Celebrate the Holidays: Events from Christmas to Kwanzaa Across the Region

The upcoming holiday weekend features a diverse range of celebrations and events, inviting families and individuals to engage in festive activities from Christmas Day reenactments to Kwanzaa festivities across various locations.

Washington Crossing Historic Park will host the 73rd Annual Christmas Day Reenactment on December 25, 2023, from noon to 15:00. This event commemorates George Washington’s historic crossing of the Delaware River during the Revolutionary War, showcasing period-clad reenactors, replica Durham boats, and evocative speeches that highlight America’s pivotal moments.

For those seeking a more inclusive holiday experience, the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History invites the public to its event titled Being_____Together at Christmas on December 26, 2023, from 10:00 to 15:00. This all-faiths celebration aims to foster community spirit and features hands-on activities, live performances, and crafts suitable for all ages, with admission priced at $15 for children and $20 for adults online.

Kwanzaa celebrations kick off on December 26, 2023, with various free events across the region, emphasizing the holiday’s principles of unity and self-empowerment. One key event, the Kwanzaa Soko, will take place at the Police Athletic League in Wilmington, Delaware, from 14:00 to 18:00. This celebration will include live performances, food, games, and activities for all ages, continuing to grow as a cornerstone event in the community.

In New Jersey, the tribute band Magical Mystery Doors will perform at the Levoy Theatre on December 27, 2023, at 20:00. This concert will pay homage to iconic rock bands such as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and The Doors, offering fans a nostalgic journey through their music.

The holiday season also features a variety of performances and shows. Cirque Dreams Holidaze, running through December 28, 2023, at the Miller Theatre, blends imaginative storytelling with contemporary circus arts. This annual tradition invites audiences into a fantasy winter world filled with aerial acts and seasonal favorites, with tickets starting at $53.

For those looking to reflect on the year’s events, This Is The Week That Is will be held at the Plays & Players Theatre through December 31, 2023. This political satire show by 1812 Productions celebrates its 20th anniversary, combining sharp social commentary with musical performances, priced between $59 and $65.

Additionally, families can enjoy a unique take on the classic tale with Hansel and Gretel: A Make and Partake at the Curio Theatre Company, running until December 31, 2023. This interactive performance invites audience participation in setting up props and creating sound effects, with tickets priced at $15 for children and $20 for adults.

Christmas Day also brings a host of movie releases as families gather in theaters. Among the anticipated films is Marty Supreme, featuring Timothée Chalamet as a 1950s table tennis player, which has already earned a 95% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Other releases include The Housemaid, Avatar: Fire and Ash, and The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants.

Music enthusiasts can catch performances by the legendary Wayne Newton at City Winery on December 26 and 27, 2023, starting at $90 per ticket. Known for his classic hits and storytelling, Newton promises a memorable evening for attendees.

Emo Night: Karaoke at Underground Arts on December 26, 2023, offers a unique twist on the holiday season with live band accompaniment for fans to belt out their favorite emo and pop-punk songs, tickets priced at $21.06.

As the festive season unfolds, individuals and families are encouraged to participate in these vibrant celebrations, enhancing their holiday experience through community involvement and cultural appreciation.