Ever Experienced How Christmas in Lagos Looks Like?

Have you ever experienced Christmas in Lagos? Do you wonder how it looks like or feel like during Christmas in Lagos? Well…in this article I shall be sharing a lot on this your curiosity. So stay tuned.  The city of Lagos is transformed into a kaleidoscope of glittering lights, lively parties, and, of course, a level of traffic that is nearly apocalyptic. Anyways, the train now works in some routes and that’s an option you can explore to save yourself from the traffic.

 

The Lagos Christmas Starter Pack

First things first, you will need the following items if you are spending Christmas in Lagos:

• Power bank: For the hours you might spend on traffic and picture taking, a power bank is useful.
• Patience: Lagos is a metropolis and the traffic jam is expected. It will help if you order a lot of patience.
• Party shoes: The “Detty December” lineup doesn’t wait for anyone, and Lagosians love to groove. Here it doesn’t matter whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, you will feel the vibes.
• Jollof rice reserves: I’m sure you might have heard of the popular jollof rice. Without a steaming plate of this traditional meal, no celebration is complete, therefore you’ll need to be prepared for the Jollof battles.

The Uninvited Grinch in Traffic

There’s one thing that brings all Lagos residents together during Christmas. Guess what it is? It is the shared annoyance for Lagos traffic. During this time in some really busy lanes, a normal 20-minute drive trip can become a 2-hour trip. Anyways, the opportunity here is that it provides an opportunity to connect with other commuters. If you are not the one driving, just sit back and enjoy the sound of car horns, Christmas carol playing from other motors or nearby shops or even the regular traffic traders. If you are single, you can exchange phone numbers. I bet you there is really plenty of time to chat across another vehicle.

 

The Competition for Christmas Deals in the Markets

The best places to do vacation shopping are Balogun and Lagos Island markets. But don’t expect a simple experience although it will be lots of fun. It takes endurance to move about in these markets as there is usually lots of push as people rush for imported products. Even so, there’s a certain happiness in the mayhem. Everything from “designer” Santa hats to fake Christmas trees that could compete with those at the Rockefeller Center can be found there. Moreso, you will have the invaluable satisfaction of finding a deal, even though your wallet may be significantly lighter after shopping.

Detty December: Have Fun or Perish

Lagos’ gift to the world is to try “Detty December.” You can be sure that your liver will need a break by January after this month-long celebration of concerts, beach parties, and other festivities. There is something for everyone, from Davido, Burna Boy and Wizkid’s Afrobeat concerts to all-white boat parties that make you re-evaluate your life decisions.
Just have it in mind that Lagosians like to show off. It goes beyond partying. Your attire must shout, “I’ve come!” else you run the risk of being called or seen as a member of the masses. Furthermore, remember that gate pass fee is mostly optional. But you might be eligible for a VIP upgrade if you grease a few palms.

 

Jollof and Other Foods

Lagos’ Christmas is a food adventure as well. Jollof rice is the main attraction, yet it’s not by itself. The feast is completed with suya, fried rice, plantains, turkey, and moimoi. Remember chin-chin, those crunchy morsels of happiness that somehow make their way into every household.
At every event, expect contentious discussions on whose jollof is best. Arguments like “Your aunt burned the rice” and “My aunty’s jollof has a smoky flavor” capture the essence of Christmas in Lagos.

 

Larger Decorations are Preferable

Remember I told you before that Lagosians like to show off and wear shouting Owanbe attires. Lagos residents don’t decorate subtly for Christmas. There will be enough fairy lights on the houses to match the Milky Way. I don’t really whether it is a partnership between the banks and the state government but the Christmas decorations are very cheesy, extravagant and utterly magnificent. The malls are not left out as they join in the fun, turning into winter wonderlands with artificial snow. Everyone finds it ironic that there is fake snow in a temperature of 35 degrees, but it’s all part of the allure.

 

Christmas in Lagos Magic

Christmas in Lagos has a certain magic. It’s normal to see kids playing in their Sunday best attires, kind strangers distributing hampers and the atmosphere of camaraderie. When you are in Lagos, you will feel at home despite all of its activity.
Take a moment to appreciate everything this Christmas, whether you’re dancing at a beach party or stuck in traffic. After all, nowhere compares to Lagos over the holidays. Just be careful not to allow Santa attempt to have a taste of your Jollof so keep your dish handy.

Also read: Top 10 Beaches in Lagos to Visit