Answer: KWANZAA

Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday that celebrates African heritage and is observed from December 26th to January 1st. It was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, an African-American professor, as a way to honor African traditions and values. The holiday includes activities such as lighting candles on a kinara (a special candle holder), sharing meals with family and friends, performing traditional dances and music, and exchanging gifts. The documentary "The Black Candle," released in 2008, focuses on the origins and significance of Kwanzaa.

Note: The provided meaning of the answer is for the latest New York Times crossword puzzle clue: Seven-night holiday. Explanations are generated by AI and may be inaccurate.