Families celebrate Kwanzaa by decorating their households with objects of art, colorful African cloth and fresh fruits that represent African idealism. During the ceremonies of Kwanzaa, it is customary to include children and to give respect and gratitude to ancestors.

Generally, a Kwanzaa ceremony includes drumming and musical selections, reading of the "African Pledge" and the Principles of Blackness, a discussion of the African principle, artistic performance and a feast.

Today, most of the African-American families celebrate Kwanzaa along with Christmas and New Year's. Cultural exhibitions are held as an annual celebration at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts featuring interpretive dance, African dance, song and poetry.