Good Morning, it’s Wednesday, 27 November and we’re bringing you a Special Edition on Detty December (the annual celebrations taking place in Nigeria and Ghana). Everyone’s heading back and consider this the only guide you need to Lagos and Accra next month. We’ve rounded the coolest spots to hit up and scroll all the way to the end for a guide from a Lagos insider on how to navigate the annual festivities. 

And if you have never experienced a Detty December and you’re curious about the experience, Jade Osiberu’s ‘Christmas in Lagos’ movie is set to debut on Prime Video and gives a pretty accurate, chaotic description of the period.

  • 1 December: Jaiye Express is another fun-filled fiesta happening on Etim Inyang Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos. 

  • 7 December: 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 be back with two editions of his electric all-night roof party, Sundown with Smallz, on December 8 and 15. Get tickets here.

  • 15 December: 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, along with delicious food and drinks. Get tickets here.

  • 15 and 22 December: Grammy-nominated singer REMA will be performing 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.

  • 29 December: End the year with the best DJs in Lagos at the Official DettyDecember party holding in Voda Beach House.

  • Luxe Hotel Picks: If your not staying in a family home for the hols, check out these spots.

  • Ghanaian DJs: The DJs you need to watch out for while in town.

  • Events to Know: Here are the events you need to know while your in town.

  • Organised Tours: Black & Abroad have packages that take care of everything for you (starting at US $4,399).

  • Awudome Carnival: Awudome Carnival is a three-day carnival in Greater Accra that runs from the 3rd to the 5th of December, and features incredible performances from top artists, great food from several vendors, and several games to play. 

  • Fuji Vibrations: the fifth annual edition of Fuji Vibrations, the indigenous music event, will be holding on December 5 at Muri Okunola Park, Lagos, and will feature nine Fuji music icons.

  • Pulse Fiesta: Pulse Fiesta 2024 will be holding 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.

  • AFROPOPERA: The Band Kokui presents a thrilling performance titled ‘AFROPOPERA’ at the Alliance Francaise in Greater Accra, Ghana on December 14. 

  • Movie in the Park: The carnival edition of the Movie in the Park Experience will be happening on December 15, and will have none other than Funke Akindele as its host. 

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Westside Carnival: The Westside Carnival will be held in Takoradi, Ghana, and will feature colourful parades, energetic performances, and rich Ghanaian cuisine. Holding from 24 to 26 December.

  • Festival of Lights: Holding from the 25th to the 27th December at the Forecourt State House, Ghana, the Festival of Lights is the perfect family-friendly event to celebrate the holidays with. 

  • 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 22nd at the Harbour Point, Wilmot Point Road in Victoria Island.

  • 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.

  • Food Farm Euphoria: Holding on December 14 at Sam Shonibare playground in Lagos, this Food Farm Euphoria will have several food vendors, games, and an AR/VR section. 

  • 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 26th, 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.

  • Soy City: DJ Soy City will be hosting a beach party in Victoria Island, Lagos on December 12th to mark the one-year 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 20th.

  • 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. 

  • Bhim Concert: Join a crowd of reggae and dancehall lovers this December 22 in Accra Sports Stadium, Ghana, for Bhim Concert 2024.

  • Retro Rave: Attend the third edition of Retro Rave, the party that throws it all the way back to the nineties on December 26 in Spice Route, Lagos.

  • 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.

  • 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 the 15th of December.

  • 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.

  • What Happened to Ebo?: Attend the riveting stage play happening in E.T.S Drama Studio in the University of Ghana this December 5.

  • A Day at Bisa Aberwa Museum: Visit a captivating collection of over 2,200 artefacts from across Africa at Ghana’s Bisi Aberwa Museum. Open from December 1 to January 31, 2025.

  • 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, lots of games, and a great ambience for making new friends. 

  • Resin Art Workshop: Learn to use epoxy resin with your friends and family this holiday from December 6 to 8 at a workshop by Resin Art by Gifted Hands in Haatso, Ghana. Register here.

  • 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.

  • 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 (on December 12).

This year has been a tough one, for everyone, and Detty December may seem like a perfect time to unwind. But before you throw all caution into the wind and have the best holiday possible, there are key things to note, especially around your travel, safety, and your location. To take us through the essentials for a perfect Detty December, we spoke to Noshina Emuesiri, known professionally as The Noshina Pikin, a seasoned event and road manager in the heart of Lagos, Nigeria.

The Meaning of Detty December

Detty December means a fun, party-filled and exciting December period, where you get to have a long itinerary of places to go see, people to hangout with that you couldn't normally do throughout the year.

Tips For Your Trip

  • Book Early: It is best to book your apartments, boat cruises, and cars ahead of time to avoid the December rush. TBS Team Tip: Book now before 1 Dec hits!

  • 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: sure you book a round trip flight to avoid being stranded looking for a return flight by the time the fun’s over.

Picking Events to Attend

  • Live Close: First things first, settle on a prime location. To avoid traffic and navigation issues, make sure you live close to the venues of the events you want to attend, especially on the island.

  • Check The Music Policy: Look at the line up of the DJs, hypemen and musicians. The more familiar and popular they look, the more likely they are going to be fun.

  • Do Your Research: 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 Safely: Lastly, if you plan on attending an event solo, do yourself good and socialise with other people there. You might make meaningful friendships at events but make sure you're alert at all times. Your safety matters first.

While at Lagos Parties…

  • Please do not buy drinks (read recreational drugs) from any road side 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. 

  • In the club, we all fam, but do not leave your drinks unattended to even when you're with friends

What Makes a Great December

  • A well planned itinerary

  • A comfortable apartment 

  • Quality company

  • Access to good internet

  • A well charged phone, and a power bank

  • And of course, lots of money 😂