder that holds a black candle in the middle with three red candles on one side and three green candles on the other. Traditionally, the black candle in the middle is the first one lit, representing unity. The Kinara, along with the other items previously discussed are typically displayed on a hand-woven textile placemat that also counts as one of the seven symbols. 

Many households celebrate Christmas and Kwanzaa, as the two are not mutually exclusive, so you may find traditional Christmas items in the home, like a tree and lights. Kwanzaa decorations can range from replicas of the seven symbols to more abstract or modern items. The traditional items are displayed on an altar for all to see, while newer items can be placed around the house or in the yard. 

Gifts, while part of the Kwanzaa decorations and symbols, are often handmade this time of year. Other culturally-themed goods from local artists like books, music, art or jewelry are also highly encouraged. 

DIY Kwanzaa Decorations

1. Colorful Table Runner

With a sewing machine and a little know-how, you can come up with wonderfully DIY Kwanzaa decorations in no time. Long, skinny panels of fabric in traditional red, green and black can be fastened together however you like to create a table runner. This idea can be adapted to any holiday or occasion, like a Christmas centerpiece idea or a birthday party. 

2. Burlap Banner

A cute and rustic burlap banner is one of the easiest DIY Kwanzaa decorations you can make. Cut out squares, rectangles or any shape you like with enough room to put one letter on each, spelling out “happy Kwanzaa.” Use paint, stencils, ribbons or anything else to put a colorful letter on each shape, then string them onto a rustic twine or cool ribbon and hang it from your mantle or post it on your wall. This can be done for any holiday and makes a nice Thanksgiving decoration idea as well. 

3. Kwanzaa Paper Chain

It’s time to level up the simple paper chains of your youth with these festive DIY Kwanzaa decorations. You can buy an already-made one from Etsy or use it as inspiration. Head to your local craft store and select colorful or patterned construction paper to make a paper chain that adorns your staircase or mantle. Black, red and green tassels are a nice addition. 

4. Kwanzaa Definition Print

It doesn’t get much simpler than these easy DIY Kwanzaa decorations. All you need is a printer, a piece of white paper and a small frame. Copy those trendy noun prints and make one that describes Kwanzaa. The best part is, this festive display can be educational for friends and family who visit you around the holidays. 

5. Kwanzaa Garland

A fun and festive garland comes together in no time for this easy but chic DIY Kwanzaa decoration. Head to the craft store and get a bunch of felt balls, ideally in black, red and green. Some have a hole down the center so they can be strung on a string. Arrange them however you like, but it’s nice to follow the same scheme as the Kinara with three red balls, then a single black one followed by three green ones. 

6. Festive Cupcake Toppers

Whether using free-hand designs, stencils or something else entirely, cupcake toppers can be great DIY Kwanzaa decorations. Glue them to toothpicks or dowels and turn a platter of tasty treats into a festive display. 

7. Personalized Placemats

Whatever your preferred art medium, you can turn it into wonderful DIY Kwanzaa decorations. Whether beads or painting, even weaving or cross-stitching, you can craft individual placemats for each family member that say “happy Kwanzaa” or “baby’s first Kwanzaa”. 

8. Kwanzaa Journal For Kids

One of the best parts of any holiday is the memories and traditions that are passed down each year. Set out a beautiful scrapbook or journal to work on with your kids as interactive DIY Kwanzaa decorations that also double as mementos. 

9. Heart-Shaped Kente Ornaments

The ever-colorful and traditional kente cloth is transformed into lovely heart-shaped ornaments for DIY Kwanzaa decorations. Whether or not your family also celebrates Christmas, these look beautiful in a basket on your table. 

10. Doll Ornaments

You’ll probably need a tutorial for these DIY Kwanzaa decorations but it’s more than worth it. Work with your kiddos to create tiny doll ornaments, decked out in kente cloth or traditional garb. Your finished product works as a decoration or gift. A craft like this is a fun Friendsgiving decoration idea or activity to do with friends. 

11. Beaded Animal Ornaments

The holiday is all about remembering and honoring African heritage and culture, and these adorable beaded safari animals like giraffes and lions are great DIY Kwanzaa decorations and gifts. You’ll probably need a tutorial, but it will be a fun craft for the whole family. 

Outdoor Kwanzaa Decorations

12. African Kente Wreath

Kwanzaa is all about celebrating your African heritage, and beautifully folded Kente wreaths are the best outdoor Kwanzaa decorations you can find. Artists on Etsy sell them already made, but if you or a family member are experts at folding Kente, you can make your own. The bold and beautiful colors are also symbolic and festive.  

13. Window Clings

A packet or two of window clings is an easy way to add holiday cheer to your home, and it’s visible to anyone who walks by. Even kids will have fun putting up these easy outdoor Kwanzaa decorations on a front window or glass sliding door. The best part is there’s no assembly time and no mess after. 

14. Yard Signs

Even if you don’t consider yourself gifted with crafting, you can purchase pre-made outdoor Kwanzaa decorations. Yard signs that highlight various signs and symbols of the holiday are a festive touch. 

15. Door Mat

Other outdoor Kwanzaa decorations you can buy or make yourself are doormats, both indoor and outdoor; maybe even a shower mat! Grab a paintbrush or some spray paint and get to work adding festive colors and slogans. 

16. Garden Flag

Love to be festive but want to keep it understated? Garden flags are the ideal outdoor Kwanzaa decorations for you. A subtle but noticeable flag that hangs low to the ground near your perennials still adds a touch of holiday to your front yard. Have it customized with your family name so you can hold onto it year after year. 

17. Porch Banners

If your front door has a panel or window on either side, you have the perfect location for outdoor Kwanzaa decorations like porch banners. One on each side that says “happy” and “Kwanzaa” respectively is an easy way to celebrate. 

18. Balloon Arrangement

It won’t last very long, but with good weather, balloons can last several days to a week. Set up a lovely balloon arrangement on your mailbox or front stoop as outdoor Kwanzaa decorations that let loved ones know they’re in the right place for a party.  

19. Hanging Windsock

Add some color and dimension to your yard or front porch with hanging windsocks, the easiest outdoor Kwanzaa decoration. Long, streaming tassels flutter in the wind and add a pop of classic colors to your space.  

20. LED Light Up Kinara

One of the main symbols of the holiday is the Kinara, and while it’s typically featured in your home on the table or altar, you can show it off to passersby with a big light-up version in your yard. These festive outdoor Kwanzaa decorations are the equivalent of lighting up your Christmas tree. 

21. Decorative Ball Wreath

You can tackle these outdoor Kwanzaa decorations with a trip to your local craft store and make DIY versions. Greenery is the perfect canvas for black and red felt balls or ornaments. Other touches like red ribbons or even a kente ribbon make it more authentic. 

Whether you’ve been celebrating Kwanzaa for years or are just now learning what it’s all about, it’s clear that it’s an uplifting holiday for those who celebrate. It might not quite have the widespread popularity of Christmas or Hannukah yet, but it's well on its way. These festive Kwanzaa decorations are a great way to get your home in the spirit and enjoy the entire week focusing on unity, culture and living a good life.

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