Every December, thousands of Nigerians abroad fly home for family, weddings, concerts and rest. The season is known as Detty December, and it is already shaping travel plans for 2026. This guide draws on Radio Nigeria Lagos reporting from December 2025 to show what returning travellers experienced, then turns it into a planning checklist. Prices and conditions change each year, so treat the 2025 figures as a guide rather than a forecast.
What 2025 Looked Like
- Demand: airlines reported fully booked flights, and hotels in Victoria Island, Lekki and Ikeja were fully booked, with short-let apartments selling out almost immediately.
- Prices: one travel agency head said bars, restaurants and hotels charged nearly three times normal rates; the national travel agents’ association president said the rises were seasonal and driven by demand.
- Visa access: one travel expert credited improved online visa applications for easier access.
- Economy: markets, designers, food vendors and nightlife businesses saw higher sales, from aso ebi to suya spots and short boat cruises of two to three hours.
- Safety: security agencies stayed on alert because of large crowds, and one expert described the season as largely incident-free.
A Homecoming Checklist
- Book early: flights and accommodation fill quickly; compare hotels, serviced apartments and staying with family.
- Check entry rules: confirm visa, passport and health requirements with official government sources.
- Compare prices: costs vary widely, from expensive tickets to shows around ₦5,000, so check before you commit.
- Plan around traffic: roads stay busy late into the night; allow extra time.
- Stay safe: use registered transport, keep valuables out of sight and share your plans with family.
- Budget realistically: December rates can be much higher than the rest of the year.
Beyond the Parties
Use the trip to reconnect with culture too. Read the Detty December 2026 Lagos events guide and our events calendar. Explore the Lagos Island heritage walk, eat well with the Lagos and Ibadan street food guide, and brush up with Yoruba phrases for travellers. Planning to go further? See the first trip to Yorubaland guide and etiquette for visiting a home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Detty December?
A festive season of concerts, parties and homecomings in Lagos and other Nigerian cities.
Is it more expensive in December?
Reports from 2025 describe higher prices at hotels and venues, though some say it is still affordable if you spend in pounds or dollars.
When should I book?
As early as you can, since flights and short-lets sold out quickly in 2025.
Learn more at the Learn Yoruba hub.
