<p>Every December, Lagos fills up. Families fly home, friends reunite, and the city turns into a month-long run of concerts, beach days, weddings and long dinners. People call it Detty December, and it is one of the most exciting times to be in Nigeria. It is also one of the busiest, which means the travellers who enjoy it most are the ones who plan early.</p><p>This guide covers what to book, when to book it and how to move around the city, so your trip feels effortless instead of chaotic.</p><h2>What Detty December actually is</h2><p>Detty December is the informal name for Lagos’s festive season. There is no single start or end date. In practice, it runs through December and often spills into early January, with the busiest stretch around Christmas and New Year. Expect a packed calendar of music shows, beach parties, rooftop brunches, art openings and private gatherings, alongside plenty of family time.</p><p>Because events are announced by promoters rather than a central organiser, the line-up changes every year. Follow official event pages on Instagram and X for confirmed dates, and buy tickets only from verified sellers.</p><h2>Sort your entry requirements first</h2><p>Before you book anything non-refundable, check what you need to enter Nigeria. UK government advice currently says British passport holders need a visa arranged before travel, applied for online through the Nigerian Immigration Service, and that visa on arrival is no longer available. Your passport should be valid for at least six months after you arrive, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for most adults. Landing and departure cards are completed online, and recent advice also mentions an online health declaration form and screening at entry points.</p><p>Rules like these can change at short notice, so read the latest <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/nigeria/entry-requirements">UK government entry requirements for Nigeria</a> before you fly. Travellers from other countries should check their own government’s guidance and the Nigerian authorities.</p><h2>Book flights and rooms before mid-November</h2><p>Demand for flights into Lagos rises sharply as December approaches, and fares usually climb with it. The same goes for hotels, serviced apartments and short-let homes in the popular areas, which can sell out completely. If your dates are fixed, book now rather than hoping for a late deal.</p><p>A few practical points:</p><ul><li><p>Choose flexible fares if your plans may shift. A small premium can save a lot if an event date moves.</p></li><li><p>Look at your London airport options and compare direct and one-stop journeys.</p></li><li><p>Arrive a day or two before your first event, so a delayed flight does not cost you a ticket.</p></li></ul><p>Our team can compare fares across airlines and hold options for you. See our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="/services/flights">flight booking service</a> for how we work.</p><h2>Where to stay: Victoria Island, Ikoyi or Lekki</h2><p>Most visitors stay in one of three areas, and the right choice depends on what you plan to do.</p><ul><li><p><strong>Victoria Island:</strong> close to business districts, restaurants and many event venues. A good all-round base.</p></li><li><p><strong>Ikoyi:</strong> quieter and more residential, with a calmer feel and strong dining.</p></li><li><p><strong>Lekki:</strong> closer to beaches and the newer social scene, but further from the airport and often slower to reach in traffic.</p></li></ul><p>Groups and families often prefer serviced apartments for the extra space, while couples and solo guests tend to enjoy the service of a full hotel. Browse our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="/services/hotels">hotel and suite service</a> or our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="/services/apartments">apartment service</a> to see how we match stays to travellers.</p><h2>Getting around: plan for traffic and arrange drivers in advance</h2><p>Lagos traffic is a fact of life, and it gets heavier in December. Events often start late and finish late, so the journey home needs as much thought as the journey there.</p><ul><li><p>Pre-book your airport pickup with a service you have confirmed in advance. UK government advice warns that criminals sometimes pose as airport greeters, so only go with someone whose name and details match your booking.</p></li><li><p>Use a vetted driver arranged through your hotel or a reputable agency for the whole trip if you have several events. The same advice notes that app-booked taxis can carry safety risks, so a pre-arranged driver is the safer choice.</p></li><li><p>Leave earlier than you think you need to, and build a buffer before anything time-sensitive.</p></li></ul><p>If you would like a vetted driver on call, take a look at our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="/services/cars">cars and drivers service</a>.</p><h2>Weather and what to pack</h2><p>Late November usually brings the start of the harmattan, a dry seasonal wind that makes mornings and evenings cooler and the air dusty. Daytime temperatures are typically warm, so pack light, breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen, plus a light layer for the evenings. Sunscreen, moisturiser and lip balm are worth having. Comfortable shoes matter more than you think if you will be on your feet at festivals.</p><p>Dress codes vary from relaxed beach wear to formal outfits for weddings and traditional events, so pack with a mix of occasions in mind.</p><h2>Tickets, money and staying connected</h2><ul><li><p><strong>Tickets:</strong> buy early where you can, because popular events sell out. Avoid unofficial sellers.</p></li><li><p><strong>Money:</strong> let your bank know you are travelling. Carry only the cash you need, and take extra care around ATMs, especially at night.</p></li><li><p><strong>Phone:</strong> a local SIM keeps you connected, but SIM registration in Nigeria requires identification, so check the current process before you travel.</p></li></ul><h2>Staying safe</h2><p>Lagos is a large, busy city, and sensible habits go a long way. Keep valuables out of sight, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, limit road travel late at night, and share your plans with someone you trust. Avoid unlicensed drinks, and be cautious about any request for money from people you have only met online. Read the full <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/nigeria">UK government travel advice for Nigeria</a> before you go, and buy travel insurance that covers medical costs and cancellations. Note that insurance can be invalidated if you travel against government advice.</p><h2>A simple planning timeline</h2><ul><li><p><strong>Now:</strong> confirm dates, apply for your visa, and book flights and accommodation.</p></li><li><p><strong>Early November:</strong> check passport validity and your vaccination certificate, and buy event tickets.</p></li><li><p><strong>Two weeks before:</strong> arrange airport pickup, a driver and restaurant bookings.</p></li><li><p><strong>Final week:</strong> complete your online landing card and health form if required, pack for the weather, back up your documents and share your itinerary.</p></li></ul><h2>Let BNJ Luxury handle the details</h2><p>BNJ Luxury is a private travel agency working between London and Lagos. One advisor looks after your flights, stays, drivers and last-minute changes, so you can focus on enjoying the season. To start planning, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="/contact">request a consultation</a> and tell us your dates.</p>
