The big question as the end of the year draws closer is what will Christmas in Abuja look like? There are so many cities in Nigeria but the Federal Capital remains one of the best places to spend the holidays. Even after deciding to go to Abuja for the Christmas holidays, a lot needs to be sorted out. You probably have asked yourself where can I spend Christmas in Abuja and this is why we are here.
In this article, we hope to answer all the burning questions you might have from where to stay to what to do. At the end of the day, the goal is that you enjoy the best holiday experience this year. Now, before we start, we would love to talk about the city we have chosen for this year’s Christmas.
Table of Contents
Abuja – A Highlight Reel
Until 1984 this was not even recognized as a place in Nigeria but the rise was rapid. It took just seven years for Abuja to become the capital of Nigeria. Abuja is located approximately in the middle of the country which was a contributing factor to it being the FCT. It is the eighth most populous city in Nigeria but this number is sure to increase during the holiday. As you are not the only one asking Google ‘how to spend Christmas in Abuja’.
We know you have a lot of options when you are considering Christmas in Nigeria. Spending Christmas in Lagos or Port Harcourt might seem tempting but Abuja still has its strengths. Abuja will be relatively hot during December as the dry season is in full effect during this period. Coming to Abuja from any part of the country is easy thanks to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Christmas in Abuja
There are so many places to visit in Abuja and this is why we are recommending a Christmas holiday here. It is close to Northern Nigeria which is predominately Islam but Abuja still remains a multireligious settlement. So, you wouldn’t have to worry too much about too many rules and restrictions. Abuja residents go hard during the holidays just like the folks in Lagos. So, you are going to get the same experience if not better here.
Nightlife is top-notch here and during the day, Abuja has been known to be a bubbling place with a lot of things to do. Although the city has faced some challenges recently, Abuja is relatively secure. It is a city that houses a lot of government agencies including the Presidential Villa. So, security is supposed to be top-notch here. English and Pidgin are some of the most used Languages for communication here, so you are good if you can speak any.
Things To Do During Christmas in Abuja
When you are considering Christmas in Abuja the first thing you consider are things to do. Afterwards, you look at the places to visit in Abuja while you are on holiday. These two things are what make your holiday worth it after where you stay and what you eat. There are so many amazing things to do in Abuja during the holidays and some would include;
Hiking & Mountain Climbing
One of the things we know Abuja for is mountain climbing and hiking. They have arguably the highest number of hiking and climbing clubs in the nation. This is because there are so many places you can go for this in Abuja. Because of the location of the city, you have a lot of mountains and hills all around town.
Thanks to these naturally occurring artefacts, a lot of people have shown interest in this activity. So, if you are an adventurous person spending Christmas in Abuja, you should consider bringing ropes and other climbing apparatus along.
Where to go For Hiking & Mountain Climbing in Abuja
| S/N | Place & Website/Page | Address/Google Map Link |
| 1 | Aso Rock | 900103 |
| 2 | Zuma Rock | 901101 |
| 3 | Mpape Hills | 901101, Abuja |
| 4 | Usuma Lower Dam | 5CV9+23H, 901101, Abuja |
| 5 | Wonderland Twin Peaks | 2CQX+P62, Kukwaba 900108, Abuja |
Christmas Shopping – Christmas in Abuja
Christmas is never complete without shopping and this is why Abuja is the best place for you. It does not matter what you fancy, there is a place for you to shop here. From local markets to malls, Abuja has everything you are looking for.
You also have some designer stores located in Abuja. So, you can treat yourself to some top-notch fits while you enjoy Christmas here.
Where to go for Christmas Shopping in Abuja
| S/N | Place & Website/Page | Address/Google Map Link |
| 1 | Jabi Lake Mall | Bala Sokoto Way, Jabi 900108, Abuja |
| 2 | Asokoro Shopping Mall | 1552 T. Y. Danjuma St, Asokoro 900110, Abuja |
| 3 | Ceddi Plaza | 264 Tafawa Balewa Rd, Phase 1 901002, Abuja |
| 4 | Jabi African Art & Craft Market | Opposite Citecc Estate, along Jabi/Citecc Road, Airport Rd, Dakibiyu, Abuja |
| 5 | Garki International Market | 1805 Damaturu Cres, Garki 900103, Abuja |
Chills at Their Park & Gardens
Whether you are spending Christmas in Abuja with your lover, family or friends – this is an activity for all. Abuja has so many parks for you to choose from when you are looking for a place to spend time with your family during the holiday. The good thing about spending time at the park is you don’t have to do anything serious. Strolling or just having a conversation is enough to have a good time while you are there.
