Your insider’s guide to experiencing the magic of Detty December, from headline concerts and fashion shows to intimate brunches and the city’s best-kept secrets.

There’s something electric about having your Christmas in Lagos in December. The air shifts. The city, usually running at full throttle, somehow finds another gear entirely. Diaspora flights land heavily with returnees carrying suitcases and anticipation. Instagram stories fill with airport arrivals, reunion hugs, and the unmistakable glow of people coming home.

This is Detty December, and 2025 promises to be unforgettable.

Whether you’re returning after years abroad, visiting for the first time, or you’ve never left but want to experience your city through fresh eyes, this guide is for you. We’ve curated the events worth your time, the experiences worth your energy, and the moments that will make this holiday season one you’ll talk about for years.

Having Your Christmas in Lagos: The Headline Concerts That Will Shake the City

Let’s be honest, December in Lagos is built around music. The concerts aren’t just events; they’re pilgrimages. Afrobeats has conquered the world, and December is when our biggest stars come home to perform for the audiences who loved them first. Here’s what’s commanding attention this year:

• Asake Live, Christmas Eve, December 24, at Eko Convention Centre marks his first Lagos concert in two years. After conquering international stages from London’s O2 Arena to sold-out shows across North America, he’s coming home, and the energy will be unmatched. This is the show people will be talking about at every Christmas lunch the next day.
• Davido’s 5IVE Tour Finale, Christmas Day, December 25, closes out his nationwide tour in Lagos with what promises to be a spectacular shutdown. Having already performed in Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, Enugu, and Ibadan, OBO saves the best for last. Expect the hits, surprise guest appearances, and the kind of energy only Davido can deliver on the biggest day of the year.
• Kizz Daniel Live, December 27 at Eko Convention Centre, brings infectious hooks and commanding stage presence. Fresh off international success, expect anthems like Buga and Cough to have the whole venue moving as one. His last Lagos headline show in December 2023 was legendary; this one aims to surpass it.
• Flytime Music Festival remains the crown jewel of December, a multi-day celebration featuring Nigeria’s biggest stars with production values that rival anywhere in the world. The lineup typically reads like a who’s who of African music, and the atmosphere is electric from the first act to the final encore. If you only do one thing this December, this might be it.

Insider tip: Book your concert tickets early; they sell out weeks in advance. Ticket prices range from ₦20,000 for regular admission to several million naira for VIP tables. And if you’re attending multiple shows at Eko Convention Centre, consider accommodation in Victoria Island to avoid the legendary Lagos traffic on show nights.

Fashion, Art & Cultural Experiences

December isn’t just about music; it’s when Lagos’s creative scene puts on its finest show. The city becomes a runway, a gallery, and a stage all at once.

• Africa Fashion Week Nigeria, December 20-21 at JRandle Centre for Yoruba Culture & History is the Detty December Edition, a full festival experience with runway showcases from top and emerging designers, live music, cultural experiences, and a vibrant marketplace celebrating African fashion’s evolution. The venue itself, honouring Yoruba heritage, adds a layer of cultural richness that makes this more than a fashion show; it’s a celebration of identity.
• Art Meet Fashion Lagos, December 17 at Lagos Continental Hotel, is a must for creatives, and it’s completely free. It’s where art, fashion, and conversation intersect in the most beautiful way, attracting designers, artists, collectors, and culture enthusiasts for an afternoon of inspiration.
• Maliyo Con 2025, December 11 at Alliance Française de Lagos, brings together gaming enthusiasts, developers, and digital creatives. It’s free to attend and represents the growing intersection of technology and entertainment in Lagos.
• The Nigerian Breweries 13km Christmas Light-Up transforms Lagos into a glittering wonderland. The illumination spans major routes across the city, and taking an evening drive through the lights has become a cherished tradition for families, couples, and friends alike. Pack some snacks, queue up a festive playlist, and let the city sparkle around you.

The Brunch & Dining Scene

After those late concert nights, Lagos’s brunch scene becomes essential recovery territory, and December brings special editions worth planning around. This is when restaurants pull out all the stops, creating experiences that are as much about the atmosphere as the food.

