Detty December 2024: The Best Things to Do in Lagos & Accra
Written by: Precious Umeasalugo
We’re home for the holidays.
Welcome to our latest series, Live Local. Go beyond the tourist trail and experience the heart of a city through the eyes of local travel experts and storytellers of color. In this series, we spotlight diverse voices who will share their hidden gems, favorite haunts and cultural insights, offering a unique perspective you won't find in your average guidebook.
Nobody does December like the West Africans. It's not just the significance of the end of a tumultuous year that gets Nigerians and Ghanaians going; it's the return of loved ones, friends and family in the diaspora for a swell time over the holidays. December in Lagos and Accra is such a fun-filled, eventful period that Nigerians and Ghanaians call it a 'Detty December'.
But what exactly is Detty December, and how did the term even start? With the help of seasoned party and road manager Noshina Emuesiri (The Noshina Pikin), we explain what you need to know about the period and all the hottest spots to visit this year.
Meet the Expert
Noshina Emuesiri Christabel, professionally known as The Noshina Pikin, is a seasoned event manager in Lagos, Nigeria. She also specialises in areas like welfare, road, talent, and social media management.
Understanding Detty December
While the origins of Detty December are still debatable, some say it started from the Calabar Carnivals that used to be held in Cross River, Nigeria. Others claim to have first heard it from Mr Eazi's 'Detty Rave' concert in December. Whichever story you choose to go with, Detty December in Nigeria and Ghana, mostly in their economic capitals of Lagos and Accra, celebrates the end of the year with events like parties, festivals, and plays.
"Detty December means a party-filled and exciting period, where you get to have a long itinerary of places to go see and people to hang out with that you couldn't normally do throughout the year", Noshina explains.
So whatever your interests are, there's something for everyone in Lagos and Accra. And if you need help with the sheer multitude of events and spots to see this December, we've got you covered.
Tips for a Memorable Detty December
In the city that never sleeps, Detty December is always a blast. From the electric Lagos nightlife to the Accra festivals and fiestas, there's always something to do. But there are things you must do to guarantee a swell time, and Noshina has a few tips.
Detty December Travel Tips
December trips to Ghana and Nigeria can be frighteningly expensive and difficult to get a hold of. And if you do not plan your flights properly, you may end up with a rude awakening once the fun's over. To avoid these, Noshina says to:
Book Early: It is best to book your apartments, boat cruises, and cars ahead of time to avoid the December rush.
Go premium if you can: If you can book VIP tickets to all shows and concerts, do so to enjoy the front-row experience.
Book a Round Trip: Make sure you book a round trip flight to avoid being stranded looking for a return flight by the time the fun's over.
Plan Well: A well-planned itinerary, comfortable apartment, and quality company will improve your December experience. You should also ensure access to good internet, a well-charged phone, a power bank, and, of course, lots of money.
On Picking Events to Attend
With several events for your choosing, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of planning and stress commuting can cause. To have the best experience possible, Noshina says to:
Live Close: First things first, settle on a prime location. To avoid traffic and navigation issues, ensure you live close to the venues of the events you want to attend, especially on the island.
Check The Music Policy: Look at the lineup of the DJs, hypemen and musicians. The more familiar and popular they look, the more likely they will be fun.
Do Your Research: Also, check how long the concert will last. Is it an overnight event? Or is it an afternoon-to-evening kind of event? Tailor these details to fit your personality so you can have the most fun.
Make Friends: Lastly, if you plan on attending an event solo, do well and socialise with others there. You might make meaningful friendships at events, but ensure you're always alert. Your safety matters first.
Detty December Safety Tips
Before throwing all caution into the wind, keeping your safety in mind is crucial. For this, here are Noshina's most important tips:
Please do not buy drinks (read recreational drugs) from any roadside vendors.
Do not give anybody money to help you get inside a show.
Have at least two self-defence items within reach to protect yourself in difficult situations.
Do not accept lifts from strangers.
Do not leave your drinks unattended, even when you're with friends.
Once you have these settled, you can focus on the fun with our round-up of some of the best events in Lagos and Accra.
Lagos: The Heart of Detty December
Here are some of the best events and activities you should add to your calendar in Lagos, Nigeria, this year.
