You’ve booked the flight, packed the outfits and told everyone you’re coming. Here is what Detty December in Lagos looks like in 2026, from the shows and the fees to the traffic, the touts and what is already getting more expensive.
The shows
Detty December Fest runs from 18 to 30 December at the Detty December Village, with Wizkid headlining the opening night on the 18th. Flytime Fest takes place from 22 to 24 December at the Eko Convention Centre in Victoria Island, but its headliners had not been announced when we checked. Calabar Carnival parades run from 26 to 30 December if you can add a short flight. The beach clubs, rooftop sets and day parties in Victoria Island and Lekki mostly don’t need tickets.
The fees
Opening night of Detty December Fest costs ₦50,000 for general access, ₦150,000 for golden circle and ₦300,000 for VIP standing. Tables are booked by request. Prices for the other days had not been published. Flytime tickets are sold only on cene.xyz, one night at a time, with no multi-day pass and no refunds.
Where you’ll sleep
A one-bedroom in Lekki Phase 1 normally goes for ₦120,000 to ₦200,000 a night. Peak rates in December 2025 reached ₦700,000. Victoria Island and Ikoyi were quoted at ₦180,000 to ₦300,000, according to Mushrooms.ng. Short-let rates in Victoria Island, Ikoyi and Lekki can triple in December, and the best hotels often fill up by October. The 2026 rates had not been published.
The traffic
The Third Mainland Bridge, Ikorodu Road and the Lekki-Epe Expressway are the usual choke points. Uber demand rose 13% in December 2024. The advice in Vanguard’s coverage is to travel before 6:30am or after 10pm where you can, arrive early at events so you can leave off-peak, and combine errands into one trip. Mobile networks jam around big shows, so agree a meeting point with your group.
The area boys on the island
Touts, known as area boys or agberos, target private cars along the Lekki-Epe corridor, including Ikate, Admiralty Way and the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, according to Parrot Nigeria. The report describes them blocking roads and demanding an illegal fee locally called “Omotaku”. Lagos State Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab has warned residents and celebrities against giving them cash. He said paying them encourages them to stay on the streets.
The crackdown
In the early hours of 4 September, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency ran an overnight sweep across Victoria Island, Lekki-Ajah and parts of the Coastal Road. More than 130 people were arrested and over 100 were arraigned. The charges are allegations at this stage. Expect enforcement during the season, and don’t assume it removes the problem.
Prices right now
Airfares rise sharply from November, especially from London and New York. Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve are the most expensive nights. A self-planned week from abroad costs about $2,000 to $3,000, and packages start around $3,950. Carry some naira for vendors, though cards and mobile money are widely accepted, according to the Rio Times Detty December guide.
What’s your budget?
IJGBs, tell us what you’re planning to spend. Locals, tell them what they should know before they land.
