Christmas in Nigeria: traditions, food and what to expect

7 Nigerian Christmas traditions

1. The journey home: many Nigerians travel from the cities to their home towns and villages in December. Among the Igbo, this homecoming is a major part of the season.
2. Christmas morning church: churches are full on Christmas Day, with carols and special services.
3. Christmas rice and chicken: jollof or fried rice with chicken (or goat) is the classic Christmas meal. Families often buy a live chicken or goat days before.
4. Visiting relatives: Christmas afternoon is for going house to house, greeting elders and eating at every stop.
5. Masquerades: in parts of the southeast, colourful masquerade performances take place over the festive period.
6. Boxing Day outings: 26 December is a day for beaches, parks and parties. Lagos beaches are packed.
7. Crossover night: on 31 December, many Nigerians attend church services that "cross over" into the new year at midnight, before parties begin.

What Christmas looks like in Lagos

Lagos mixes both worlds. Christmas Day is often quieter, spent with family and at church, while the nights around it are full of Detty December concerts. Flytime Fest even runs on Christmas Day. Many businesses close or shorten hours on 25 and 26 December, so plan meals and transport.

What to eat at a Nigerian Christmas

• Jollof rice and fried rice, often both.
• Chicken or goat, fried, grilled or in stew.
• Moi moi and plantain as sides.
• Salad, the Nigerian way with baked beans and salad cream.
• Small chops and chin chin for snacking.
• Zobo and chapman to drink.

See what to eat in Lagos for more.

Christmas etiquette for visitors

1. Greet elders first, and properly.
2. Bring a gift if you visit a family home: drinks, a cake, or something from abroad.
3. Eat what you're offered, at least a little. Refusing food can seem rude.
4. Dress modestly for church.
5. Expect to be asked when you're getting married. Smile and move on.