Raenest’s Guide To a Detty December in Lagos

Last December, Lagos set the standard for what a December in the city should feel like. People were travelling in, events popped up on every corner, and the city felt bigger, fuller, and more active than usual. Anyone who wasn’t in Lagos spent the month scrolling through social media, catching glimpses of the parties, concerts, fashion shows, and gatherings they missed, while feeling FOMO grow with every weekend.

If you’re new to Detty December, it’s the season when Lagos comes alive with a variety of activities and other experiences that make the city feel uniquely itself. This year, Lagos is ready to do it again with a full schedule of experiences, a city-wide invitation, and an opportunity to create moments that stay with you long after the month ends.

To help you get the most out of it. We have put together this Raenest’s guide to Detty December. It will help you navigate the season, plan your outings, and make the most of everything Lagos has to offer in December. It highlights where to go, what to see, and how to be part of the moments that everyone will be talking about well into the new year. Be sure to read to the end, we have something packed for you.

Get Ready for Detty December

Firstly, to get ahead, it’s important to plan, and the earlier you get started, the more you can enjoy the season without stress. Here’s how to get ready for Detty December 2025.

1. Book Your Flights Early

As December approaches, airline prices usually rise, so booking in advance gives you a better chance at affordable fares. In the same vein, flexible tickets are a good option if your plans might change, and many airlines now offer easy rescheduling without extra fees.

To find the best deals, use flight comparison sites and travel apps like Skyscanner, Wakanow, and Travelstart. These platforms let you compare prices across multiple airlines, set up alerts for price drops, and choose the dates that work best for your schedule. And when you’re ready to book, your Raenest card has you covered. It works on over a thousand platforms, and it’s easy to set up. Early flight planning reduces stress and gives you more time to focus on what really matters: enjoying the season. 

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2. Set Your Budget and Plan Your Spending

Detty December is exciting, but it can get expensive if you’re not careful. Start by breaking down your budget into key areas: flights, accommodation, events, food, and shopping. Knowing how much you can comfortably spend in each category will help you avoid overspending and enjoy the season responsibly.

If you’re travelling with friends, consider dividing group expenses upfront to prevent confusion later. Apps like Splitwise make tracking shared spending easy, while tools like YNAB or Mint help you stay on top of your personal budget.

It also helps to set up a multicurrency account before the travel rush begins. With a Raenest account, you can create a multicurrency account in USD, GBP, NGN and EUR, fund your trip ahead of time, and avoid last-minute exchange rate surprises. This gives you a clear view of how much you have in each currency, which makes planning and budgeting easier, especially if you’re hopping between cities or paying for experiences in foreign currencies. Create one today.

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3. Glow-Up Prep: Hair, Nails, Spa & Maintenance

Detty December is as much about showing up feeling your best as it is about attending events. Booking your beauty and maintenance appointments early is crucial, ideally two weeks before the season officially kicks off, to avoid the December rush.

Lagos has an array of salons, spas, and nail technicians ready to help you prepare. From braids and wigs to manicures and pedicures, taking care of your hair and nails ensures you start the season looking polished. Trusted professionals for facials, massages, and other treatments can also help you feel refreshed and confident for the weeks of events ahead.

Get into Lagos

Once your planning is in place, the next step is settling into Lagos itself. The city comes alive in December, and navigating it well makes the experience even better. From transport to accommodation to last-minute shopping, here’s how to settle into Lagos the right way.

1. Get a means of transportation

Moving around Lagos in December is easier when you know what to expect. The city can get really busy. As a matter of fact, Lagos is known as the city that never sleeps because events run late, and traffic can slow things down, so having a simple plan will help you to get the most out of the experience. Start with a reliable airport pickup so your arrival sets the tone for the rest of your stay. After that, ride apps like Bolt and Uber keep things convenient. There are also trusted vendors who rent out cars and provide dedicated drivers, which works well if you want something more personal for the entire month.

Timing also plays a big role in how smoothly you move around the city. Heading out a little earlier gives you time to settle in before events get crowded, while returning late feels more secure when you stick with trusted drivers, well-rated rides, or a personal driver if you’ve arranged one. Adding a bit of buffer time here and there helps you stay relaxed and fully present, even on the busiest nights of the season.

2. Get where to stay

Your accommodation also contributes largely to everything that’d happen on your trip, so it’s worth choosing a place that feels right for you. If you’re coming with friends or planning a group holiday, service apartments are some of the top places to stay in Lagos. They give you enough room to spread out, relax together, and ease into the day before heading out for events. If you’re travelling solo or with a partner, a cosy hotel or resort can offer the privacy and simplicity you need to enjoy your break.

Neighbourhoods like Lekki, Victoria Island, and Ikoyi remain some of the best areas to stay in Lagos during December. They keep you close to restaurants, malls, beaches, and that lively festive energy the city is known for. They also make moving around a lot easier, especially when traffic starts to pick up.

Remember to book early because accommodation fills up fast this time of year. The earlier you lock in your spot, the more choices you’ll have and the more relaxed your planning will feel.

