Why You Need to Experience Detty December in West Africa: The Ultimate Guide for First-Timers

Why You Need to Experience Detty December in West Africa: The Ultimate Guide for First-Timers

Accra and Lagos are vibes like no other in December—two cities alive with energy, music, and nonstop events. If you've ever heard about Detty December, you know it's more than just a festive period; it's a cultural movement. It’s when West Africans in the diaspora, and travelers from around the world, come together to celebrate, party, and experience the best of Accra and Lagos.

I can honestly say that experiencing either city in December is unlike any other time of year. The energy is unmatched, with nonstop events and endless opportunities to connect—truly the ultimate adult playground. With everything that Detty December brings, I'm just grateful to be part of it all.

From star-studded concerts and beach parties to electrifying clubbing and elite dining, there's no shortage of things to do. And now, many travelers are discovering that pairing Lagos with Accra creates the ultimate West African December experience. If you've never experienced Detty December in these vibrant cities, consider this your ultimate guide to making the most of it.

What is Detty December?

Detty December is a month-long celebration that originated in Nigeria—though some might argue Ghana. Either way, the term was popularized by Mr. Eazi in 2016 to describe the festive season. While it happens across various West African cities, nowhere does it hit quite like Accra and Lagos.

The festivities kick off in early December and run into the New Year. Expect back-to-back concerts, unmatched nightlife, delectable brunches, pulse-pounding music festivals, and immersive cultural events that bring out the best of the city.

Why is it such a big deal?

• It's Homecoming Season: Nigerians and Ghanaians in the diaspora, celebrities, and travelers flood into these cities, making the city even livelier.

• Afrobeats & Culture Take Center Stage: Major artists like Burna Boy, Tems, King Promise, Black Sherif, Wizkid, and Davido host massive concerts.

• Luxury & Lifestyle at Their Peak: From VIP club nights to exclusive parties, this is the time to show out.

• Networking & Socializing: Whether you're looking to expand your global network or just want to meet like-minded people, Detty December is the ultimate mix of fun and opportunity.

My First Detty December Experience in Lagos

The first time I experienced a Lagos December, I had no idea where to start. There were so many concerts and event options. I made the mistake of thinking I could plan it like any other trip.

Some of the highly-anticipated concerts like Burna Boy's sold out quickly, and entry to places like Zaza was nearly impossible - but through sheer will and tapping into my network, I still had a blast.

I did tourist attractions during the day like Nike Art Gallery and Lekki Conservation Centre. At night, I maneuvered my way into places like W Bar, Tems' concert, Moist Beach Club (now closed), and more.

I also met wonderful people at game nights, Taco Tuesdays, and through various group chats. Some of those people, I am still friends with to this day. It was the effortless connection with Diasporans from around the world that became the highlight of my trip.

But then, they all began to leave–not for home, but for Accra! Like clockwork, folks headed over to Ghana a day or two after Christmas. Unfortunately, I did not get the memo. I felt such FOMO that I swore that my next Detty December experience would be in both cities. 

Lagos to Accra: The Complete Experience

In 2023, I kept my promise and lived it up in both Lagos and Accra; it was the perfect combo. Lagos was all about clubs, exclusive events, and spontaneous connections. Even with a packed party schedule, I still squeezed in downtime, fine dining, a beach day, and shopping.

Accra offered a different but equally amazing time. It was more centered around ticketed events and structured experiences. The Ghana side of my trip was incredibly outdoorsy too. I went outside of Accra to Cape Coast, Shai Hills Nature Reserve, and Boti Falls, and cruised the Volta River.

What made this back-to-back experience special was experiencing two distinct approaches to Detty December. Lagos gave me the excitement of an electric, high-energy city, while Accra provided a familiar Western approach to events with ticketed parties and outdoor festivals—and having time to explore the breathtaking natural beauty outside the city was the icing on the cake.

Must-Attend Events & Experiences for December 2025

Now that I’ve shared my Detty adventure, I’m sure you're itching to experience it too. Here are some events and places you should not miss:

Lagos

• Flytime Music Festival – Nonstop music with multiple headliners across five days at Eko Convention Center.

• Obi’s House – A legendary Monday night gathering hosted at Hard Rock Cafe Lagos, where the city's finest come together for an electrifying mix of Afrobeats, hip-hop, and old-school classics.