Your Must-Attend Lagos Itinerary
December 1: Jaiye Express is a fun-filled fiesta on Etim Inyang Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos.
December 7: A movie night at Tarkwa Bay might just be what you need, along with good music, karaoke, and various wellness activities. Get tickets to Tarkwa Alohaa 3.0.
8 and 15 December: DJ Smallz will return with two editions of his electric all-night roof party, Sundown with Smallz, on December 8 and 15. Get tickets here.
December 15: Afrovibes Festival 2024 will be held at the Ecobank Pan African Convention Centre in Lagos. The show will feature amazing artists like Chike and Mannywellz and delicious food and drinks. Get tickets here.
15 and 22 December: Grammy-nominated singer REMA will perform at Eagle's Square, Abuja and Eko Atlantic, Lagos on December 15 and 22 respectively.
20 - 25 December: Flytime Fest 2024 is the ultimate celebration of Nigerian music and culture. Join the waitlist.
December 29: End the year with the best DJs in Lagos at the Official Detty December party held in Voda Beach House.
Festivals and Fiestas in Lagos
Fuji Vibrations: the fifth annual edition of Fuji Vibrations, the indigenous music event, will be held on December 5 at Muri Okunola Park, Lagos, featuring nine Fuji music icons.
Pulse Fiesta: Pulse Fiesta 2024 will be held on December 8 at Queen's Park, Victoria Island, Lagos, and will feature an incredible lineup of performances from Dwin, The Stoic and Candybleakz, speed dating, and an eating competition.
Funky Fiesta: Holding on December 14 at the National Stadium, Lagos, Funky Fiesta is the Gen Z hangout of the year. P.S.: Come dressed in your favourite cosplay.
Movie in the Park: The carnival edition of the Movie in the Park Experience will be happening on December 15 and will have Funke Akindele as its host.
Palmwinexpress: Hosted by Bottoms Up, this year's Palmwinexpress will be held on December 20 in Lagos. Get your tickets here.
Beach Carnival: Hosted by PM2AM, Palmwine and Friends, and The Outsiders, the all-night Beach Carnival will be held at Voda Beach Club on December 21.
Your Eko Style Edit
TIHSTUDIO: Streetwear brand TIHSTUDIO will be hosting a pop-up on December 18 at The Engine Room, Lagos, along with a party in Lekki on the 29th. Get tickets here.
STREET SOUK: The go-to streetwear convention in Lagos, will be back this December 22 at the Harbour Point, Wilmot Point Road in Victoria Island.
Keep Reading: How to Take Care of Your Skin In The Heat
Eat, Drink, Lagos
The Chef Fregz Experience: famous Nigerian chef, Chef Fregz, will be hosting an intimate, final dinner for the year, and the dishes will feature ingredients indigenous to Nigeria. Get your tickets here.
Raves, Parties and Concerts
Soy City: DJ Soy City will be hosting a beach party in Victoria Island, Lagos, on December 12 to mark the first anniversary of his eponymous rave pool party.
Group Therapy: sweat it out at Group Therapy in Lagos this December 13 with influential dance music platform Keep Hush.
Dance Fitness: Get moving in an exclusive dance fitness party with fitness instructor Teddy King this December 20.
Lady Donli and The Lagos Panic: Join Lady Donli and The Lagos Panic this December 22 to celebrate five years of their iconic album Enjoy Your Life at Bature Brewery, Victoria Island.
Retro Rave: Attend the third edition of Retro Rave, the party that throws it back to the nineties, on December 26 in Spice Route, Lagos.
Art Exhibitions, Plays, and Films in Lagos
ÀWÀNÍLẸ̀: Come see Oluwa.Jpg's homecoming photography exhibition at the newly opened John Randle Center for Yoruba Culture and History from December 7 to 14.
The Artists Commune: The Commune is back with another edition at One Art Gallery in Lagos on December 15.
Our Family Dinner Party: Watch an interactive theatre play based on joy and family with your friends and family at POP Landmark on December 26 and 29.
Power Networking
Gather Growth Club IRL: Share your struggles and wins and connect with others in a house full of female entrepreneurs on December 8 at the Gather House, Lagos.
Sip and Paint: Attend the third edition of Sip and Paint Karaoke on December 8 at the Wow Bar, Opebi, Lagos. It will feature mocktails, games, and an excellent ambience for making new friends.