You could also go the extra while you are at the park and decide to have a picnic with your people. Now in Abuja, some parks will let you in for free while you will have to pay an entrance fee for some. At the end of the day, visiting one close to where you stay is going to be a decision you don’t regret.
Parks and Playgrounds in Abuja
| S/N | Place & Website/Page | Address/Google Map Link | Contact Information |
| 1 | Millennium Park | 5 Usuma St, Three Arms Zone 900103, Abuja | 08167191939 |
| 2 | Tobix Recreational Park and Garden | Ahmadu Bello Way, Kado 900108, Abuja | |
| 3 | Central Park | 70 Kur Mohammed Ave, Garki 1 900103, Abuja | 08092722852 |
| 4 | Magicland Amusement Park | Kukwaba 900108, Abuja | |
| 5 | National Children’s Park and Zoo | 3GJG+G5C, 900103, Abuja |
Appreciate Art and History
We understand that Christmas is a time to have fun and enjoy the company of loved ones. And we know that different people find different things fun – learning is fun for some. Some others enjoy aesthetics and this is why appreciating art and history is here. Learning should be included in your activity list when you are spending Christmas in Nigeria, especially with the kids.
Take them to museums and teach them about the history of things. If you or your lover appreciates art, Abuja has some of the finest galleries to give you the best experience you can find.
Where to Find Art Gallery & Museum in Abuja
| S/N | Place & Website/Page | Address/Google Map Link | Contact Information |
| 1 | Thought Pyramid Art Centre | 18 Libreville Cres, Wuse 904101, Abuja | 08033322885 |
| 2 | Orisun Art Gallery | 1st Floor, Tropic Gallery Mall, beside Grand Square, Central Business District 900211, Abuja | 08136884645 |
| 3 | Discovery Museum | 7 Hombari Cresent, Adetokunbo Ademola Cres, Wuse 2, Abuja | 07043700000 |
| 4 | Arts & Culture | Arts & Culture Complex, Area 10, Garki, Abuja | 08023131328 |
| 5 | Moeshen Art Gallery | Life Camp, Plot 1049 Abubakar Koko Ave, 900108, Abuja | 09060002518 |
Water Activities
Abuja might be far from a lot of water bodies but Christmas in Abuja, Nigeria isn’t complete without water activities. They have natural water bodies in Abuja and a few manmade facilities. This opens you to a lot of water activities ranging from kayaking to boat cruises and swimming.
It does not matter which you fancy, there is always somewhere for you to enjoy the waters here. It does not matter if you are out with your lover or with friends. The people say water has no enemy, so everybody is sure to have a good time. However, drowning is still a real thing, so safety is important while you have fun in the waters.
Where to Enjoy the Waters in Abuja
| S/N | Place & Website/Page | Address/Google Map Link | Contact Information |
| 1 | Jabi Boat Club | 26 Alex Ekwueme Way, Jabi 900108, Abuja | 08080899289 |
| 2 | The Dome | Plot 423 Adekunle Fajyi Close, Central Business District 900103, Abuja | 092907084 |
| 3 | Rabby Recreational Park | Paradise Estate Rd, Dape District 900108, Abuja | 08033460080 |
| 4 | Splash Waterpark | Plot 1164 Cadastral Zone B11 Beside Games village, Kaura, Abuja | 08113977447 |
| 5 | JD Leisure Park | 3FMH+X59, Kashim Ibrahim Way, Wuse 904101, Abuja | 08187970262 |
Gaming & Movies
There are a million and one Christmas movies in the world today and the cinemas will be filled with them. The only question left is will you be going out to enjoy them while celebrating Christmas in Abuja? There are a lot of Cinemas scattered all over the city and the good thing is they are really just cinemas. You have a variety of choices which includes normal cinema screens and the 3D or 9D cinema experience.
