If you think you can enter Lagos in December with vibes alone, the city will humble you in less than 24 hours. One minute you are shouting outside, next minute your bank app is looking at you like it wants to faint. Lagos is a fun place, but it has rules. People do not write them down. We all just learn them the hard way.
TL,DR
- Detty December is not for the weak.
- Pace yourself, protect your money, and follow people who know what they are doing.
- Lagos rewards the prepared person and stresses the person who came with freestyle energy.
1. Pace Yourself or Lagos Will Use You
The biggest mistake first timers make is trying to attend every single event. Lagos has concerts, beach raves, brunches, pop ups, club nights, and random midnight hangouts that happen for no reason.
Pick the ones you actually care about. If you go everywhere, you will end up tired, cranky, and broke.
2. Never Arrive Late to a Big Event
Lagos events start late, but somehow still fill up early. If you come late, you will be stuck in traffic, stuck in a queue, or stuck outside staring at a crowd.
Your best bet is simple. Leave early. You can always chill outside or take pictures. Lagos traffic will punish you for assuming you have time.
3. Pick Your Crew With Sense
Your December experience depends on the people you move with.
There is the friend who always knows the right places. The friend who has plug energy. The friend who gets tired too fast. The friend who says let us go home at 9 pm.
Choose a crew that understands your energy level. If not, you will follow people who want to party every day and end up regretting your life choices.
4. Spend Like You Have January Waiting for You
Detty December will tempt you. New outfits. Bottomless cocktails. Impulsive Uber rides. Last minute tickets.
Before you know it, your account balance will start speaking in tongues.
Set a spending limit. Keep cash for small vendors. Track your money. Lagos will test your discipline, so give yourself a plan you can follow even after two mojitos.
5. Do Not Try to Impress Anyone
Nobody cares if your outfit is imported or thrifted. People are too busy dancing or looking for small chops.
Wear what fits your body and your weather. Lagos heat has no respect. Dress well, but dress smart. If your shoe is hurting you, you will regret it by midnight.
6. Move Smart and Stay Alert
Lagos is fun, but you need sense. Keep your phone in your front pocket. Keep your bag zipped. Do not enter random cars because someone said they know a shortcut.
Always tell someone where you are. Lagos rewards the careful person.
7. Eat Before You Go Out
Party food can be unpredictable. Sometimes it is amazing, sometimes it is a mysterious plate that looks like it has gone through suffering.
Eat before you leave home. It will save you from paying premium money for a small portion that can never fill anybody.
8. Take Breaks or Your Body Will Fail You
You are not a generator. You cannot be outside every day. Give yourself rest days. Drink water. Sleep. Check your bank app.
Detty December is a marathon, not a sprint. If you burn out too early, the city will continue partying without you.
The Takeaway
Lagos December feels chaotic and beautiful at the same time. If you know the rules, you enjoy it. If you ignore them, the city will collect your money, your energy, and your dignity. Move with sense, pick your vibe, and let Lagos give you the kind of memories you will laugh about for years.