Five (5) Ultimate Things to do in Accra this Christmas

Welcome to Accra, the vibrant and cosmopolitan capital city of Ghana, on the Atlantic coast of West Africa. The city doesn’t have any heavy-hitting sights like Cape Coast or Elmina but it does have good shopping, excellent nightlife and definitely the best selection of eating options in Ghana.

 If you are planning to spend your Christmas vacations in Accra than there is a plethora of places to visit and things to do in the city.

I have selected a list of five (5) things to do in Accra this Christmas to make it a truly memorable one.

•  Visit the Christmas Markets

During the holidays, the streets of Accra are flooded with various Christmas markets which sell a wide array of products ranging from souvenirs to clothes and everything in between. From the ‘Makola Market’ to the ‘Kaneshie Market’, these markets are bustling. For new arrivals, it can be an intense experience but great fun walking amongst the crowd of people and indulging in some Christmas bonhomie.

 

Labadi Beach

• Visit the Beaches

Ghanaians like going to the beach at this time of the year.  You'll probably find playing games, horse riding and a good party at Labadi Beach, for example. Labadi beach is one of Accra’s beautiful beaches and is maintained by the local hotels. Like every other beach in Accra, Labadi Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the Christmas festivity.

 

Carol Service

• Visit the Churches to Look at the Nativity Plays

Ghana has a predominately Christian population. Many churches are therefore decorated with Christmas trees, flowers, and palm branches in honour of the holiday. The Nativity plays and carol services enacted by the youth of these churches are a sight to behold. Simply find a church near and enjoy some amazing local hymns.

• Volunteering

Volunteering is about doing your small part to benefit others directly. Of course, volunteering is a great thing to do any time of year. No need to wait for the holidays, but during the holidays there are a lot of opportunities for people to volunteer. You can also donate gifts to an orphanage or share some foods and clothes with street children who may not be fortunate like you. After all, Christmas is all about showing love.

•  Check out Local and Events

Many attractions count on Christmas break for a big surge of visitors, so don’t expect to be the only ones there. A nice place to visit is the Accra Cultural Center -- There is so much to see that you will literally hyperventilate when you get there. There is a never ending array of goods in numerous stalls that you may not even be able to shop, try outfits and haggle in one day.

There are also countless special events this time of year, and many of them only come around once a year, so don’t let the holiday break slip by without stepping out. 

 BONUS

• Go to the Shopping Mall

Shopping Malls in Accra are extremely exciting during the festive period. Shoppers are greeted with high key festive ambience featuring  live acoustic performances, DJ music, mascot parades, family games and entertainment. You get to meet and interact with a lot of people. December 24 is the “Mall Day” – a unofficial day for people to hang out at the malls. Check out the West Hils Mall, Accra Mall, Achimota Mall etc.

If you need a personal tour guide in Accra, don't hesitate to send me an email: nii@tourismologist.com