9 places to spend yuletide season in Nigeria

The Yuletide season is here again and it a time of fiestas and many fun activities across the country. Here is a guide to some of the best places to spend your time during the festive period.

1. Visit Lagos for the ‘Christmas in Lagos’ extravaganza

This year, Nigeria’s commercial capital is hosting a potpourri of events to celebrate the season. There will be music concerts featuring the likes Burna Boy, Wizkid and an arts & crafts expos among others. Keep abreast with the line-up of events on the state’s website and social media platforms.

2. The Federal Capital Territory is not ending 2018 and beginning 2019 quietly

Apart from the usual destinations of gardens, Millennium Park, Jabi Lake and other recreational spots, residents of the FCT have more to look forward to. Crack your ribs alone or with family and friends as Chuks d General hosts ‘Christmas in D City’ at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel. ‘Johnny’ crooner, Yemi Alade will also be storming the capital city with the likes of Falz, for the New Year countdown. To keep abreast look out for events happening at the Cyprian Ekwensi Centre, Heritage and Africa Village Square, among others. A good way to start would be with tomorrow’s suya carnival on Gana Street.

3. Calabar still a beehive of cultural fiestas

The Cross River State capital, Calabar has for almost 20 years been the go to place for the Yuletide celebration. The ancient city has welcomed millions of guests from all over the world who have come to enjoy the carnival, cuisine and other side attractions that come with the season. This year will be no different with a line-up of events including the famous street party, masquerade performances and site seeing of sites like the Obudu Cattle Ranch and Kwa Falls among others.

4. The garden city is offering more than beautiful landscapes

Roasted plantain popularly called bole and roasted fish has become a delicacy synonymous with the oil city. It is a must have if you are in town for any of the events holding at the tourist beach, Port Harcourt Cultural Centre or the Isaac Boro Garden Park. Also, you could explore a bit more by taking a boat ride to Bonny Island which is always bubbling with activities and has preserved its century old customs and traditions of events in village squares.

5. There will be an all-white party and more in Ibadan

Ibadan is a city known to have many firsts hence the state’s slogan of being the pacesetter. This Christmas beyond amala and traditional and cultural fanfare, there will be an all-white party with Wale Zion at Mauve Lounge. If this is what take you there, make tie mot visit places like the Mapo Hall, Bower’s Tower and Agodi Garden. For some fashion inspiration for the New Year, head out ot Shammah Hall to watch the parade on the 30th.

6. Something special at the home of peace and tourism

For many who may not be able to travel to Europe for the Christmas celebrations, the weather in Jos the Plateau State capital might provide some good alternative ta this time of the year. After all the family and friend time on Christmas and Boxing days, you could make your next agenda the annual Christmas party at Jokes at Jo’s. It would be a good opportunity to speak about Stan Lee at the comic session while exchanging gifts and making new friends.

7. The Coal City has got something to keep you in shape

There is some tonic to spending Yuletide in Nigeria’s Coal City, Enugu especially for the fit fams among us. There is the Wow Marathan holding right after Christmas. So guys, you can eat all you want, there will be some running to help you shed it off three days after. While in town, keep a date visiting masters of the arts and their galleries like Bona Ezeudu, Ngwo pine forest, the caves and simply enjoy nature while there.

8. There may be no crocodiles in the city, but there is definitely some fun

Try something new away from visiting Gamji and spend time watching some performance art this season. There will be some Christmas marshup at Afrinet, Narayi. The tenth edition of the Christmas Fiesta, ‘Salt,’ will also be holding in Barnawa. Christmas Regale is an event that will also be bringing something for the elderly on Christmas Day. It may be an opportunity to show some gratitude for how the year has brought you thus far. If you are keen on making a difference this season hook up with Azar Initiative.

9. In Akure, come fly with the community

For those looking to spend time as a community and want something different, head out to Oba-Ile Metropolis, Akure. For the Springboard Academy community it is about building family bonds and values this season. There will be kite flying, juggling to carnival games, face painting, races, dance performances, live music and much, much more. Grab a friend or the whole family and head out there today!