20 Things to Do in Abuja This December (2026)
When people talk about December in Nigeria, the conversation almost always defaults to the high-octane coastal rush of Lagos. But if you want a festive season that balances vibrant social energy, cooler Harmattan mornings, scenic mountain views, and world-class dining without spending half your holiday trapped in gridlock traffic, Abuja in December is an absolute elite choice.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) transforms during the final month of the year. Families reunite, returning friends fill up restaurant terraces from Maitama to Wuse, and the cool, crisp dry-season breeze makes outdoor exploration actually enjoyable. However, just like anywhere else during peak holiday seasons, showing up in the capital without a clear itinerary or a locked-down place to stay can turn your dream vacation into an expensive scramble.
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Whether you’re returning to Abuja for the holidays, visiting family or planning a December getaway, there is plenty to do beyond the usual dinner-and-movie routine. The key is knowing which experiences are worth adding to your plans, which events need advance booking and where to stay so you can enjoy your holiday without spending too much time travelling across town.
Here are 20 things to do in Abuja this December, including outdoor attractions, cultural experiences, food spots, festive events and ideas for a relaxing staycation.
To buy or rent a property in this area, call/text Krent at +234 911 800 8008.
If a December concert is on your bucket list, start with the Live Out Loud Music Festival.
Wizkid is scheduled to headline the festival at Eagle Square in Abuja on December 13, 2026. The official event website lists gates opening at 4 p.m., with Wizkid expected on stage at 10 p.m. Check the organiser’s website for ticket availability and the latest event details. Visit the official event website.
If you are a fan of Afrobeats, this is an opportunity to experience a major live performance without travelling to Lagos for the festive season.
2. Attend the Capital Food Fest
If you agree a good outing should involve plenty of food, make time for the Capital Food Fest.
The event is listed for December 5, 2026, at Harrow Park, with food and drink vendors, cooking and eating competitions, music, cultural displays and activities for children. The festival runs from noon to 6 p.m. Confirm ticket costs and entry arrangements before attending.
You can explore different food stalls, discover new vendors and spend the afternoon with friends or family. It is also a good option if your group wants an activity that does not revolve around clubbing.
3. Take in the View at Millennium Park
Sometimes, you don’t need a major event or an expensive reservation to enjoy yourself.
You can kick off your December holiday with a peaceful afternoon stroll through Millennium Park in Maitama. Designed by an Italian architect and split by the Wupa River, it is Abuja’s largest public green space. In December, the weather is cool enough to enjoy long walks, family picnics, and quiet moments under the trees.
4. Take a Sunset Walk Around Jabi Lake
Jabi Lake is a popular place to enjoy Abuja’s waterfront scenery.
You can spend time walking around accessible areas, taking pictures, enjoying the breeze or simply sitting down to watch the sky change colour. If you’re looking for a more active experience, check whether boat rides or other water activities are available through local operators.
Afterwards, you can head towards Jabi Lake Mall for food, shopping or entertainment.
5. Visit the Abuja National Mosque
The Abuja National Mosque is one of the capital’s most recognisable landmarks. Its golden dome and minarets make it a prominent feature of the Central Business District.
Even if you are familiar with Abuja, it is worth appreciating the architecture and the mosque’s place in the city’s identity. Visitors should remember that it is an active place of worship, so dress respectfully and follow the guidance provided by staff. Access to certain areas may be restricted during prayers or other religious activities. Confirm visitor arrangements before making a special trip.
You can combine the visit with other nearby landmarks in central Abuja, provided you allow enough time for travel between locations.
6. Visit Abuja Arts and Crafts Village
Need gifts for family members or souvenirs to take home after the holidays?
The Abuja Arts and Crafts Village is a good place to explore handmade items and locally inspired art. Depending on the stalls available, you may find carvings, leather goods, textiles, jewellery, paintings and decorative pieces.
Rather than rushing through the market, take time to look at the different items and ask sellers about their work. If you’re buying a gift, consider something that reflects Nigerian craftsmanship instead of choosing another mass-produced souvenir.
Prices may vary between sellers, so compare options before making a purchase. Keep your belongings secure in busy areas and agree on prices before completing a transaction.
7. Visit Thought Pyramid Art Centre
Abuja’s creative scene deserves more attention, and Thought Pyramid Art Centre is a useful place to startLocated in Wuse, the gallery showcases contemporary Nigerian and African art, with works and exhibitions that may include paintings, sculptures and other visual pieces.
