At the Northwest African American Museum, we welcomed families from across the region for our annual Black Santa celebration, a seasonal gathering centered on joy, creativity, and connection.
Families spent the day creating lasting memories and capturing photographs to be cherished for years to come. Throughout the Museum, guests enjoyed hot cocoa, engaged in hands-on arts and crafts, explored learning through play in the Benjamin Banneker Math Room, and experienced thoughtfully designed holiday photo settings.
Our celebration also elevated local Black owned businesses and artists through a holiday market and interactive workshops. Candle pouring and scent blending experiences along with gingerbread house decorating, offered families opportunities to create together and take home meaningful keepsakes.
NAAM extends sincere thanks to the volunteers, vendors, artists, partners, and community collaborators whose creativity, generosity, and care made this celebration possible. Their contributions helped shape a memorable experience for all.
With gratitude to our 2025 Black Santa partners
● Chukundi Salisbury, Sr.: Santa
● Elite Collective: Photo & Video
● Humble Events: Event Decorations
● Noir Lux: Candle Pouring & Scent Mist
● Chef Antoine Calloway: Gingerbread Houses
● Love Thy Flavour Culinaria: Food
● MAC Family Catering: Food
● Hunter in the Cup: Cocoa Stand
Scent Mist with Noir Lux Candle Co. | November 30
The Scent Mist experience with Noir Lux Candle Co. offered guests a hands-on opportunity to explore fragrance and creativity during Black Santa weekend. Participants blended their own holiday-inspired body mists or room scents using a thoughtfully curated selection of seasonal oils. With guidance from expert makers, guests learned how different notes complement one another, allowing each person to create a scent that felt personal and meaningful. The experience invited attendees to slow down, engage their senses, and leave with a custom fragrance that reflected the warmth and spirit of the holiday season.
Gingerbread Workshop with Chef Antoine Calloway | December 6
The Gingerbread Workshop with Chef Antoine Calloway brought families and guests together for a joyful, hands-on experience during Black Santa weekend. Participants decorated festive gingerbread houses using colorful icing, candies, and plenty of imagination, creating edible works of art in a warm, welcoming setting. Led by Chef Calloway, the workshop encouraged creativity and connection across generations, filling the space with laughter, collaboration, and holiday spirit. Guests left with their finished gingerbread creations and shared memories that captured the fun and togetherness of the season.
Candle Pouring with Noir Lux Candle Bar | December 7
The Candle Pouring experience with Noir Lux Candle Bar invited guests to slow down and enjoy a calming, hands-on workshop during Black Santa weekend. Participants learned the basics of candle making while pouring their own nine-ounce seasonal candles, selecting fragrances that reflected the warmth and comfort of the holidays. Guided through each step of the process, guests engaged in a relaxed and creative atmosphere that encouraged intention and care. The experience concluded with attendees taking home a handmade candle, serving as a meaningful keepsake and a reminder of the cozy spirit of the season.
Holiday Interactive Story Time Does Santa Look Like Me?
Enjoy an interactive storytime featuring Does Santa Look Like Me? by Ariel Young and illustrated by Monika Wnek. Follow AJ as he discovers the importance of seeing himself reflected in the holiday characters he loves, in a heartwarming story that celebrates representation and belonging.
