THE SHORT VERSION / What is Detty December in Nigeria?
Detty December in Nigeria is the festive season, centred on Lagos, from mid-December to early January. The diaspora ('IJGBs') come home for concerts, beach parties, weddings and owambes. In 2026 the main Lagos shows run from 17 to 30 December: Davido (17–19 December), Detty December Fest (18–30 December, opened by Wizkid), Rhythm Unplugged (21 December) and Flytime Fest (22–24 December).
- Peak dates
- 18 Dec to 1 Jan
- Main city
- Lagos (+ Abuja, Calabar, PH)
- Big events
- Flytime · Detty Dec Fest · Wizkid
- Money
- Naira (₦), transfers, POS, cards
- Visa
- e-Visa / pre-approved VOA for most
- Week budget
- ≈ $1,500 to $5,000+
Why Lagos for Detty December?
- Lagos is the home of Afrobeats, so December means the biggest stars headlining home shows almost every night.
- The IJGB ('I Just Got Back') homecoming turns Victoria Island, Ikoyi and Lekki into a two-week street party.
- Beach clubs, rooftop day parties, owambes and brunches run alongside the ticketed concerts.
- Calabar Carnival (26–30 Dec) is a short flight away if you want a cultural extension.
Nigeria guides
14 GUIDES / THE INSIDE TRACK
NIGERIA / 2026
Where to stay in Lagos for Detty December 2026
Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lekki Phase 1, Oniru or Ikeja? The best Lagos areas for Detty December compared on price, traffic, safety and distance to Eko Hotel, Eko Convention Centre and TBS.
Read the guide
NIGERIA / 2026
The 7-day Lagos itinerary for Detty December 2026
A flexible seven-day Lagos itinerary for December 2026: food, culture, beaches, rest and confirmed event nights, without relying on unverified festival dates.
Read the guide
NIGERIA / 2026
The 7 best Lagos beaches for Detty December
Tarkwa Bay, Landmark, Elegushi, Oniru, Ilashe, Atican and more: the best Lagos beaches for Detty December day parties, calm days and private beach houses.
Read the guide
NIGERIA / 2026
Nigeria visa guide for Detty December 2026
Do you need a visa for Nigeria for Detty December? e-Visa and visa on arrival explained for US, UK, Canadian and EU travellers, Nigerians abroad and ECOWAS citizens, plus the yellow fever rule.
Read the guide
NIGERIA / 2026
Calabar Carnival 2026: the Detty December guide
Everything about Calabar Carnival 2026, Africa's biggest street party: main parade dates, the carnival bands, how to get to Calabar from Lagos, where to stay and what to expect.
Read the guideNIGERIA / 2026
Detty December in Abuja: the 2026 guide
Abuja is Nigeria's calmer Detty December alternative to Lagos. Where to stay (Maitama, Wuse 2, Asokoro, Jabi), what to do, nightlife, day trips and how to combine Abuja with Lagos.
Read the guideNIGERIA / 2026
15 things to do in Lagos in December, beyond the parties
The best things to do in Lagos during Detty December by day: Nike Art Gallery, Lekki canopy walk, Freedom Park, Afrika Shrine, Tarkwa Bay, Badagry and more.
Read the guide
NIGERIA / 2026
What to eat in Lagos: 15 foods to try during Detty December
The Nigerian foods you must try in Lagos during Detty December: jollof, suya, amala, pounded yam and egusi, ofada, asun, pepper soup, small chops, plus drinks like zobo and chapman.
Read the guide
NIGERIA / 2026
Detty December in Port Harcourt: the Garden City guide
How Port Harcourt does Detty December: where to stay (GRA, Trans Amadi), boli and fish, fisherman soup, nightlife, the Pleasure Park, getting there, and safety tips.
Read the guideNIGERIA / 2026
Lagos nightlife guide for Detty December
How Lagos nightlife works in December: clubs in Victoria Island, Lekki lounges, rooftops, beach day parties, live music, table minimums, dress codes, costs and safety.
Read the guide
NIGERIA / 2026
Getting around Lagos during Detty December
How to get around Lagos in December now that Uber has left: Bolt and inDrive, hiring a driver, BRT buses, the Blue and Red rail lines, ferries, and how to beat the traffic on the bridges.
Read the guideNIGERIA / 2026
Christmas in Nigeria: traditions, food and what to expect
How Nigerians celebrate Christmas: church services, Christmas rice and chicken, the village homecoming, masquerades, Boxing Day, crossover night and what visitors should know.
Read the guide
NIGERIA / 2026
Lagos weather in December: what to expect
Lagos in December is hot, dry and humid: about 32°C by day and 24°C at night, with two or three rainy days. Here is what harmattan means and what to pack.
Read the guideNIGERIA / 2026
Christmas in Lagos 2026: 12 things to do and what is open
What to do in Lagos at Christmas 2026: concerts on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, carol services, Boxing Day beaches, where to eat and what closes on 25 December.
