Your essential guide to experiencing December in Lagos.
If you’re anything like me, once December rolls in, you start feeling that “let’s live Lagos at full volume” kind of energy. The people, the music, the clubs, the beaches, even the media — everything suddenly syncs to the same vibrant rhythm.
Whether you grew up here or you’re flying in for the holidays, December in Lagos is that once-a-year moment where you chase new memories, reconnect with familiar faces, and dance like tomorrow doesn’t exist.
And this year? The calendar is stacked with exciting possibilities. If you’re determined to do “Detty December” properly with the full Lagos experience, this guide is your best friend. I’ve grouped everything by event-type: concerts, parties, festivals, movies, and the small but important tips on what to wear, how to show up, and when to slow down so you actually make it to January in one happy piece.
Concerts and Live Shows
Johnny Drille – 7 December
Happening at Eko Hotel & Suites, this one’s for the soft‑spoken nights. Think mellow songs, live band or acoustic energy, great for vibing with friends or that special someone. Wear something comfy but nice; smart‑casual works. Comfortable shoes are a win; you might end up dancing or moving around a lot.
Enchanted Concert: Old Skool Christmas Edition – 13 December
A throwback night at Lagos Oriental Hotel. Expect classic Nigerian hits, nostalgic vibes, live orchestra or band backing live performances. You’d love this if you want to slow down, relive old songs and chill with good company. Dress a bit more classy; think baby tees, butterfly clips, low-rise cargo skirts, crochet tops, and thrifted jackets with a twist — something that matches that old‑school, classy energy.
CHIKE Live in concert – 18 December
Chike’s concert at Landmark Centre is for the lovers, the soft-life crowd, and anyone who appreciates beautifully crafted music. Expect soulful storytelling, live instrumentation, and that rich, honey-coated voice filling the room. It’s the kind of show where you find yourself swaying without realising it. Wear something soft, stylish, and comfortable — think chic casual with a hint of romance. Perfect for date night or a chill evening with friends.
Busta Rhymes Live – 19 December
The location is at Ilubirin, Ikoyi. The show promises a hype crowd and a live show that’s likely to be wild. If you want to go all in, this is it. This event is street-style club energy, so wear bold, stylish outfits. Sneakers or comfy but fashionable shoes. Expect dancing, hype, energy.
Flytime Fest – 21 – 25 December
The heavyweight of Detty December. Over multiple nights at Eko Convention Centre, shows ranging from highlife to Afrobeats to big‑stage concerts. Early in the festival, you might get more chill or mixed‑genre nights; by Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, it’s all about peak energy.
Dress stylish but practical with comfy layers, sneakers or boots, something you can dance in all night. If you can swing VIP tickets, you’ll avoid most of the chaos, but general admission also has its own energy.
Kizz Daniel Live – 27 December
Post‑Christmas but still buzzing, a good wind‑down concert. Great for dancing, singing along, and maybe meeting up with close friends. Go for fun party clothes; bright prints, bold style, something festive.
Think of these concerts as the main soundtracks for your December. Each one with a different energy, but all for you to explore; some mellow nights, some heavy party nights.
Read also: Is Detty December in Lagos overrated?
Parties, beach and nightlife
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Fire and Sand – 6 December
Fire and Sand returns this year with its signature mix of bonfires, DJs, ocean breeze, and high-energy dancing under the stars. It’s happening at Wave beach, and it’s the perfect kickoff to Detty December, loud music, sandy feet, and pure Lagos nightlife magic. Wear beach-chic outfits and comfy sandals; expect to get sandy and stay out late.
Shakara Festival Beach Party – 18 – 21 December
Beach, sun, music, fashion — this one’s perfect if you want to slow things down a bit, enjoy waves and DJs, but still keep the festival energy. Funky swimwear or beach‑chic outfits, sandals, sunscreen. It’s a good balance: chill by day, vibe by night.
New Year’s Eve Parties – 31 December
Whether up on a rooftop in Victoria Island, at a beach club in Lekki, or at a house party with friends, Lagos does New Year’s Eve big. Think fireworks, loud music, and cheers. Dress in sparkles, bold prints, blowout outfits if you like.