3. Buy your tickets early

Detty December means events are happening across the city, and securing your spot early is key to making the most of the season. Popular concerts, brunches, parties, and other experiences sell out quickly, so getting your tickets ahead of time ensures you won’t miss the moments everyone will be talking about.

Reliable platforms like Tix.africa and Eventbrite make it easy to browse events, compare prices, and confirm your attendance without stress. Always watch out for early bird prices; these can save you a significant amount and often come with added perks like VIP access or priority seating. In the same vein, avoid unofficial sellers to ensure your tickets are legitimate and avoid disappointment at the door.

Here’s a short checklist of what to book early:

• Concerts and live shows 
• Brunches and special dining experiences 
• Accommodation and stays 
• Transport for key events

Booking these essentials early gives you peace of mind and more time to focus on enjoying Lagos without last-minute stress. By the time December rolls in, you’ll be ready to move through the city seamlessly, fully prepared to experience everything Detty December has to offer.

Get Detty

Now that you’re in Lagos and ready to move around the city with ease, as Fela said, it’s time to do what we came here for. Let’s get detty.

1. Visit the top Lagos restaurants and spots

• Cafes that are as pretty as their coffee
  Start your mornings or casual meetups at some of Lagos’ most Instagram-worthy cafés. Mai Shayi Coffee Roasters offers premium Arabica beans in a cosy, thoughtfully designed space, ideal for sipping espresso or enjoying a light brunch. For something a little more visually playful, the Flowershop Café fills its seating area with fresh blooms and greenery, making it a favourite for slow mornings and picture-perfect moments. Over in Lekki Phase 1, Chiaro Café adds a fun twist with its latte-art printer, letting you enjoy coffee that’s as creative as it is delicious in a clean, monochrome setting.
• Your next favourite lunch fix

For lunch that hits every mark, head to Sky Restaurant & Lounge in Eko Hotel for a scenic city view paired with hearty meals. Bungalow Restaurant in Victoria Island serves fresh, flavour-packed dishes perfect for a midday break. NL’s Lounge in Lekki Phase 1 is a spot that locals swear by for both casual bites and small celebrations.

• Tables worth dressing up for
  Some evenings are best spent in spaces that feel intentional and refined. At The Lighthouse Restaurant & Lounge, you can settle into a spacious setting with city views while enjoying a menu designed to match the atmosphere. The experience allows you to relax over dinner and take in the surroundings before continuing your night in Lagos. From there, you might head to Shiro Restaurant in Victoria Island, where Japanese cuisine is presented with care and attention to detail. The polished, thoughtful environment makes the meal feel considered and memorable, setting the tone for the rest of the evening. If your night calls for a livelier start, RSVP Lekki offers an energetic atmosphere alongside carefully prepared dishes. It provides a setting where conversation and enjoyment naturally blend, giving you a solid foundation for a full night out in the city.

2. Visit the top places to party in Lagos

Popular party spots include Club Quilox, Escape Nightclub, and The Bank, known for their lively music, great crowds, and unforgettable atmospheres. Whether you’re booking a big concert, a themed rooftop evening, or a late-night dance session, these venues put you at the centre of Lagos’ December scene.

Remember when we said we had something packed for you? To ensure you don’t miss a beat, we’ve compiled a 2025 Detty December event calendar. It features concerts, parties, and major happenings across the city, from Afrobeat performances at Eko Convention Centre to intimate gigs at Hard Rock Café. With this calendar, you can see what’s happening, where, and when, helping you plan your nights and experience everything Lagos has to offer this season.

3. Visit the top places to chill in Lagos

Not every December moment needs to be high-energy. If you’re looking to slow down, Lagos has plenty of spaces to relax, soak up culture, and recharge.

• Art galleries: Terra Kulture and Nike Art Gallery showcase Nigerian creativity at its best, offering exhibitions, workshops, and occasional live performances.
• Beaches and resorts: Elegushi Beach and La Campagne Tropicana are perfect for daytime relaxation or evening hangouts by the water. Resorts like Lekki Leisure Lake Resort provide a getaway vibe without leaving the city.
• Parks: For a breath of fresh air, Freedom Park on Broad Street offers outdoor exhibitions and live performances, while Jhalobia Recreation Park is ideal for strolling or picnics with friends.

Recovery Mode

After the whirlwind of Detty December, it helps to take a moment to slow down and focus on yourself. Lagos offers plenty of spaces to restore energy, from wellness centres and spas to quiet cafés and yoga studios. A morning spent enjoying a calming treatment, a gentle workout, or a nutrient-rich smoothie can help you reconnect with your body and mind.

Similarly, a weekend at a resort, a retreat by the water, or simply a quiet escape outside the usual bustle allows space to breathe, reflect, and recharge. Even within the city, slow mornings, journaling, or time spent in a spa or wellness centre create a sense of balance and ease after the season.

Taking this time for yourself also helps carry the positive energy of December forward. Rested and refreshed, you can approach the new year with clarity and focus, keeping the enjoyment and memories of the season alive as you move into January.

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