A Detty December Guide for the Whole Family

The cousins are home, your grandparents wants a quiet spot, your teenager wants a party and the little ones want ice cream and rides. Sound familiar? Detty December for family can be wonderful, but only if you plan it well. So, here is your stress-free guide to where to go, what to expect and how to make sure nobody sulks in the back seat.

Is Detty December Family-Friendly?

Yes, but not all of it. The loudest parts of the season, such as concerts and late-night parties, are built for adults. In fact, the Detty December Fest organisers say most events are 16+ unless stated, so you must check age rules before you buy any ticket.

The good news? There is plenty for every age. Besides the big shows, you have beaches, nature parks, art spaces, seasonal shows and even a carnival a short flight away. Think of Detty December as a menu, not a set meal.

Key Dates Every Family Should Know

The season runs roughly from mid-December to January 1, and it gets busy fast. Here is what is already confirmed:

• Davido’s “Oriadé: The Residency”: National Theatre, Iganmu, December 17 to 19.

• Detty December Fest: December 18 to 30 at the Detty December Village, with Wizkid opening on December 18.

• Flytime Fest: December 22 to 24 at the Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island.

• Calabar Carnival: December 26 to 30 in Cross River State.

However, most of these are grown-up events, so read on for the family-friendly picks.

Family Hangouts in Lagos

Nature and Outdoor Fun

If you want to burn the kids’ energy before lunch, start at the Lekki Conservation Centre. It covers 78 hectares and has a 401-metre canopy walkway, plus giant chess and Ludo boards, picnic spots and a restaurant.

Entry was listed at ₦1,000 for adults and ₦200 for children aged 10 and under, with the canopy walk costing an extra ₦1,000, and it opens daily from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Make sure to call ahead to confirm prices. We also wrote a full guide to why this weekend escape is worth it.

For more green space, a 2020 list of natural parks in Lagos includes Lufasi Nature Park, Ndubuisi Kanu Park and Johnson Jakande Tinubu Park. It says most government parks are free, so confirm before you go.

Beach Days Without the Chaos

Beaches are a Detty December classic. At Landmark Beach on Victoria Island, you get an inflatable water park and play area by day, and it turns into a party venue at night. So, go early and leave before the music takes over.

You can also try Eleko Beach for picnics or Oniru Beach for water sports and seafood. Keep children within arm’s reach near the water, and pack hats, sunscreen and snacks. Not sure which beach? Read our guide to the beaches Nigerians don’t post.

Art, Culture and Quiet Time

Maybe your grandparents wants somewhere calm. In that case, the Nike Art Gallery holds thousands of works by Nigerian artists, and groups can request cultural events with music and dance (contact them first).

Meanwhile, Terra Kulture stages Nigerian plays and musicals on most weekends, with more shows during public holidays. The same page recommends the Lekki Arts and Crafts Market for browsing at your own pace, which is perfect for souvenirs and for teenagers who love a bargain.

Seasonal Shows and Christmas Magic

Looking for festive sparkle? The Detty December Fest family experience, Seasonal Magic, lists a Christmas Grotto, a giant Christmas tree, an ice rink and seasonal pop-ups. Also, Detty Boulevard offers food and shopping that suits mixed ages. Both come from the organiser’s own blog, so confirm times and prices on the event page.

Then there is Eko Hotels’ Tropical Christmas Wonderland. Last year’s edition ran December 20 to January 2 with a circus, puppet show, magic show and street carnival, plus themed brunches. There's no confirmed 2026 dates yet, so watch their channels for an announcement.

Game Centres for Restless Kids

Rainy afternoon or traffic jam recovery day? The same list names game centres such as Fun Factory, DreamWorld Africana and Rufus and Bee.

Beyond Lagos: Family Trips Worth the Journey

Calabar Carnival

Calabar is a fantastic option if your family loves colour and costumes. The carnival schedule starts with the Cultural Carnival and Night of Kings and Queens on December 26, followed by the Junior Carnival on December 27, the Parade of the Bands on December 28, the Bikers Carnival on December 29 and the Street Party and Colour Runs on December 30.

Watching from the street is free, while grandstand and VIP seats are sold separately. The flight from Lagos or Abuja takes about an hour, but hotel stock is limited and you are advised to start booking by November. If you have time, add a day trip to Obudu Mountain Resort.

Parents should note that the official Cross River calendar names the Junior Carnival as the youth-focused event, so plan the little ones around that day.

Other Ideas Outside Lagos

Older lists suggest family spots across the country, including Abuja’s Wonderland Amusement Park and National Children’s Park and Zoo, Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort in Ekiti and Olumo Rock in Abeokuta (all from that 2023 BusinessDay list). Treat these as starting points and confirm opening hours and prices before you travel.

Sample Plans for Different Families

• Families with toddlers: Morning at the Lekki Conservation Centre, lunch, a nap, then a short afternoon at a beach with play areas. Be home before the evening traffic.

• Families with teenagers: A late brunch, then art and shopping at Nike Art Gallery and the Lekki Arts and Crafts Market, and a check of the age rules for the youth-focused Gen Z Republik at Detty December Fest.

• Families with grandparents: A play at Terra Kulture, a slow lunch and a gentle stroll in a park. Skip the long road trips.

• Mixed groups: Split the day. Let the kids enjoy Seasonal Magic while the adults plan their own evening.

Practical Tips to Save Your Sanity

• Book early. Hotels and Airbnbs in the best areas sell out by October, and event tickets should be bought by November at the latest.

• Beat the traffic. Allow extra time, start early and agree meeting points, since phone networks congest around big shows.

• Use registered ride-hailing after events, and carry some naira cash for vendors and transport.

• Check documents if relatives are flying in. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for Nigeria, and visa-on-arrival requires online pre-approval.

• Pace yourselves. Keep the schedule flexible for rest and meals, and split the day into several short plans instead of one huge outing.

Our readers planning a trip for the first time can also read our first-timer’s Detty December guide, and diaspora families weighing options can see why some are choosing Ghana and Rwanda.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Detty December suitable for children?

Parts of it are. Most Detty December Fest events are 16+ unless stated, but family areas such as Seasonal Magic exist. Always check each event’s age rule.

2. What are the best family places in Lagos?

Good starting points are the Lekki Conservation Centre, Landmark Beach, Nike Art Gallery and Terra Kulture, plus seasonal shows.

3. Is there a children’s event at Calabar Carnival?

Yes. The Junior Carnival is on December 27, 2026.

4. When should I book for Detty December?

Book accommodation by October and event tickets by November, based on the Rio Times guide.