Christmas in Rivers is a tourism and hospitality initiative designed to attract yuletide visitors to Rivers State, Nigeria, and offer an enjoyable, unforgettable experience to tourists seeking authenticity, recreation, adventure, and connection.
With events ranging from Christmas tree lighting ceremonies and carol nights to festivals, street carnivals, concerts, performing arts showcases, culinary fairs, fashion pop-ups, heritage tours, cultural exhibitions, and conferences, Christmas in Rivers provides visitors with a seamless way to discover, plan, and enjoy the holiday season.
Adventure seekers can indulge in hiking, river cruises, boat regattas, and jet ski adventures, exploring the scenic landscapes and waterways while experiencing the warmth and excitement of its festive atmosphere.
Through a centralized digital calendar of events and experiences running annually from December 1st to January 31st, guests can easily access event listings along with exclusive deals and offers from hotels, shortlets, restaurants, transport providers, and tour guides, ensuring a well-rounded and convenient festive experience.
Inspired by the spirit of nativity and community, Christmas in Rivers highlights Rivers State’s multi-ethnic identity, a vibrant confluence of cultures, traditions, and languages. This diversity makes the state a dynamic melting pot of creativity and heritage, offering visitors an authentic and immersive experience of Africa’s festive charm.
Beyond celebration, Christmas in Rivers serves as a strategic engine for economic growth and the development of the Culture and Creative Industries (CCIs), promoting entrepreneurship, job creation, investment, and social inclusion. It provides a powerful platform for businesses in the tourism and lifestyle sectors to engage new audiences and expand their reach during the festive season.
Christmas in Rivers also creates a gateway for development partners and investors committed to sustainable tourism, heritage preservation, and community development. Working with local councils, traditional institutions, creative collectives, and international organizations such as UNESCO, it supports capacity building and drives projects that safeguard and enhance the state’s heritage assets and cultural infrastructure.
Integrating tourism, culture, and development, Christmas in Rivers pioneers a sustainable model for heritage-led tourism that benefits both visitors and host communities. It embodies the vision of a vibrant, inclusive, and globally connected Rivers State where tradition, innovation, and opportunity converge to create lasting memories and meaningful impact.