Every year, December transforms into a season of massive economic activity driven by festivities, travel, reunions, concerts, weddings, and the vibrant culture in Nigeria. From Christmas to New Year’s celebrations, millions of people spend more money during this period than any other month of the year.
For entrepreneurs, this is the perfect time to tap into high demand and boost revenue. Below are 15 businesses that consistently boom in December, along with detailed insights into why they thrive.
1. Hotels & Guest Houses
December brings a surge of visitors, tourists, returning diaspora, wedding guests, and travellers attending events. Hotels experience near-full occupancy, especially in major cities like Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Asaba, Enugu amongst others. Higher demand also drives up prices. Many establishments offer December packages and premium services to maximize earnings.
2. Short-Let Apartments & Airbnb Rentals
Short-lets have become the preferred accommodation for families, groups, and visitors who want privacy, comfort, and freedom. During December, prices often double because demand far exceeds supply, especially in the christian dominated areas and neighbourhoods. Many bookings are made months ahead.
3. Event Centres & Halls
From weddings and concerts to church programs and corporate end-of-year parties, December is the busiest month for events in Nigeria. Event centres, outdoor spaces, banquet halls, and hotel ballrooms get fully booked. Even community halls and open fields become premium spaces during this period.
4. Nightclubs, Lounges & Bars
December is powered by nightlife. Clubs run daily events, themed nights, celebrity appearances, and DJ shows. Bars and lounges stay crowded till dawn. Table bookings, bottle sales, and VIP experiences generate massive revenue. Some clubs record their highest annual earnings in just a few weeks.
5. Food Vendors & Catering Services
Food remains at the heart of every December celebration. Caterers get booked for: Weddings, End-of-year corporate dinners, House parties, Concerts and Church programs.
Street food vendors near nightlife spots, beaches, and malls also make extraordinary sales due to late-night activities.
6. Restaurants & Fast-Food Spots
Most families dine out more frequently in December. Tourists also explore local cuisine. Restaurants in malls, beaches, and tourist zones experience massive foot traffic. Many brands introduce festive menus, holiday discounts, and family-sized packages to match consumer demand.
7. Clothing, Fashion & Tailoring Services
December is fashion season. People want outfits for Christmas, New Year celebrations, weddings, dinners, photoshoots, concerts, and beach outings. Tailors, designers, and ready-to-wear brands experience a rush, often working round the clock to meet deadlines. Aso-ebi clothing is especially in high demand for weddings.
8. Beauty, Hair, Makeup & Grooming Services
Looking good is a priority for many in December. Makeup artists, hairstylists, nail technicians, barbers, lash techs, and spas get fully booked, sometimes weeks ahead. Bridal beauty services, party glam, grooming packages, and holiday makeovers are extremely popular during this time.
9. Transport & Ride-Hailing Services
The movement in December is intense: Airport pickups, Wedding transportation, Nightlife mobility, Concerts and festivals, Family visits across cities. Uber, Bolt, taxis, tricycles, and buses all experience increased demand. Surge pricing becomes normal due to heavy traffic and limited availability.
10. Car Rentals (Including Luxury Vehicles)
Celebrities, influencers, corporate visitors, and returning diaspora often prefer renting luxury vehicles for comfort and status. SUVs and 7-seaters are especially popular for group travel and events. Rental prices rise significantly because many families need reliable vehicles for holiday outings.
11. Beverage & Alcohol Sales
December is the highest-selling month for drinks. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages move fast at: Weddings, Clubs, House parties, Beach events and Corporate functions
Wholesalers, retailers, distributors, and even supermarkets enjoy record-breaking sales. Gift hampers containing wine and spirits also contribute to the demand.
12. Gift Shops & Online Retail (E-Commerce)
December is gifting season. People shop for: Perfumes, Clothing, Hampers, Toys, Gadgets, Decorations, Shoes and Accessories.
E-commerce platforms receive huge order volumes. Delivery services also boom as consumers demand quick, convenient shopping experiences.
13. Digital Payments, Fintech & POS Agents
Financial transactions peak in December. From shopping and ticket purchases to event payments and transfers, fintech apps and POS agents see significant increases in activity. POS operators earn more from service charges because cash withdrawals and transfers surge.
14. Entertainment & Cinema Businesses
Nollywood typically releases blockbuster films at the end of the year, drawing large audiences. Cinemas, theatres, comedy shows, musical concerts, art festivals, and children’s holiday events experience massive turnout. Streaming subscriptions also rise as families relax at home.
15. Travel Agencies & Tour Operators
December travel is a tradition for many families. Travel agencies help customers with: Holiday packages, Local tours, International travel bookings, Beach houses, Flight and hotel reservations and Visa support.
Many Nigerians explore destinations like Dubai, Ghana, Kenya, Zanzibar, London, and Cape Town. Local tourist spots such as Obudu Cattle Ranch, Ogbunike Cave, Lekki Conservation Centre, and Tarkwa Bay also attract crowds.
December is a golden opportunity for businesses. Demand is high, consumers spend willingly, and the festive atmosphere creates endless possibilities for entrepreneurs. Whether you run a physical shop, offer digital services, or operate in the hospitality industry, December can significantly boost your revenue if you prepare early.
