A First-Timer’s Guide to Detty December in Lekki Phase 1

Lagos’s festive season, popularly known as “Detty December”, turns the city into one long run of concerts, parties, pop-up markets and beach days that stretches from late November into the new year. If you are visiting from out of town, or simply want a comfortable base to enjoy it from without getting stuck in Lagos’s famous traffic, Lekki Phase 1 is one of the easier parts of the city to stay in.

Westine Hotels & Spa sits at 16 Babatunde Dabiri Street, right in Lekki Phase 1, within reach of many of the beaches, restaurants and events that make December in Lagos what it is. Here is how to plan around the season rather than be overwhelmed by it.

Why Lekki Phase 1 works well in December

Lekki Phase 1 keeps you close to much of the beach, dining and nightlife activity that picks up through December, while still being a manageable distance from Victoria Island and Lagos Island if your plans take you further. Basing yourself here instead of criss-crossing the city for every outing can save real time once the roads get busy, which they reliably do this time of year.

What to expect during the festive season

December moves at a different pace in Lagos than the rest of the year. A few things to plan around:

• Heavier traffic than usual, especially in the evenings and around weekends
• Concerts, parties and pop-up events that are often announced with little notice
• Popular restaurants and beach spots filling up quickly, particularly closer to Christmas
• More visitors in town generally, which means flights and hotel rooms can book out earlier than you might expect

None of this needs to be stressful if you build some flexibility into your plans and book the essentials early.

Building a relaxed December itinerary

Daytime: beaches and fresh air

Lekki’s coastline has a few easy options for a few hours outdoors, including Elegushi Royal Beach and Landmark Beach. Access, entry arrangements and opening hours can all change around the festive period, so it is worth checking on the day before you set out.

A quieter day out

If you would rather step away from the beach crowds for an afternoon, a cultural outing is a good alternative. Our guide to a cultural day out in Lekki covers galleries and other low-key options if that suits your pace better.

Evenings: dinner and winding down

After a full day out, an easy dinner and an early night go a long way through a packed December. If you are building a longer visit around the season, our guide to planning a weekend stay in Lekki Phase 1 can help you shape the rest of the itinerary.

Tips for visiting Lagos during Detty December

Book early

Rooms, flights and even restaurant tables move quickly through December. Confirm your stay and any key bookings well ahead rather than leaving them to the last week.

Plan around traffic, not against it

Build extra time into any journey across the city, and keep evening plans closer to home where you can.

Keep at least one day unplanned

A season this busy benefits from a day with nothing fixed, so you have room to rest or follow whatever is happening that week.

Confirm details before you travel

Event line-ups, opening hours and beach access can all shift at short notice in December. A quick check on the day can save a wasted trip.

Frequently asked questions

What is “Detty December”?

It is the informal name for Lagos’s festive season, roughly from late November through early January, when the city sees a sharp rise in concerts, parties, beach outings and visiting travellers.

Is Lekki Phase 1 a good base for the festive season?

Yes. It keeps you close to much of the beach and events activity while still giving reasonably convenient access to the rest of Lagos.

How far ahead should I book?

As early as you can. December is Lagos’s busiest travel month, and rooms and popular restaurant tables can book out weeks in advance.

Book your festive stay

Lagos’s December calendar fills up fast. Check availability at Westine Hotels & Spa early and build your Detty December around a comfortable, well-located base in Lekki Phase 1.