Some of them come with gaming lounges which are a perfect fit for any age grade. Most of the gaming centres have games for kids and a more advanced one for adults.
Where to go for Gaming & Movies in Abuja
| S/N | Place & Website/Page | Address/Google Map Link | Contact Information |
| 1 | Silverbird Cinema | 1161, Memorial Drive, By Musa Yar’adua Center, Ctral Business District, Abuja | 08163987390 |
| 2 | Game Jabi Lake Abuja | Shop L32, Lake Mall, Bala Sokoto Way, Jabi 900271, Abuja | 092780600 |
| 3 | Genesis Deluxe Cinema | Ceddi Plaza, 264 Tafawa Balewa Way, Central Business District 900103, Abuja | 09098634658 |
| 4 | Virtual Hideout Nigeria Limited | 3FJ7+4XJ, DBM, Aminu Kano Cres, Wuse, Abuja | 07010666000 |
| 5 | Ceddi Plaza | 264 Tafawa Balewa Rd, Phase 1 901002, Abuja | 07011676822 |
Explore the Wonders of the Town During Christmas in Abuja
As you have seen there are so many things to do in Abuja this Christmas when you arrive. All that you will need to sort out is what kind of vacation you are having. Also, who you are going to be with will determine the type of activities you are going to be involved in when you get to Abuja for your Christmas holiday.
Extreme sports like paintball and car shows including races/drift shows are common finds in Abuja. One of the popular places to visit in Abuja is the Bature brewery in Wuse 2.
Places to go to Explore Abuja
| S/N | Place & Website/Page | Address/Google Map Link | Contact Information |
| 1 | Bature Brewery | A1 Discovery Mall, Adetokunbo Ademola Cres, Wuse 2, Abuja | 08106861192 |
| 2 | Sarius Palmetum | 3259 Ibrahim Babangida Blvd, Maitama 904101, Abuja | 09137142755 |
| 3 | Eagle Square | 3F6X+8VQ, Central Business Dis 900103, Abuja | |
| 4 | IBB International Golf & Country Club | 41 Udi Hill Street, off Aso Dr, 900211, Abuja | 097809488 |
| 5 | The Dome | Plot 423 Adekunle Fajyi Close, Central Business District 900103, Abuja | 092907084 |
The Best Restaurants to Eat During Christmas in Abuja
Food is essential which is why the restaurants in Abuja are important when planning your Christmas in Abuja. Because it is Abuja, the capital, the best restaurant will be quite difficult to find as there is quality everywhere you look.
For this list, we have curated a few restaurants we know will give you the best experience in Abuja. This goes from customer service, to value for money to the extensiveness of their menu including other things.
Cilantro Abuja
Food is an important feature of any human life. So, when you are spending Christmas in Abuja, Nigeria – eating is essential. As we have said, there are so many options to choose from but only a few compares to the Cilantro. The outdoor settings for this restaurant help improve the ambience and aesthetics that you get here.
Found in Maitama, this Indian restaurant offers you the best intercontinental dishes. The focus mainly is on dishes particular to the Indians but the whole of Asia is heavily represented here. They also serve some continental dishes to create a balance and provide the best taste experience. One of the best things about this restaurant is that it is relatively cheap as N10,000 is enough for a meal for two here. They have a kid’s menu separate from their normal menu making this a family-friendly restaurant.
Contact Information – 08182345670
Location – Ibrahim Babangida Blvd, Maitama 900271, Abuja
Socials – Instagram
Opening Hours – Open every day from 11 am to 11 pm
BluCabana Restaurant & Cafe
In the heart of Abuja comes another restaurant that gives us quality in terms of taste and ambience. The BluCabana is located along Shehu Yar’adua way in Mabushi and is more than a restaurant. This restaurant & café comes with a pool to give you the perfect ambience for chills over food.