A gallery visit gives you a different way to experience the city. Instead of spending another afternoon in a shopping mall, you can discover artists, learn about their work and appreciate different forms of creative expression. Check the gallery’s current exhibitions and opening arrangements before visiting, particularly if you are interested in a specific artist or event.
8. See the National Christian Centre
Another landmark worth adding to your sightseeing plans is the National Christian Centre.
Known for its distinctive architecture, the centre is an important religious and civic landmark in Abuja. Its central location makes it a useful stop if you are exploring the city’s major buildings and public spaces.
As with the National Mosque, be respectful of worshippers and any restrictions on access. Check whether visitors can enter the areas you want to see before travelling.
If you enjoy photography, architecture or learning about the city’s religious and cultural landscape, this is a worthwhile addition to your itinerary.
9. Explore Nike Art Gallery in Abuja
If you want to explore more Nigerian art, add Nike Art Gallery in the Piwoyi area along Abuja Airport Road to your list.
The gallery showcases a range of Nigerian and African creative works, including paintings, textiles, beadwork and other artistic pieces. It is worth considering if you enjoy visual art or want to introduce visiting friends to Nigerian creativity.
Because the gallery is along the Airport Road corridor rather than in the middle of central Abuja, plan the journey as a dedicated outing. Check the current opening hours before leaving and allow time to explore the collection.
10. Try the Rides at Sunrise Waterpark
If swimming and water slides sound more appealing than a regular sightseeing trip, look into Sunrise Waterpark in Asokoro.
The venue advertises water-based attractions and slides, making it an option for people who want a more active leisure experience without leaving Abuja.
Before making plans, confirm the current operating schedule, available attractions, entry fees and any requirements for children. Also check whether you need to book in advance during the festive season.
11. Experience Watersports at Jabi Boat Club
If you want to step up your outdoor game, head right next door to the Jabi Boat Club. Rent a kayak, take a high-speed boat ride across the lake, or enjoy evening grills and live band music right by the water.
12. Hike Up to the Top of Zuma Rock
Located just on the outskirts of the FCT, Zuma Rock is Nigeria’s most famous monolith. December’s dry weather provides clear skies and optimal trekking conditions for adventurous travelers looking to hike the surrounding trails and catch breathtaking sunset views against the rock’s iconic facial contours.
Arrange reliable transport, check the route and allow enough time for the journey. It is better to make this a dedicated day trip than squeeze it between other appointments. It is a suitable activity for Photography, sightseeing and nature enthusiasts.
13. Try the Rides at Sunrise Waterpark
If swimming and water slides sound more appealing than a regular sightseeing trip, look into Sunrise Waterpark in Asokoro. The venue advertises water-based attractions and slides, making it an option for people who want a more active leisure experience without leaving Abuja.
Before making plans, confirm the current operating schedule, available attractions, entry fees and any requirements for children. Also check whether you need to book in advance during the festive season. Bring appropriate swimwear, follow the park’s safety rules and make sure children are supervised around water.
14. Try Bowling, Arcade Games or Indoor Entertainment
Not every December outing needs to involve walking around under the sun. If you want something indoors, consider bowling, arcade games, gaming experiences or other entertainment venues around Wuse 2 and the wider city.
Indoor activities are especially useful when Harmattan dust makes outdoor plans less appealing or when you want a relaxed afternoon with friends. Choose a venue based on the activities your group actually enjoys, and check the current prices before arriving. If you’re planning to visit during a busy weekend, confirm whether reservations are available.
You can make the outing even better by combining it with dinner or dessert nearby.
15. Go on a Food Crawl Around Wuse 2
Abuja has a strong restaurant scene, and December is an excellent excuse to explore it.
Wuse 2 offers a mix of casual restaurants, cafés, lounges and more elaborate dining experiences. Instead of choosing the same familiar restaurant, pick a few places to try based on the kind of food you enjoy.
You could arrange lunch at one spot, stop for dessert elsewhere and finish with dinner or drinks. However, avoid scheduling venues that are too far apart. Even in Abuja, traffic can turn a simple food crawl into an unnecessarily long trip. Check menus and prices online where possible, and make reservations if you are visiting with a large group.
16. Plan a Rooftop Dinner or Lounge Night
Sometimes the best December activity is getting dressed up, choosing a good restaurant and spending the evening somewhere with a great atmosphere.
Abuja has rooftop restaurants, lounges and bars that are suitable for dates, birthdays and meet-ups with friends. Areas such as Wuse 2, Maitama and Jabi are useful starting points when searching for dining and nightlife options.