Spontaneous hangouts, club nights & mini‑events
December in Lagos tends to overflow: once big festivals and concerts get going, side‑parties, after‑parties, rooftop hangouts, small‑scale shows — those also pop up. Keep an eye on social media, and stay flexible. Comfortable but stylish clothes, a good group of friends, and an open mind go a long way.
Read also: These are our biggest fashion predictions for this festive season
What to watch — December Nollywood and cinema picks
If you want to take a break from loud music or big crowds — or just chill with friends or family — Nollywood has you covered this December. Some of the movies dropping this month:
Behind the Scenes – 12 December
A film produced by box office queens, Funke Akindele. It dives into the behind‑the‑scenes life of film production, from crew struggles to drama behind the curtains. Great mid‑December watch if you love cinema and stories about real‑life hustle.
Oversabi Aunty – 19 December
Produced by Toyin Abraham-Ajeyemi, this is a comedy‑drama centred around a meddlesome aunt and chaotic family/wedding dynamics. Funny, relatable, and light. Good for a fun outing with family or friends.
A Very Dirty Christmas – 16 December
Holiday‑themed, drama‑filled, with the kind of chaos and secrets that make December movies spicy. Good vibe for those looking for drama, family tension, or just a dose of holiday‑season realism.
Colours of Fire – 24 December
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A more ambitious, dramatic film with romance, rivalry, and heavy storytelling. Perfect for the night before Christmas — great for couples, groups, or anyone wanting something cinematic and intense.
So besides concerts and parties, there’s also the cinema, where you can get involved in the drama, laughs, and serious stories. Sometimes a movie night is the reset you need between heavy nights out.
Read also: Elevate & Illuminate: In December, rest and reward yourself
Festivals, culture and the “Detty December” spirit
Foodie Lagos Festival – 17-18 December
This one is a playground for food lovers. It’s a full feast of street eats, gourmet dishes, desserts, pop-up kitchens, cocktail bars, and new food brands trying to win your heart (and stomach). It’s fun, vibrant, and perfect for exploring with friends or family. Come dressed comfortably, bring an empty stomach, and pace yourself because the real challenge is not getting full too quickly.
GTCO Food and Drink Festival (Holiday edition) – 20-21 December
Every year, GTCO Food & Drink pulls massive crowds for a reason — it’s consistently one of Lagos’ most exciting food experiences. From powerhouse chefs hosting live demos to an endless lineup of vendors, drinks, and tasting booths, this festival is a guaranteed hit. Whether you’re a foodie, a curious explorer, or just someone looking for a laid-back day out, you’ll find something you love. Dress breezily because it gets busy, and get there early. The queues get wild, but the food is always worth it.
Detty December Festival 6-31 December
Following their trademark of the phrase “Detty December,” the Art-Alades have formalised that vibe into an actual festival. The Detty December Festival: a city‑wide, month‑long blend of music, art, fashion, food, culture and nightlife running from 6 to 31 December, in Lagos.
Expect art exhibitions, street‑food pop‑ups, fashion showcases, nightlife parties, music shows, and just general hangouts. Wear comfortable but stylish clothes as you might move between events. Sneakers or comfortable flats are essential.
Little tips for having a good time this December
Plan ahead and book early
Concerts and big festivals (especially Flytime, big-name concerts, and movie releases) will sell out quickly. Lock in your tickets and maybe even transport early.
Dress stylishly but comfortably
Lagos likes fashion. But December means a lot of moving — from concerts to after‑parties to beach festivals to cinemas. Sneakers or comfy shoes + a good bag/backpack help.
Pace yourself
Mix loud nights with chill days. Maybe catch a movie after a heavy party, or a beach hang on a non‑concert day. Beats hangovers and burnt‑out vibes.
Watch traffic and timing
Lagos can be chaotic; give yourself buffer time for events, especially around Victoria Island, Lekki, and Ikoyi.
Stay safe and travel smart
Go out with friends you trust, maybe pool transport, or book rides in advance. Keep your phone charged, be aware of exits, and drink responsibly.
At the end of it all, having the best December in Lagos isn’t about hitting every single event. It’s about letting yourself enjoy the moments as they come. Some nights will be loud and wild, others will be chill and unplanned, and that mix is what makes the season special.
So pick the things that excite you, pace yourself, stay safe, and lean into the joy the city naturally brings this time of year. Don’t forget to document the memories!