They provide a wide selection of both local and international dishes to excite your taste buds. Customer service is another selling point when you dine here. They have an indoor dinner setting, a restaurant terrace and a poolside setting. This restaurant also offers private rooms for weddings, birthdays, etc. on selected nights, especially during holidays, there is also live entertainment here. The addition of a gym to the pool here makes this more than a restaurant.
Contact Information – 08100900000
Location – 1322 Shehu Yar’adua Way, Mabushi 900108, Abuja
Socials – Instagram
Opening Hours – opens from 9 am – 10:30 pm on weekdays and 9 am – 11 pm on weekends
Nkoyo
There are so many restaurants in Abuja to consider and this is one that cannot be ignored. We featured this restaurant when we talked about the most romantic restaurants in Nigeria. If you are looking for the best Nigerian dishes, this is the restaurant for you. You can find them at Ceddi Plaza in the Central Business district of Abuja.
The menu here is mostly local with a lot of meals originating from different cultures in Nigeria. The setting arrangement gives this minimal wooden look to the restaurant. The walls are where they win the ambience game with a lot of amazing art hanging.
Contact Information – 092914918
Location – Ceddi Plaza, 264 Tafawa Balewa Rd, Central Area 900211, Abuja
Socials – Instagram
Opening Hours – Open every day from 11 am to 10 pm
805 Restaurants
We have already established that Abuja is the place to be during Christmas in Nigeria. However, it is important for us to find the best places to eat and the 805 restaurant is another one. This restaurant is just five minutes away from the Wuse market where they get their fresh fruits and vegetables from. From the perfect selection of music always to the great ambience – this is just a dinner haven.
The focus of this restaurant is meals that are particular to Nigeria, so do not expect surprises in the menu. They give you amazing customer service to improve your overall experience when you come here for a meal.
Contact Information – 08032079169
Location – 93 Aminu Kano Cres, Wuse 2 904101, Abuja
Socials – Instagram
Opening Hours – Open every day from 8 am – 11 pm except Sundays when they open by 12 noon
355 Steakhouse & Lounge
There are so many places to visit in Abuja but when you need good food this is the place to be. The 355 steakhouse & lounge says the best awaits you and we couldn’t agree any less. This restaurant is found in Maitama and it gives us an amazing ambience even before the food comes. The classy settings inside make it perfect whether you are out with family and friends, alone or on a date.
You are sure of getting a relaxed dining experience here with both local and international dishes available for your pleasure. You have about 40 different dishes to choose from here, so, there is undoubtedly something you will like. On average, a meal here will cost you upwards of N5,000.
Contact Information – 09098543584
Location – 38 Osun Cres, Maitama 900271, Abuja
Opening Hours – Open 9 am – 11 pm on weekdays and 9 am – 2 am on weekends
| S/N0 | NAME/WEBSITE | ADDRESS/GOOGLE MAP LINK | CONTACT INFORMATION |
| 1 | Cilantro Abuja | Ibrahim Babangida Blvd, Maitama 900271, Abuja | 08182345670 |
| 2 | BluCabana Restaurant & Cafe | 1322 Shehu Yar’adua Way, Mabushi 900108, Abuja | 08100900000 |
| 3 | Nkoyo | Ceddi Plaza, 264 Tafawa Balewa Rd, Central Area 900211, Abuja | 092914918 |
| 4 | 805 Restaurants | 93 Aminu Kano Cres, Wuse 2 904101, Abuja | 08032079169 |
| 5 | 355 Steakhouse & Lounge | 38 Osun Cres, Maitama 900271, Abuja | 09098543584 |
| 6 | Zuma Grill | Floor 01, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, 1 Aguiyi Ironsi St | 094613000 |
| 7 | Casa Mexicana | 264 Tafawa Balewa Rd, Central Business District 901002, Abuja | 08176333111 |
| 8 | The Ivy League Restaurant | The penthouse at Cube Mall, 69 Adetokunbo Ademola Cres, Wuse 2 904101, Abuja | 08101406504 |
| 9 | Galaxy Pizza | 2 atkampe street, off Adetokunbo Ademola Cres, Wuse 2, Abuja | 08112760422 |
| 10 | Amazonia Restaurant | 7 Hombori St, Wuse 904101, Abuja | 09124898083 |
The Hotels/Resorts During Christmas in Abuja
Especially if you are coming from outside the city, Christmas in Abuja cannot be complete without a place to stay. This is why finding the best hotels and Resorts in Abuja is important during your search. We considered a lot of things while curating our list of top resorts/hotels in Abuja for you to stay in during Christmas.