Choose a venue based on your budget and the kind of evening you want. Some places are suited to quiet dinners, while others become louder and busier as the night progresses.
17. Attend the Carnival of Stories
For a cultural experience that goes beyond concerts and nightlife, look out for the Carnival of Stories: This Is Nigeria, Chapter by Chapter.
The event is listed for December 1–5, 2026, with a programme built around Nigerian history, food, spirituality, art and architecture. The published description includes an immersive handmade clay city designed for visitors to explore.
However, the venue and ticket arrangements are still to be confirmed, so check the event organiser’s latest announcements before making plans
18. Take a Day Trip to Gurara Waterfalls
Take a short, refreshing road trip outside the city center to visit the majestic Gurara Waterfalls. Surrounded by lush greenery and rocky terrain, it’s a phenomenal spot for photography, birdwatching, and peaceful nature retreat.
It is one of the best destinations which is not popular due to its location. The waterfalls offer a soothing and relaxing ambience to their visitors. Gurara Waterfalls is blessed with nice weather, beautiful panoramic views and lush greenery surrounding the region.
19. Organise a Christmas Gathering with Family and Friends
Not every memorable December experience needs a ticket or a venue. For many people, the most important part of Christmas is reconnecting with family, seeing old friends and spending time with people they have not seen throughout the year.
You could organise a Christmas lunch, arrange a small games night, cook together or meet relatives at a restaurant. If you’re visiting Abuja from another city or from abroad, If you want to eat out on Christmas Day, confirm which restaurants are open and whether reservations are required. Some businesses operate reduced hours during the holidays.
20. Book a Shortlet and Enjoy a Friends' Staycation
After concerts, shopping, sightseeing and family visits, you may reach a point where you simply want to stay indoors.
A shortlet staycation gives you a comfortable base to relax, watch movies, order food, cook with friends or enjoy the amenities available at the property. You can also use it as a convenient place to get ready before attending events around the city.
If you’re travelling with a group, compare two- or three-bedroom apartments that can accommodate everyone comfortably. Check the power supply, Wi-Fi, kitchen facilities, parking, check-in arrangements and house rules before booking.
Find your Abuja shortlet for December
Planning the activities is one thing. Finding accommodation that suits your budget and location is another.
If you’re visiting Abuja for Christmas, a concert, a wedding or a family reunion, explore available shortlets on Krent. Compare the properties based on location, nightly price, bedroom count and amenities.
1. 1 Bedroom Apartment
This beautifully designed 1-bedroom apartment is a fantastic choice on Krent for solo travelers, couples, or professionals who want comfort, style, and convenience in a serene, cozy environment.
Key Features:
- Beautiful interior with modern furnishing
- Fully air-conditioned
- Smart TV with Netflix, DSTV & Prime Video
- High-Speed Internet
- 24/7 Electricity
- Modern fitted kitchen
- Smart Lock
- Housekeeping services
- Parking space
- Gated & Secured environment
Fully verified on Krent with transparent pricing and seamless booking process. To book this 1 bedroom apartment, Visit krent.space or Download Krent App Limited on Google Play Store or Apple App Store today.
2. 2 Bedroom Apartment
This well maintained 2-bedroom flat offers a clean, comfortable, and secure space for your December stay. With reliable power, fast fibre WiFi, and a ready-to-use kitchen, it’s ideal for couples, small families, or friends looking for a stress-free base.
Key Features:
- 2 Ensuite Bedrooms
- Free Fibre Optics WiFi
- 24/7 powers
- Water Treatment
- 24/7 Security with CCTV
- Facility Management
- Parking Space
- Home Cinema
- Gated & Secured
Fully verified on Krent with transparent pricing and seamless booking process.
Visit krent.space or Download Krent App Limited on Google Play Store or Apple App Store to book.
3. 1 Bedroom Penthouse
Sometimes all you need is a space that feels right the moment you walk in. Whether you’re in town for work or just need a quiet reset, everything here is designed to make your days easier and your evenings more relaxing this December.
What You’ll Enjoy:
- Spacious interior
- sunset view
- Free Fibre Optics WiFi
- 24/7 powers
- Water Treatment
- 24/7 Security with CCTV
- Facility Management
- Parking Space
- Home Cinema
- Gated & Secured
Fully verified on Krent with transparent pricing and seamless booking.
Visit krent.space or Download Krent App Limited on Google Play Store or Apple App Store to book.
4. 1 Bedroom Apartment
This brand-new, opulent 2-bedroom apartment is a clear example of the quality you get with shortlets in gated estates on Krent. With modern finishes, a serene environment, and strong security, it offers a refined and comfortable stay for couples or professionals who value both luxury and peace of mind.
