How do Nigerians celebrate Christmas? Here's a peek

Christmas in Nigeria is one holiday that’s highly anticipated, regardless of religion. It’s a time when people celebrate love, family, culture, and the true essence of the season.

While the season is observed worldwide, Nigerians have their own special ways of making it unforgettable. The decorations, the food, the music, the movies, and the joyful Christmas vibes in the air, makes this season all the more loveable and enjoyable.

Let’s take a closer look at the traditions that make our Christmas celebrations stand out. 

For many Nigerians, Christmas is incomplete without traveling home to see family. It’s not uncommon for cities to empty out as people head to their villages or hometowns. This movement, of course, has it’s effect, as the traffic skyrocket, especially in cities like Lagos. 

Have you been stuck in traffic on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway this period? That’s a clear sign of the season. To avoid the stress and overcrowded roads, many people choose to leave for their hometowns earlier. But in all, despite the stress, the journey is filled with excitement as families anticipate reunions.

If you take a stroll on a busy street on Christmas day, the aroma of jollof rice wafting through the air is sure to entrance you.

Food is central to Christmas celebrations in Nigeria. Jollof rice takes centre stage, accompanied by fried rice, chicken, goat meat, and a variety of side dishes like moi-moi and salads. In some homes, local delicacies like pounded yam with egusi soup and other traditional dishes are must-haves.

One thing is certain: no one goes hungry during Christmas in Nigeria! 

Christmas in Nigeria begins on a spiritual note. A few weeks before Christmas, Christians flock churches for their annual Christmas Carol services, with everyone donning red, green or gold. Christmas Eve, families gather for special services, or they attend church on Christmas morning to celebrate the occasion.

These services are filled with joyful singing, dancing, powerful sermons, and a reminder of the reason for the season: Christ.

Some churches also organise nativity plays or carol nights, where children dress up as Mary, Joseph, and the wise men. Do you remember playing a part in a Christmas play as a child? 

Nigerians love to decorate their homes with Christmas lights, ornaments, and sometimes even artificial snow to bring the “winter” spirit to our tropical climate. Our cities, roads and expresses are not left out of the festive decorations. You may have heard of the famous Zenith Bank's impressive Christmas decorations on Ajose Adeogun Street and roundabout in Victoria Island, Lagos. This sets the stage for a beautiful and colourful Christmas. Major cities, malls and streets also tune in to the festivities with twinkling lights and Christmas trees. 

Christmas is also a time for sharing. Many Nigerians exchange gifts with loved ones, but the spirit of giving goes beyond family. People donate food, clothes, and money to orphanages, hospitals, and less privileged communities.

If you’ve ever joined a group to deliver hampers or meals during Christmas, you’ll know it’s one of the most rewarding ways to celebrate the season. 

Is it really Christmas without the music, dancing and parties? Absolutely not! In cities like Lagos, this period is littered with weddings, shows, concerts and festive celebrations. Your December is not detty if you’re not getting lit!

How do you celebrate Christmas?

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