Some of them would include their ambience, services and most importantly nearness to other facilities. Abuja is blessed with some of the best hotels in the country so things will be relatively more expensive here. However, any of these options we have chosen here is sure to give you value for money.
Fraser Suites
One of the best places to enjoy your stay in Abuja is the Fraser Suites. This upmarket hotel is found in the business district of Abuja and it is close to a lot of cool spots. In terms of ambience both in the room and outside of it, there is no way to beat what is available here. This is why we are looking at them first for a hotel to stay in while on holiday. Don’t just take our word for it – look at their honours. This hotel has been bagging both local and international awards since 2017.
In terms of the services offered, there is no better hotel you will find than this one. You have a restaurant, bar, spa, gym, and pool here to improve your experience. Wi-Fi is in all rooms and also in the public areas of the hotel. If you book online, this hotel offers airport pickup on arrival and also a private car service to take you around town.
Contact Information – 08139888888
Location – 3F3G+PR9, 294 Leventis Close, Central Business District, Abuja
Socials – Instagram
Checking Hours – Check-in 2 pm; check-out 12 noon
Transcorp Hilton
This is arguably the most popular hotel in Abuja and can be found in the heart of Maitama. Also, it will take you about. 20 minutes to drive from this hotel to the city centre. Although it is one of the most expensive options on this list, value for money is assured here. This modern hotel gives you a calm and relaxed ambience to aid you to enjoy the best of time during your holiday.
Facilities/amenities are where this hotel wins the battle for which should be called the best. On the outside, you have table tennis and a squash court. There is also a mart for grocery shopping, a life, and a currency exchange in the facility. An outdoor pool, babysitters, a nightclub, a saloon and a boutique are other things you will find here. Including the restaurant, bar, gym, sauna, valet parking, and Wi-Fi available here, this is simply the best place to spend Christmas in Abuja.
Contact Information – 08039013000
Location – 1 Aguiyi Ironsi St, Maitama 900001, Abuja
Socials – Instagram
Checking Hours – check-in 3 pm; check-out 12 noon
Nordic Hotels
The Nordic hotel is another place to consider when you are planning your Christmas in Abuja. It is just 2 km from Jabi Lake which we know you would want to visit while you are here. The ambience from outside and inside of the rooms is another selling point for this hotel. You are sure of getting the best of whatever it is you want while you are staying here. The green and blue exterior give us a calm atmosphere fit for relaxation.
The best service is what you are expecting once you decide to stay here. All you have to do is make your reservations online and leave the rest to them. For a little extra, a tour/travel plan can be drawn up for you. The services begin when you arrive here as they offer airport pickups. There is a restaurant, beauty & wellness spa, bar, and pool in the facility also.
Contact Information – 08099944480
Location – Blvd, Plot 1332 Shehu Yar’adua Way, Mabushi, Abuja
Socials – Instagram
Checking Hours – check-in 3 pm; check-out 12 noon
Zuma Rock Resort
The next place we are considering is one of the best resorts in Abuja. The Zuma rock resort can be found 6km off the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria expressway in Tafa. This resort is definitely one to visit even if it means staying just a night as the experience is second to none in Abuja. With a clear view and proximity to Zuma rock, this will be perfect for those who would like to go mountain climbing/hiking.
Their golf course is one of the most popular side attractions here but it is not the only service they offer here. You can go horse riding and ride bicycles in this resort. The inclusion of a pool, spa, restaurant, bar, and Wi-Fi makes it worth the while.
Contact Information – 08123375147
Location – Zuma Rock, KM 6 Abuja – Kaduna – Zaria Express Way, 910103, Tafa
Socials – Instagram
Room Rates begin at N40,000
Grand Cubana Hotels
Another hotel to consider when you are looking at spending Christmas in Abuja is the Grand Cubana hotel. They pride themselves on being a statement of class in the Jabi area of Abuja. There are so many hotels in Abuja but this is one with ambience, class and relatively fair pricing.