Key Features:
- Spacious living area
- En-suite bedrooms
- Fully fitted kitchen
- Smart TV with Netflix
- Fast WiFi
- 24/7 Power Supply
- Water Treatment
- Facility Management
- Dedicated Parking Space
- Gated & secured Estate
Ready to experience this brand-new luxury 2 bedroom apartment ? Visit krent.space or Download Krent App Limited on Google Play Store or Apple App Store today.
5. 4 Bedroom Duplex
This well equipped 4-bedroom duplex sits in a very secured estate and comes with excellent leisure amenities. Perfect for families or groups who want space, comfort, and fun with a swimming pool, gym, game room, and even a football pitch.
Key Features:
- 4 Ensuite Bedrooms
- Swimming Pool
- Gym
- Game Room
- Football Pitch
- Smart TVs with YouTube, Prime & more
- Free High-Speed WiFi
- 24hrs Electricity
- 24/7 Security with CCTV
- Concierge support
- Parking Space
- Home Cinema
Fully verified on Krent with transparent pricing and seamless booking process.
Ready to book this spacious 4-bedroom duplex? Visit krent.space or Download Krent App Limited on Google Play Store or Apple App Store today.
Smart Search Tools (Routing Maps & Deep Filters) on Krent
Finding the right estate is one thing; finding an available unit inside that exact estate without dealing with sketchy agents is another struggle entirely. This is where Krent’s Smart Search Tools completely transform your search:
- Interactive Routing Maps: Forget vague descriptions like “5 minutes from Wuye.” Krent’s integrated Routing Maps pinpoint the precise location of the apartment within the estate, giving you real-time distance calculations to landmarks like the Palms Shopping Mall or Aso rock.
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Krent was built specifically to eliminate every point of friction in the Nigerian rental and shortlet market. When you search for properties across the Abuja as a whole on Krent, be rest assured you are getting the “icing on the cake.
How to Plan Your Abuja December Trip
With so many options, it can be tempting to fill every day with activities. However, a little planning can help you enjoy more of the city without overspending or exhausting yourself.
- Book major events early: Concerts and festivals can attract large crowds, so check official event pages for tickets, timings and entry requirements.
- Group activities by location: For example, combine Jabi Lake with shopping at Jabi Lake Mall rather than travelling across the city several times in one afternoon.
- Set a realistic budget: Include transportation, food, tickets, shopping and additional activity charges.
- Prepare for Harmattan: December weather can be dusty and dry. Carry water, moisturiser and lip balm, and check conditions before planning outdoor activities.
- Arrange accommodation early: If you’re visiting around Christmas or attending a major concert, compare shortlets before the most suitable properties are booked.
- Leave room to rest: You do not have to attend every event or visit every attraction. Some of the best holiday memories come from unplanned conversations and relaxed evenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best things to do in Abuja this December?
You can attend a major concert, visit Millennium Park, explore Jabi Lake, discover Nigerian art, enjoy a food festival, go shopping or organise a shortlet staycation with friends.
2. What events are happening in Abuja in December 2026?
Events currently listed include the Capital Food Fest on December 5, the Live Out Loud Music Festival featuring Wizkid on December 13, and the Carnival of Stories from December 1–5. Confirm details directly with organisers before purchasing tickets or travelling.
3. Where can I find verified shortlets in Abuja?
You can search Krent for verified shortlets across Abuja, use filters to narrow down your requirements and inspect available properties through photos and 3D tours where available.
4. Where should I stay in Abuja during December?
Wuse 2, Maitama and Jabi are useful areas to compare, depending on your itinerary. Wuse 2 offers access to restaurants and nightlife, Jabi is convenient for lakeside activities and shopping, while Maitama is close to several central landmarks. The exact property location matters as much as the neighbourhood.
Conclusion
Abuja offers more than government buildings and business meetings. During December, the city becomes a place for concerts, food festivals, cultural discoveries, family reunions and nights out with friends. You could spend one day exploring the city’s landmarks, another trying new restaurants and another enjoying a concert or a quiet afternoon by the lake. The best itinerary is the one that fits your interests, budget and travel plans.
If you’re visiting for the festive season, don’t leave accommodation until the last minute. Explore verified properties on Krent, inspect the details, check the route and find a place that actually works for you.
Visit krent.space to explore available shortlets in Abuja, compare prices and amenities, and find a comfortable place for your December stay.
Available Properties on Krent