Read the guideNigeria events calendar 2026
Davido, ORIADÉ: The Residency
17 Dec to 19 Dec · National Theatre, Iganmu
Line-up: Davido
Three nights at the National Theatre, reported by ThisDay on 26 September 2026.
Dates, lineup & ticket status Check event detailsDetty December Fest
18 Dec to 30 Dec · Detty December Village, Livespot Entertarium
Line-up: Wizkid (18 Dec), DJ Tunez (24 Dec), Summer Walker and Fridayy (27 Dec), Young Thug (28 Dec)
Billed as 13 days. Wizkid opens on 18 December, Summer Walker and Fridayy play 27 December and Young Thug plays 28 December.
Dates, lineup & ticket status Check event detailsYBNL: The Reunion at Future Fest
18 Dec · Oasis Ground, Coastal Road, Victoria Island
Line-up: Olamide, Adekunle Gold, Fireboy DML, Lil Kesh, Young Jonn, Pheelz, DJ Enimoney
Olamide reunites YBNL acts for one night at Future Fest 2026, reported by Guardian Nigeria.
Dates, lineup & ticket status Check event detailsAsake: M$NEY in Lagos
20 Dec · Oasis Ground, Coastal Road, Victoria Island
Line-up: Asake
Asake closes the ten-day Future Fest '26, reported by Pulse Nigeria on 14 November.
Dates, lineup & ticket status Check event detailsFlytime's House of R&B
20 Dec · Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island
Line-up: Brandy
Brandy headlines the first night of Flytime's December week, reported by Vanguard on 10 October 2026.
Dates, lineup & ticket status Check event detailsCoca-Cola Rhythm Unplugged
21 Dec · Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island
Line-up: Lil Baby, Kehlani, Yung Miami
Flytime's annual concert, the night before Flytime Fest. Ticketed separately.
Dates, lineup & ticket status Check event detailsFlytime Fest
22 Dec to 24 Dec · Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island
Line-up: 22 Dec: Latto, Sexyy Red, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie. 23–24 Dec to be announced
Three nights, each ticketed separately. Line-ups for 23 and 24 December were still to be announced on 9 November.
Dates, lineup & ticket status Check event detailsLagos Countdown (New Year's Eve)
31 Dec · Lagos (venue TBA)
New Year’s Eve falls on 31 December. Specific party venues, programmes, tickets and any public countdown concert need their own current announcements.
Check event detailsBNXN Live
Date not verified · 2026 venue not verified
We have not verified the 2026 date, venue, lineup or ticket release. Check a current organiser announcement before booking travel.
Calabar Carnival (main parades)
Date not verified · 2026 venue not verified
We have not verified the 2026 date, venue, lineup or ticket release. Check a current organiser announcement before booking travel.
Dates, lineup & ticket statusFireboy DML Live
Date not verified · 2026 venue not verified
We have not verified the 2026 date, venue, lineup or ticket release. Check a current organiser announcement before booking travel.
Kizz Daniel Live
Date not verified · 2026 venue not verified
We have not verified the 2026 date, venue, lineup or ticket release. Check a current organiser announcement before booking travel.
Motherland Festival
Date not verified · 2026 venue not verified
We have not verified the 2026 date, venue, lineup or ticket release. Check a current organiser announcement before booking travel.
Wizkid Live at Futurefest
Date not verified · 2026 venue not verified
We have not verified the 2026 date, venue, lineup or ticket release. Check a current organiser announcement before booking travel.
Dates, lineup & ticket status
EVENTS / 2026
Wizkid concerts in Lagos 2026: what is verified?
Wizkid opens Detty December Fest in Lagos on 18 December 2026. Future Fest’s show that night is Olamide’s YBNL reunion. See dates, venues and ticket checks.
Read the guideEVENTS / 2026
Detty December Fest 2026: tickets, prices, line-up and dates
Detty December Fest 2026 tickets: Wizkid’s opening night is reported from ₦50,000. Line-up: Wizkid 18 Dec, Summer Walker 27 Dec, Young Thug 28 Dec. Lagos, 18–30 December.
Read the guideEVENTS / 2026
Flytime Fest 2026: dates, line-up and tickets
Flytime Fest 2026 runs 22–24 December at Eko Convention Centre, Lagos. Latto, Sexyy Red and A Boogie Wit da Hoodie play 22 December. Full Flytime week inside.
Read the guideEVENTS / 2026
Rhythm Unplugged 2026: date, line-up and tickets
Coca-Cola Rhythm Unplugged 2026 is on Monday 21 December in Lagos, with Lil Baby, Kehlani and Yung Miami. See the venue, ticket steps and the rest of Flytime's week.
Read the guideEVENTS / 2026
Lagos events in December 2026: the day-by-day calendar
Every confirmed Lagos concert and festival night for Detty December 2026, day by day: Davido, Wizkid, Olamide, Asake, Brandy, Lil Baby, Summer Walker, Young Thug and more.
