“Detty December” in Lagos is not just a festive season—it’s an all-out, no-holds-barred time. The city transforms into a playground of wild parties and unexpected romances. Lagosians and returnees embrace the excitement together. They create memories that will last well into the new year. People enjoy short-term flings and borrow money just to keep up. Everyone is out to have a good time, leaving behind tales that last into the next quarter. A key part of this excitement comes from IJGBs, or “I Just Got Back.” This term refers to Nigerians living abroad who return home for the holidays. Many of them split their time between Lagos and Ghana. However, this series will focus solely on the Lagos experience during  Detty December.

By now, you should have already booked your flight. Waiting until the last minute is both a financial and logistical nightmare, as you may find yourself stuck without available flights and paying much more than you budgeted for. Ideally, you want to arrive between the 12th and 16th of December, giving you plenty of time to settle in before the festivities hit their peak. For your departure, aim for between the 4th and 10th of January to avoid the post-New Year rush. However, if you’re running late on planning, you can land between the 6th and 11th of December and leave after the 15th of January to avoid the holiday madness. One key tip: avoid traveling on weekends. You don’t want to step off a long flight straight into the wahala. Instead, ease into your first weekend of parties by arriving midweek, giving yourself time to catch your breath.

Now that you’ve squared away your flights, your next concern is finding a place to stay. Even though you’re coming to Lagos for the social scene, you’ll still need somewhere to unwind and recharge for the next round of events. Whether you opt for a hotel, an Airbnb, or crashing at a friend or family’s place, it’s essential to be mindful of Lagos traffic, which only gets worse during Detty December. Choose to stay in Lekki, Ikoyi, or Victoria Island—not only because they’re popular areas, but because most of the events, restaurants, and spots you’ve bookmarked on TikTok are concentrated there.

Lagos traffic is notorious, so staying close to the action is a smart move. If you feel tempted to venture further down the island, stick to areas before Jakande—you’ll thank yourself later. No matter where you stay, prepare yourself for the reality that you’ll likely get stuck in traffic every night. That’s just Lagos for you, baby!