Kennedy Center Honors is an annual honor given to those in the performing arts for their lifetime of contributions to American culture (Culture of the United States). The Honors have been presented annually since 1978 in Washington, D.C., during gala weekend-long events which culminate in a performance for—and honoring—the Honorees at the Kennedy Center (John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts) Opera House.

The Honors were created by George Stevens, Jr. and the late Nick Vanoff; as of 2009, Stevens remains involved as producer and co-writer for the Honors Gala. From 1978 until 2002, the ceremony was hosted (Master of Ceremonies) by Walter Cronkite; since 2003, it has been hosted by Caroline Kennedy. It is also one of two holiday specials from Stevens production company (the other being Christmas in Washington).