8 Alternative Events to Experience This December in Nigeria

Nigeria is almost synonymous with Christmas at this point, largely because of the Detty December machinery, which has become shorthand for an entire season: the months-long homecoming stretch that turns Lagos into a non-stop carousel of concerts, raves, art shows, and reunions. But as more events crowd the calendar and the mainstream options start to feel repetitive, the appetite for something different grows louder.

If you’re looking for experiences that offer cultural depth, originality, or a refreshing alternative to the usual seasonal chaos, here are 8 events to explore this December — each one promising a meaningful way to soak in the festivities without being swallowed by the noise.

Egwu Vinyl Festival 

After making its debut last December, Egwu Vinyl Festival returns on December 23 with an ode to the iconic sounds of the early 2000s, when hits lived on sidewalks, barbershop speakers and every passing bus from CMS to Ikeja. With live performances, vinyl-only DJ sets, brand activations, workshops and exclusive merch, the festival treats nostalgia not as a gimmick but as a cultural archive. Last year, Afro-Juju legend Sir Shina Peters electrified the room; this year, Nigerian hip-hop pioneer Tony Tetuila takes the stage. Ticket prices range from ₦20,000 f0r early bird passes to ₦40,000 for unlimited passes. If you crave a music experience that highlights history and craftsmanship, stop by at 4 Norman Williams, Ikoyi for the festival. 

Afrobeat Rebellion: Fela Anikulapo-Kuti Exhibition 

Afrobeat Rebellion is an immersive portal into Fela’s radical world. With archival objects, photography, layered soundscapes and media installations reconstructing the Kalakuta Republic and the Afrika Shrine, it creates a vivid, multi-sensory retelling of Afrobeat’s evolution. The 12-week programme also features talks, music, cinema, studio sessions and children’s activities designed to bridge generations. Access to the exhibition is free – all attendees need to do is register via the website, after which they receive the exhibition’s exact location. Open until December 28, it’s one of the most ambitious Fela-centered exhibitions ever staged in Lagos.

EatDrinkFestival 

For nearly a decade, EatDrinkFestival has been a cornerstone of Lagos’s culinary culture. What began as a gathering for food lovers has grown into one of the city’s most influential platforms for chefs, vendors and food entrepreneurs. This year, the festival introduces the Talks Stage, which spotlights conversations about the forces shaping Nigerian food culture over the past ten years. If you’re looking for a December experience defined by good food, good company and thoughtful dialogue, make your way to Orange Island from December 26 to 27. Tickets will be made available via the festival’s Instagram page at 5pm, November 28.

The Owambe Exhibition by Uzo Njoku

Uzo Njoku’s anticipated solo exhibition transforms the spirit of the Nigerian party into a two-month visual experience. Running from November 23, 2025 to January 24, 2026, “The Owambe Exhibition” features nine new works exploring identity, tradition and the layered realities of Nigerian life. In true Uzo fashion, textile design becomes an extension of her storytelling: limited-edition Ankara fabrics, designed by the artist herself, also serve as entry tickets. Showing at UzoArt NG, the exhibition reads as both a homecoming and a cultural meditation. Attendees can view the exhibition event calendar online; and can register for guided gallery tours or purchase tickets for immersive special events.

Movie Night & Chill by AJ’s Rentals 

On December 21, AJ’s Rentals presents Movie Night & Chill — an outdoor silent-cinema experience curated for film lovers and people who just want an experience with warm, breezy energy. Attendees can expect an open-air film screened under the stars with personal headphones, alongside a live DJ, free popcorn for all, food and drinks from top vendors, plus games and networking. It’s relaxed, social, and intentionally immersive: the kind of night where Lagos connects effortlessly. Tickets cost ₦ 15,000 and can be purchased on Selar.

KaraFest 3.0 

Karaoke lovers finally have their own festival — and KaraFest delivers in full Technicolor. The event was created to bring together bathroom singers, stage-ready performers and everyone in between for a high-energy karaoke extravaganza. With multiple genres, a lively crowd and an atmosphere that favors participation over aesthetics, it’s one of the most joyous events of the season. Stop by at Muri Okinola Park and sing your heart out on December 20. To join the event, simply register on Luma.

Kewa’s Kitchen Street Food Festival 

Set in a lush garden space at the heart of Ikoyi, Kewa’s Kitchen’s food festival offers a next-level street-food experience. Expect desserts, signature dishes, new experimental flavors, and live music threaded through the day. Explore 8 Global Street Food Stands, indulge in the Sugar Land Dessert Village and unwind at the exclusive Sugar Beach VIP Lounge. Tickets range from ₦5,000 ₦50,000 and are available on Tix Africa. Happening at 23 Ikoyi Crescent on December 14, the festival is a family-friendly event with free entry for children under 12 and a playground to keep them busy – making it a rare Christmas outing where adults and kids can enjoy themselves equally.

Lagos Street Art Festival 

From December 10 to 15, the Lagos Street Art Festival transforms the city into a living, breathing gallery. With over 20 local and international artists painting murals, hosting workshops, and staging pop-ups, the festival turns public spaces into creative playgrounds. A special highlight is the exhibition honouring Osa Seven’s decade-long impact on Lagos’s street art culture. Tickets for each worksop, pop-up and party can be purchased via Linktree. If you want to witness Lagos through colour, texture and imagination — outside the walls of any gallery — this is the festival to catch.