Love in Detty December: Hosted by Noisy Streetss, this party will feature readings from featured writers, a live podcast show, and several mingling opportunities. Holding on December 21.
The Owambe Experience: Wear your favourite aso-ebi and get drawn into a fake Lagos wedding on December 14 at the Pearl Event Garden, Lagos.
Accra: The Best Things to Do
While Lagos holds the title for a rich nightlife experience, Accra has some hidden gems for an incredible cultural and social experience. Here are some of the best events and activities you should add to your calendar in Accra, Ghana, this year.
Festivals and Fiestas
Awudome Carnival: Awudome Carnival is a three-day carnival in Greater Accra that runs from the 3rd to the 5th of December. It features incredible performances from top artists, great food from several vendors, and several games to play.
AFROPOPERA: The Band Kokui presents a thrilling performance titled 'AFROPOPERA' at the Alliance Francaise in Greater Accra, Ghana on December 14.
ARTOPIIAFEST: Get drawn into Accra's exciting art scene at ArtopiiaFest 2024, a celebration of arts and culture, on December 15.
Manifestivities: For every music and culture enthusiast in Ghana, Manifestivities is the place to be in on December 17.
Westside Carnival: The Westside Carnival will be held in Takoradi, Ghana, featuring colourful parades, energetic performances, and rich Ghanaian cuisine. Holding from 24 to December 26.
Festival of Lights: Holding from the 25th to the 27th of December at the Forecourt State House, Ghana, the Festival of Lights is the perfect family-friendly event to celebrate the holidays.
Eat, Drink, Accra
AfroCariSoul Festival: Celebrate the diversity of food in Africa, the Caribbean, and the global diaspora at the AfroCariSoul Food Festival on December 21. It takes place at the Efua Sutherland Children's Park in Accra, Ghana.
Around The World Food Festival: Satiate your taste buds with deliciously healthy meals at the Around The World Food Festival in Accra, Ghana.
Ghana Food Festival: The Ghana Food Festival (GFF) is set to return on December 26, 2024, promising a vibrant celebration of Ghanaian cuisine, culture, and entertainment at the Accra Zoological Garden in the Achimota Forest Reserves. Get your tickets here.
Raves, Parties and Concerts
Bhim Concert: Join a crowd of reggae and dancehall lovers this December 22 in Accra Sports Stadium, Ghana, for Bhim Concert 2024.
Afro Future Beach Jam: Holding at the Accra Polo Club Shoreline, Afro Future Beach Jam will combine culture, music, and creativity for an unforgettable two-day experience on the 28th and 29th of December. Get your tickets here.
Art Exhibitions, Plays, and Films in Ghana
What Happened to Ebo?: Attend the riveting stage play in E.T.S Drama Studio at the University of Ghana on December 5.
A Day at Bisa Aberwa Museum: Visit a captivating collection of over 2,200 artefacts across Africa at Ghana's Bisa Aberwa Museum. Open from December 1 to January 31, 2025.
Power Networking
Resin Art Workshop: Learn to use epoxy resin with friends and family this holiday from December 6 to 8 at a Resin Art by Gifted Hands workshop in Haatso, Ghana. Register here.
Brunch and Beyond: Connect with diasporans in real estate over some brunch this December on Oxford Street, Accra.
Poetic Palette: Treat yourself to a night of delicious Ghanaian cuisine by a renowned chef and exquisite poetry at the Accra Tourism Information Centre. Holds on December 12.
Comparing the Two Cities: Lagos vs. Accra
Both cities offer an excellent December experience, but choosing where to visit may depend on your personality and needs for the season. If you love music, specifically Afrobeats, Lagos is the epicentre, with nonstop energy, pulsating concerts, and nightclubs popping as far as the eye can see. If you would like to experience more quiet beaches, a smaller crowd, and a more laid-back atmosphere, Accra would be a better option.
Both cities have incredible food options, but Lagos may offer a more diverse culinary scene. No matter where you choose, Detty December in Lagos or Accra promises an unforgettable experience filled with music, food, and endless fun.
Remember, your Detty December is what you make it. Whether you like quieter art galleries and interactive plays or pumping nightclubs and raves, it is all up to you.
