Eko Hotels’ Biggest Holiday Event, Tropical Christmas Wonderland, Returns December 20

Eko Hotels’ Biggest Holiday Event, Tropical Christmas Wonderland, Returns December 20

Eko Hotels & Suites is once again preparing to transform Lagos into a festive paradise with the return of its signature holiday spectacle, Tropical Christmas Wonderland, beginning December 20, 2025, and running through January 2, 2026. This annual celebration has become one of Nigeria’s most anticipated end‑of‑year attractions, drawing families, tourists, and culture lovers into a world of theatre, music, food, and vibrant African creativity.

A Celebration of Joy, Culture, and Togetherness

The 2025 edition promises an even more immersive experience. Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo, the creative visionary behind the Wonderland, describes it as an environment built to spark happiness, strengthen family bonds, and create lasting memories at a time when togetherness matters most. Her vision blends global festive traditions with distinctly African storytelling, performance, and hospitality.

Eko Hotels positions the Wonderland as a cultural gift to Lagos, an event that celebrates the city’s energy while showcasing the richness of Nigerian creativity. This year’s programme is designed to appeal to all ages, offering a mix of theatre, circus arts, music, comedy, puppetry, and culinary experiences.

A Rich Lineup of Entertainment

The schedule is packed with daily and special events that span nearly two weeks. Guests can expect world‑class productions and family‑friendly attractions, including:

The Dazzling Prideland Circus, running on multiple dates from December 20 through January 1, brings acrobatics, storytelling, and spectacle to the stage. Mary: The Musical, a theatrical retelling of the Christmas story, appears on select dates including December 21, 23, and 30, and January 1. Prideland: The Return of King Bafa, another major theatre production, offers performances on December 22, 27, 29, and 31. The Puppet Show, designed especially for younger audiences, runs throughout the festive period. A Night of Comedy and Laughs with Larry J lights up Christmas Day with humour and entertainment. The Spellbound Magic Show adds wonder and illusion to the lineup with shows on several dates. Culinary experiences such as the Christmas Day Big Brunch, Owambe Dinner, Sunday Holiday Brunches, New Year’s Eve Dinner, and New Year’s Day Big Brunch ensure that food lovers are well catered for throughout the season.

A Carnival of Colour and Culture

One of the most iconic elements of the Wonderland is Santa Illie’s Grand Makossa Street Carnival Procession, scheduled for December 24. This outdoor spectacle infuses Lagos with colour, dance, and African festive energy, turning the streets into a lively celebration of music and movement.

The carnival embodies the event’s mission: to tell the story of Christmas through an African lens. As Eko Hotels’ General Manager Danny Kioupouroglou explains, the Wonderland was created to “tell Christmas the African way,” offering an alternative to the Euro‑American narratives that dominate global holiday culture.

A Boost for Tourism and Cultural Identity

At the official unveiling of the 2025 edition, Tunde Lawrenson of the Eko Tourism Foundation praised the event for elevating Nigerian culture and tourism. He described Eko Hotels as “the African Disneyland,” a place where creativity, heritage, and entertainment converge to create a uniquely Nigerian festive experience.

Since its inception in 2019, Tropical Christmas Wonderland has grown into a unifying celebration that brings families together and showcases the best of Nigerian performance art, hospitality, and innovation.

Tickets, Access, and Experience Curation

Tickets and day passes are available through EventPorte, though organisers note that availability is tightening due to high demand. Pricing varies for adults and children, with adult tickets understandably higher. For guests seeking a seamless experience, Eko Hotels offers Experience Curators who assist with personalised itineraries and hands‑on support throughout the festive period.

A Season of Magic Awaits Lagos

As the countdown continues, excitement is building across Lagos. With its blend of theatre, circus, music, food, and African cultural expression, Tropical Christmas Wonderland stands ready to deliver a holiday season filled with joy, wonder, and unforgettable moments for families and visitors alike.