Fun Things To Do In Lagos In December
December in Lagos is the ultimate thrill ride, dubbed Detty December, a non-stop explosion of energy where the diaspora jets back home to recharge with family, feast on jollof and suya, and dive headfirst into Naija’s unbeatable vibe of Afrobeat anthems, street style, and all-night bashes. From the chaotic buzz of Victoria Island to the sandy shores of Elegushi Beach, the city pulses with pop-up parties, sold-out concerts, and markets overflowing with festive finds. Events crank up from early December, spilling over into the New Year with fireworks, fashion drops, and cultural showdowns that make Lagos the heartbeat of Africa’s party scene.
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Here’s a curated lineup of the hottest activities you can’t skip in Lagos this Detty season.
Flytime Music Festival
The undisputed king of Detty December, Flytime Fest celebrates Nigeria’s creative fire with a week of music, fashion pop-ups, and Afrobeats anthems. Running December 20–25 at the Eko Convention Centre, it’s Flytime Promotions’ 20th anniversary blowout, drawing millions of visitors and headliners like Rema (Dec 21 with Central Cee), Flavour (Dec 22), Asake (Dec 24), and Davido closing on Christmas Day (Dec 25). Beyond the stages, dive into food stalls slinging suya and celebrity meet-and-greets. It’s pure African pride in motion.
Lagos Nightlife Hotspots
Sunset hits, and Lagos flips the switch to full throttle. The city’s after-dark scene is world-class, amped up tenfold in December with themed nights and A-list drops.
- Club Quilox – Elite central on Lagos Island: Lavish decor, VIP rooms, and DJs spinning Afrobeat till 6 AM. Celeb central for “Starry Nights” Fridays.
- The Library – Victoria Island’s upscale lounge-club hybrid: C-suite pros and fire shows over cocktails.
- Vaniti – Lekki’s lavish newcomer: Extravagant parties with live performers and high-energy crowds; book tables early.
- New Afrika Shrine – Ikeja’s Afrobeat shrine: Raw, grassroots energy with live bands honoring Fela Kuti—affordable entry, endless dancing.
- Oso Lounge – For chill-to-wild transitions: Indoor-outdoor setup with Amapiano Mondays and ocean breezes.
Africa Fashion Week Nigeria (AFWN) Detty Edition
Fashion-forward? AFWN’s December 20–21 takeover at the J.Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture & History flips the script on runways with sustainable showcases, live music, and a bustling marketplace. Emerging designers mix Yoruba prints with global twists, pulling in pros and partygoers for a festive fusion of style and culture.
Landmark Music Festival & Motherland Festival
Hit the beachy side at Landmark’s festival village (early December vibes extending into Detty) for art, tech, and soulful sounds from Qing Madi and The Cavemen. Or level up with Motherland Festival’s month-long pop-ups, featuring intimate sets from global acts in hidden gems. These are diaspora magnets for that authentic, sweat-soaked connection grab early-bird tickets via Ariiya or Eventbrite to dodge sellouts.
Nike Art Gallery & Oba’s Palace
For royal vibes, tour the Iga Idunganran (Oba of Lagos Palace), a renovated Yoruba icon blending ancient architecture with modern flair—book guided walks to hear tales of resilience. Then, Nike Art Gallery in Lekki: Africa’s largest private collection of beadwork, adire textiles, and sculptures. Founder Nike Davies-Okundaye hosts workshops; it’s a hands-on dive into contemporary Nigerian narratives.
Art Galleries and Markets
Skip the frenzy for a cultured breather? Lagos’ scene is booming post-Art X Lagos fair (Nov 6–9, 2025).
- Rele Gallery (Victoria Island): Cutting-edge solos like Ugo Ahiakwo’s “After the Dance” rotating exhibits on identity and myth; free entry, coffee chats encouraged.
- Kó Art Space (Ikoyi): Modern masters meet emerging voices in “Mining Abstractions”; dual focus on African diaspora works.
- Alexis Galleries (VI): Launchpad for young talents sip at their Art Cafe while browsing.
Beachfront Bliss: Voda Beach and Ilashe Raves
For sun-soaked exclusivity, hit Voda Beach at Elegushi for all-white pool parties and splashdown bashes (like Dec 28’s 2-in-1 extravaganza). Or escape to Ilashe Beach for fireworks-lit raves with DJs spinning till dawn. These coastal escapes mix tropical cocktails, live art, and oceanfront volleyball ideal for digital nomads and adventure seekers blending relaxation with Lagos’ signature party pulse.
Foodie Fiestas: EatDrinkLagos and Zola Fest
Lagos’ December devours with flavor bombs. Dive into EatDrinkLagos, a gourmet street carnival blending jollof wars, suya skewers, and global twists from pop-up chefs pair it with cultural dances and DJ spins for a sensory overload that screams family reunion. Zola Fest amps the international flair with Afro-Latin fusions, live bands, and a melting-pot crowd, turning every bite into a block party. These daytime feasts (early December slots) are your ticket to bonding over plates while the sun dips.
National Museum Lagos
Smack in the city’s core, this gem spotlights Nigeria’s independence saga with interactive relics, rare footage, and pan-African artifacts. Fresh 2025 upgrades include immersive VR on pre-colonial empires, serene gardens, bold sculptures, and a hall honoring visionaries like Herbert Macaulay make it a quiet power move for cultural recharge.
Money and Travel Tips
Detty spikes costs. Tickets, hotels, and rides can double. The local currency is the Nigerian naira (NGN); cards work in upscale spots, but cash or mobile wallets like OPay shine in markets.
For seamless transfers from abroad, be it gifting family, splitting event tabs, or handling remote gigs. SimlessPay delivers instant, low-fee sends from the UK (and beyond) with real-time tracking and top rates. Skip bank hassles; focus on the fun.
Getting Around Lagos
Ride-hailing apps like Uber, Bolt, and InDriver are beginner-friendly, convenient, and generally safer, though Lagos traffic can be intense early starts help. BRT buses offer air-conditioned comfort on dedicated lanes if you’re moving on a budget. For beaches or longer day trips like Badagry, hiring a private driver or booking a premium van service gives a smoother, stress-free experience.
Get a SIM on arrival to stay connected, keep a passport photocopy for event entry, and stay hydrated. The Lagos heat and nightlife energy are real.