Customer service is everything and the Grand Cubana understands this. They offer us the best customer service with all the necessary amenities to make our stay the best. A restaurant and a bar are basic but they also include other services like a unisex saloon, Wi-Fi, a pool, car rental, a gym and a spa. Making this one of the best places to stay during your Christmas holiday in Abuja.
Contact Information – 08133380666
Location – 6 Ebitu Ukiwe St, Jabi 900108, Abuja
Socials – Instagram
Checking Hours – check-in and check-out at 12 noon
Room rates begin at N37,000
| S/N0 | NAME/WEBSITE | ADDRESS/GOOGLE MAP LINK | CONTACT INFORMATION |
| 1 | Fraser Suites | 3F3G+PR9, 294 Leventis Close, Central Business District, Abuja | 08139888888 |
| 2 | Transcorp Hilton | 1 Aguiyi Ironsi St, Maitama 900001, Abuja | 08039013000 |
| 3 | Nordic Hotels | Blvd, Plot 1332 Shehu Yar’adua Way, Mabushi, Abuja | 08099944480 |
| 4 | Zuma Rock Resort | Zuma Rock, KM 6 Abuja – Kaduna – Zaria Express Way, 910103, Tafa | 08123375147 |
| 5 | Grand Cubana Hotels | 6 Ebitu Ukiwe St, Jabi 900108, Abuja | 08133380666 |
| 6 | Johnwood Hotel | 6 Sokode Cres, Wuse 904101, Abuja | 09038852600 |
| 7 | Meethaq Hotel, Jabi | 3rd floor, meethaq hotels, Jabi 900108, Abuja | 092927317 |
| 8 | The Wells Carlton Hotel & Apartment | 8 Gado Nasko St, Asokoro 900110, Abuja | 09081879231 |
| 9 | Casalinda Hotel & Gallery Resort | 6 Tarkwa Cres, Wuse 2 900001, Abuja | 09127759045 |
| 10 | BON Hotel | 3 Negro Cres, Maitama 904101, Abuja | 07086300440 |
Nightlife During Christmas in Abuja
When you are celebrating Christmas in Abuja, the nightlife is important and the people here do not disappoint. Alcohol is allowed in Abuja even if it is partly in Northern Nigeria so clubbing is a thing. Most of the hotels and restaurants/Lounges we recommended here are open for clubbing hours just in case you want some music and dancing during your celebration.
Usually, Abuja is a safe haven but in recent times, there have been cracks in their security. So, we recommend that you be watchful and mindful of the areas you go to enjoy the night. Walking is not a recommendation at night regardless of how close it is. Uber and other taxi services are available in Abuja which makes moving about easy. Most restaurants also deliver food, so you can order in at night rather than going out.
Events coming up During Christmas in Abuja
There are so many things to do in Abuja this Christmas and so many Christmas events in Abuja to attend. Some of these will include;
| S/N | Event & Socials/Website | Type of Event | Location | Date |
| 1 | Morange Abuja | Art Exhibition | Matrix Gallery | 9/12/2022-11/12/2022 |
| 2 | Trap House Party | House Party | See details | 10/12/2022 |
The Last Words from Attenvo’s Santa on Spending Christmas in State
From the amazing hotels in Abuja to the restaurants and bars – Abuja is simply the place to be this Christmas. However, if Christmas in Abuja doesn’t work for you, you can see our views on Christmas in Lagos.
At the end of the day, we know you wouldn’t be asking Google ‘where can I spend Christmas in Abuja?’ We have listed out a lot of options for you to choose from. However, we would suggest you are between Maitama and Jabi as they offer proximity to the fun places in Abuja. They are not fair to each other, so anyone works.
Jabi Mall will be fun on the 24th and everything you will need can be found there. It has restaurants, lounges, a cinema and a gaming centre. On the 25th however, you could chill with family and friends at central park. If you are with kids then the Magicland wonder park is going to be your best bet.
We have extensively talked about how to spend Christmas in Abuja and all that is left is for you to send us photos. So, until then we would love to say Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.
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