• Beach House Getaway – Exclusive beachfront villas for a day of relaxed ocean-view lounging or high-energy day parties, depending on your mood and group size.

• Nike Art Gallery & Lekki Art Market – Nigeria's largest art gallery with over 8,000 pieces and a vibrant market of authentic African artwork.

Notable Nightlife Mentions:

• W Bar – A sleek and upscale lounge where Lagos nightlife meets good music and even better vibes.

• Boho Lagos – A stylish, free-spirited rooftop bar blending bohemian aesthetics with Lagos’ electrifying energy and a live fashion show.

• Zaza Lagos – A high-energy club with luxe interiors, A-list crowds, and a party scene that doesn’t stop with acrobatic performers, dancers, and performances from stars like Peter Okoye (from P-Square).

Accra

• AfroFuture – A massive 2-day celebration of African culture through music, art, fashion, and food.

• Positive Vibes Only (PVO) New Year’s Party – An electric year-end celebration featuring top DJs and performers to ring in the New Year with style and energy.

• Everyday People Ghana – A vibrant, Afrocentric day-ish party that celebrates the diaspora with Afrobeats, Hip-Hop, and more.

• Cape Coast – A World Heritage site, the city encapsulates the transatlantic slave trade history, with sites like Elmina Castle, dungeons, and the Door of No Return.

• Aburi Botanical Gardens & Boti Falls – A bit outside of Accra, you’ll find the lush mountain gardens of Aburi and the spectacular twin waterfalls of Boti in the Eastern Region of Ghana.

Notable Nightlife Mentions:

• Polo Beach Club – A premium beachfront venue offering daytime relaxation and nighttime entertainment with ocean views and international DJs.

• Bloombar – A trendy outdoor garden lounge with creative cocktails, live music, and a cosmopolitan crowd of locals and visitors.

  
  

Travel experiences like Detty December expose us to new perspectives and adventures, refining and expanding our minds. They challenge cultural misconceptions and myths, revealing the vibrance, beauty, and luxury that thrive in cities like Lagos and Accra.

Managing Your Energy & Schedule

Attending back-to-back events is harder than you might think. With over a million people coming into these cities and hundreds of events, you've got to pace yourself, set a realistic schedule, maneuver traffic and long lines, and choose the right experiences.

In my opinion, first-timers should be adaptable and open-minded travelers. To truly experience the excitement and vibrancy that draws so many, embrace the unexpected and let Lagos surprise you.

Pro Tip: For every two high-energy nights, plan a recovery day. Balance your time between clubbing, sightseeing, and laid-back hangouts. Accra and Lagos aren’t going anywhere, and trust me—you’ll enjoy them much more when you’re not running on empty.

How to Plan Your Detty December Trip to Nigeria & Ghana Like a Pro

Since Lagos and Accra are busiest in December, planning ahead is non-negotiable. Here's how to prepare:

• Book Flights Early – Prices start going up by summer so secure your flights earlier rather than later. Expect flights to be over $2000 if booked after October.

• Sort Out Accommodation – Hotels and Airbnbs fill up quickly. In Lagos, consider VI, Lekki Phase 1, or Ikoyi for prime locations. In Accra, look at Osu.

• Plan Your Itinerary – Events sell out fast so stay up-to-date and lock in tickets early.

• Have a Local Plug – Knowing someone on the ground helps you navigate smoothly.

Why Travel With Jaiye Experiences?

Experiencing Detty December on your own can be overwhelming, but that's where we come in. Jaiye Experiences offers curated Lagos itineraries so you can skip the stress and enjoy the best of both cities with our cultural ambassadors.

• Access to concerts & exclusive events

• Beach house getaways & nightlife

• Curated tours to local attractions & cultural experiences

• Hassle-free bookings for hotels, transport & local guides

  
  

📩 Ready to experience Detty December the right way?

• Check out our Lasgidi Unleashed and our Gold Coast Getaway packages to explore both cities with us. 

• Email hello@thisisjaiye.com for priority booking or a customized itinerary!

  
  

Early Bird Special: Book before August 19th to get our super early-bird discounts from $200 - $400 off!

Final Thoughts

Detty December isn't a vacation—it's an experience you'll never forget. Whether you're here for the music, food, culture, or fear of missing out, Accra and Lagos in December are the places to be.

The only question is: Are you picking Accra, Lagos, or both?! Start planning now, and let's make this December your best one yet!