What Is Detty December?
Detty December is the season — roughly December 1st to January 2nd — when Lagos transforms into Africa's biggest entertainment destination. The Nigerian diaspora returns home, artists drop albums, concerts stack every weekend, beach parties run until sunrise, and the city feels electric in a way that is hard to explain until you have experienced it.
It started as a cultural movement in the early 2010s and has grown into a global phenomenon. In 2024, over 500,000 visitors came to Lagos over the month of December alone.
What to Expect at Detty December 2026
While the official lineup for December 2026 will be announced later in the year, based on previous years you can expect:
- Major concerts: Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Asake, Rema and other Afrobeats headliners typically perform across December
- Beach parties: Elegushi Beach, Oniru Beach, and Alpha Beach host massive outdoor events every weekend
- Club nights: Clubs in Victoria Island, Lekki, and Eko Hotel run themed nights throughout the month
- New Year's Eve countdown: Multiple venues including Bar Beach and Eko Atlantic host city-wide countdowns
Where to Stay During Detty December
Accommodation books out fast — sometimes months in advance. The best areas to stay are:
Victoria Island and Eko Atlantic
The hub of upscale nightlife and events. Walking distance to many clubs and concert venues.
- Shortlet price range (Dec 2026): ₦150,000 – ₦500,000/night for a 1-bedroom
- Best for: Those who want to be in the middle of everything
Lekki Phase 1
Quieter than VI but very close to beach events and the Lekki-Epe expressway entertainment corridor.
- Shortlet price range: ₦80,000 – ₦250,000/night for a 1-bedroom
- Best for: Groups wanting a base with easy access to everywhere
Ikeja (Near the Airport)
Good if you are arriving and departing by air and want to minimise Lagos traffic stress.
- Shortlet price range: ₦50,000 – ₦150,000/night
- Best for: Short stays and those on a tighter budget
Realistic Detty December Budget Per Person
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (10 nights shared) | ₦150,000 | ₦400,000 | ₦1,200,000 |
| Flights (return to Lagos) | ₦350,000 | ₦600,000 | ₦1,500,000 |
| Events and Concerts (5 events) | ₦100,000 | ₦300,000 | ₦800,000 |
| Food and Eating Out | ₦80,000 | ₦200,000 | ₦500,000 |
| Transport | ₦40,000 | ₦100,000 | ₦250,000 |
| Total | ₦720,000 | ₦1,600,000 | ₦4,250,000 |
Book Your Shortlet Early
December prices in Lagos are 2–4x higher than the rest of the year and the best apartments go months in advance. GidiStay lists verified shortlets across Lekki, Victoria Island, Ikeja, and Ajah with upfront pricing and secure booking.
Browse Detty December shortlets on GidiStay
Stay Up to Date on Detty December 2026 Events
GidiStay's Events Calendar tracks all major December events in Lagos as they are announced. Check back from September 2026 as lineups start dropping.