• The Funky Brunch Lagos, December 28, returns after a reimagining hiatus, promising a two-in-one experience: high-energy daytime vibes merging into an exclusive night affair. Powered by brands like Moët & Chandon, Rémy Martin, and The Glenlivet, it’s become a cultural movement, fashion-forward, luxury-focused, and unapologetically Lagos. Expect the city’s most stylish crowd dressed to impress.

For something more intimate, Lagos’s waterfront restaurants offer the perfect setting for family gatherings and catch-ups with friends you haven’t seen all year. The GoodLife Restaurant at Pier Harbour offers stunning water views alongside a menu that spans from traditional Nigerian breakfast to international favourites, picture leisurely afternoons with exceptional cuisine and the kind of unhurried conversations that December is made for.

Many hotels and restaurants offer special Christmas Day brunches and Boxing Day celebrations, book early, as these fill up fast with families looking for memorable holiday meals without the stress of cooking.

Rest & Restoration

December in Lagos can be wonderfully exhausting. Between the events, the reunions, and the general energy of the season, building in moments of rest isn’t just nice, it’s necessary. This is where wellness experiences become your secret weapon.

Schedule a spa day between events. Book a massage after that concert where you danced for four hours straight. Let someone else take care of you for an afternoon. Lagos’s luxury properties increasingly offer wellness services that rival international destinations, steam rooms, skilled therapists, and treatments designed to restore and rejuvenate. Your future self will thank you.

Making the Most of Your December

On accommodation: Book early, December is peak season, and the best spots fill up quickly. If you’re attending multiple Island events, staying in Victoria Island, Ikoyi, or Lekki saves you from traffic stress. Look for properties that offer more than just a room. serviced apartments with full kitchens give you the flexibility to host small gatherings or enjoy quiet mornings on your own terms.

On getting around: Consider a dedicated driver for the month if your budget allows; ride-hailing becomes expensive and scarce during peak hours. Apps like Bolt and Uber work, but expect surge pricing after major events. Leave for evening events far earlier than you think necessary; Lagos traffic in December is legendary for a reason.

On style: Lagosians don’t play when it comes to December fashion. Think sequins, bold colours, and statement pieces for evening events; stylish Ankara fits work beautifully for daytime occasions. This is the season to express yourself. Plan your outfits in advance; you don’t want to be scrambling before a show.

On money: If you’re visiting from abroad, the exchange rate means your foreign currency goes far. However, carry enough cash, some vendors and smaller establishments may not accept cards. ATMs can have long queues in December, so plan accordingly.

On pacing yourself: December is a marathon, not a sprint. Build in recovery days. The best memories often come from unexpected moments, an impromptu dinner with old friends, a quiet morning by the water, a conversation that stretches into the night. Leave room for spontaneity.

Choosing Your December Base

Where you stay shapes your entire December experience. For easy access to concerts, restaurants, and the heart of the action, Victoria Island remains the premier choice. Properties with waterfront locations offer stunning views and a sense of escape without being far from the action. Ikoyi provides a slightly quieter alternative while maintaining proximity to everything, and properties in this area often feature modern architecture and refined spaces perfect for recharging between events.

The Spirit of the Season

What makes December in Lagos truly special isn’t just the concerts or the parties, it’s the feeling. It’s the homecomings and the reunions. It’s watching the city you love dress up in lights and show the world what joy looks like. It’s that particular Lagos magic that can’t quite be explained, only experienced.

The energy is different. People smile more readily. Old friendships are rekindled over plates of jollof and bottles of champagne. New connections are made on dance floors and at rooftop bars. Everyone seems to understand, if only for these few weeks, that life is meant to be celebrated.

So whether you’re dancing in the crowd at Asake’s comeback show, dressed to the nines at a fashion week after-party, enjoying a leisurely waterfront brunch with family, or simply taking an evening drive through the Christmas lights, make it count.

Lagos is ready. The question is: are you?

Planning your December stay in Lagos? SRS Collection offers luxury waterfront accommodation across three stunning properties in Victoria Island and Ikoyi, the perfect base for experiencing everything Detty December has to offer. Explore our residences →