Read the guideWhere to stay in Lagos
| Area | Vibe | Best for | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria Island (VI) | Clubs, hotels, Eko Hotel & Landmark | Being close to the big shows | $$$ |
| Ikoyi | Upscale, calmer, great restaurants | Comfort and brunch culture | $$$ |
| Lekki Phase 1 | Short-lets, lounges, beach access | Groups and value for money | $$ |
| Oniru | Beach-side between VI and Lekki | Beach days plus nightlife | $$ |
| Ikeja / GRA | Mainland, near the airport | Family visits, short stays and budget | $ |
THE PRACTICAL DETAILS
Book your Lagos stay
Partner links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
December rates in Lagos can double. Free-cancellation bookings let you lock a price now and change later.
Things to do in Lagos beyond the parties
Nike Art Gallery
Four floors of Nigerian art in Lekki. Allow at least two hours.
Lekki Conservation Centre
Home to one of Africa's longest canopy walkways. Go early, it gets hot.
Freedom Park
Colonial prison turned culture park, with live music and food.
New Afrika Shrine
Fela's legacy lives on here. Look for the December specials.
Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge at sunset
The Lagos photo everyone takes.
Balogun & Lekki Arts markets
Ankara, aso-oke and souvenirs. Haggle with a smile.
Best Lagos beaches for December
Tarkwa Bay
Take a boat from the jetty. Calm water and surf spots.
Landmark Beach
Organised, secure, with day-party season all December.
Oniru / Elegushi
The busy local beach scene with music, horses and suya.
Ilashe & Atican
Book a beach house for a private group day away from the crowds.
What to eat in Nigeria
Party jollof
Smoky and firewood-cooked. You'll find it at every owambe.
Suya
Spiced grilled beef, a late-night essential after the show.
Pounded yam & egusi
Proper Naija comfort food at a buka.
Pepper soup
Goat or catfish, the recovery meal after a long night.
Small chops
Puff-puff, samosa, spring rolls: the party starter.
Boli & fish
Roasted plantain with fish and pepper sauce, a Port Harcourt classic.
Nigeria travel essentials
Visa
Many nationalities apply for a Nigeria e-Visa or visa-on-arrival pre-approval online before travel. Nigerian passport holders and ECOWAS citizens don't need a visa. Check the Nigeria Immigration Service portal for current rules.
Health
Yellow fever: checks at Lagos airport mostly apply to travellers from other African countries, so many UK, US and European visitors aren't asked. Vaccination is still recommended, and it's required if you're also going to Ghana. Ask a travel clinic about malaria prevention.
Money
Naira (₦). Bank transfers are the default. Most card machines (POS) only take Nigerian bank cards, and only some top restaurants, hotels and lounges accept international cards. Carry naira cash unless a local friend can pay by card or transfer. You can change money at the airport; only use street changers with a trusted Nigerian contact.
Getting around
Bolt and inDrive work in Lagos. Uber left Nigeria in September 2026. For big days, hire a driver. Traffic on the Island in December is legendary, so leave early.
Data
Get an eSIM before you fly, or an MTN/Airtel/Glo SIM with your passport. Networks congest at big concerts, so agree meeting points in advance.
Book early
Short-let prices in VI, Ikoyi and Lekki often double or triple in December. Book by October.
THE PRACTICAL DETAILS
Sort your data, cover & cash
Partner links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Is Detty December in Nigeria safe?
Yes, for the vast majority of visitors, if you use the same big-city habits you would in London or New York. Our checklist:
- Use ride-hailing or a trusted driver after events. Don't walk around between venues late at night.
- Keep valuables minimal and your phone away in crowds, especially at event exits.
- Buy tickets from official sellers only, and watch out for 'ticket transfer' scams on social media.
- Verify short-lets with a video call and a registered business before paying. Use platforms with payment protection.
- Emergency: dial 112 (national), or 767 in Lagos.
Speak like a local
IJGB
'I Just Got Back': a diaspora returnee
Owambe
A big, flashy Yoruba party
Wahala
Trouble / drama
Japa
To emigrate. The IJGBs are the ones who japa'd.
Abeg
Please
Detty December Nigeria: FAQs
When is Detty December in Nigeria in 2026?
Mid-December 2026 to early January 2027 is a useful planning window. Detty December Fest is reported for 18–30 December. Dates for other concerts need separate confirmation.
What is Detty December in Nigeria?
It's the festive season when Nigerians at home and abroad come together for concerts, beach parties, weddings and family reunions, with Lagos at the centre. 'Detty' is Nigerian Pidgin for 'dirty', meaning partying without restraint.
How much does Detty December in Lagos cost?
Budget travellers can do a week for roughly $1,500–$2,500 excluding flights. Mid-range is $3,000–$5,000, and luxury or VIP tables can exceed $8,000. Short-lets and concert tickets are the biggest costs.
Who started Detty December?
Nobody owns the origin story. The phrase is widely credited to singer Mr Eazi, who used it for his December events from around 2016. Ghana's 2019 Year of Return made the season global.
Is Detty December safe?
Millions enjoy it safely every year. Use ride-hailing after events, keep valuables minimal in crowds, buy tickets only from official sellers and verify accommodation before you pay.