Sekondi-Takoradi, the twin coastal city in Ghana’s Western Region (often called “Taadi” by locals), transforms into a whirlwind of energy, culture, and joy every December. Declared an official “Christmas City” in 2019, the festivities officially kick off around December 19 and stretch until January 2, blending Christian traditions with deep-rooted local customs. It’s a magnet for Ghanaians from the diaspora, tourists, and locals alike, drawing thousands with its street parties, music, and community spirit. With the current date being December 10, 2025, preparations are in full swing—expect traffic jams, brass bands warming up, and early hype building toward the peak on Christmas Eve and Day.

Key Traditions and Celebrations

Christmas here is less about quiet family dinners and more about explosive public revelry. Here’s what makes it unique:

Ankos Festival (Masquerade Carnivals)

Scenes from 2024 Masquerade festival

The heartbeat of Taadi’s Christmas. Over 30 groups (known as “Ankos” or “Fancy Dress”) think vibrant masks, feathered headdresses, and sequined outfits—and parade the streets with brass bands blasting highlife and Afrobeat tunes. It’s a competition of creativity, dance, and energy, often starting December 24 and peaking on Christmas Day and New Year’s.

Groups like Anchors (over 60 years old) and Yankee Masquerade lead the charge, funded partly by diaspora members who return home for the event. The Westside Carnival and Taadi Fest on Liberation and Old John Sarbah Road are must-sees, with crowds spilling into the night.

Street Carnivals and Concerts

Scenes from 2024 brass band competition

Principal streets like European Town, Beach Road, and around Takoradi Market Circle grind to a halt for non-stop processions. Expect dances, crafts, food stalls (jollof rice, fried plantains, and kelewele), and pop-up parties. The Potomanto Festival in Sekondi features musical lineups, while Takoradi Mall hosts family-friendly events with over 60 activities citywide.

Religious and Family Vibes

Amid the chaos, churches host midnight masses, nativity plays, and carol services—like the recent “Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony” with nine lessons and carols at Western Serene Atlantic Hotel. Families reunite for feasts, gift exchanges (kids get toys and new clothes), and beachside gatherings, reflecting Ghana’s blend of faith and fun.

Local artist Kofi Kinaata’s “Made in Tadi” is technically the official anthem, capturing the pre-Christmas buzz and how the city “pulls you in” with its infectious energy.

What’s Happening in 2025 (As of December 10)

Business in Takoradi During Christmas: A Festive Economic Surge

As of December 10, 2025, Takoradi (the heart of Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana’s “Christmas City”) is buzzing with pre-holiday prep, turning its streets into a goldmine for entrepreneurs. The influx of locals, diaspora returnees, and tourists—fueled by the iconic Ankos Festival and street carnivals—spikes consumer spending on gifts, food, outfits, and services. Retail sales often double in the Central Business District (CBD), with markets like Takoradi Market Circle overflowing with pop-up stalls. While challenges like traffic and competition exist, the season creates ripe opportunities for quick wins.

Pre-Christmas Hype: Brass bands are already practicing (as seen in viral videos of Davido’s “With You” remixes blasting through speakers). Traffic in the Central Business District is notorious plan for delays!

Events to Watch

• Cosmos 3×3 Basketball Fiesta: Cosmos Masqueraders Club, one of the major players in the masquerade business are known for their vibrant masquerade performances and participation in the famous Westside Masquerade Festival. As part of their 25 years in the masquerade space the city of Sekondi-Takoradi will be turned into a buzzing hub of 3×3 basketball fiesta, drawing team from across the Western Region to compete for an ultimate prize.

Cosmos Basketball Fiesta is set to entertain the people of Western region with a buzz of 3×3 basketball fiesta.

• Effiakuma to the world 2025: the 5th edition promises to be an exciting one as DJ Ashesz Concept in collaboration with Jelvis Foundation ones again gives back to the people of Effiakuma and beyond an exciting series of activities from December 12 to December 18.

All Set for Effiakuma to the world 2025

• Made In Taadi 2025: the crown jewel of Takoradi’s Christmas season. Headlined by hometown hero Kofi Kinaata (the “Fante Rap God” behind hits like “Susuka” and “Made in Taadi”), this annual free event celebrates Western Region pride, storytelling vibes, and electrifying highlife-Afrobeats fusions. Launched in 2017, it’s a cultural anchor that draws 40,000+ fans, blending music, community, and giveback—Kinaata funds it personally despite losses, calling it “meant to give back to the people of Takoradi.” After a triumphant 2024 comeback at Takoradi Sports Club (over 40,000 attendees), 2025 promises even bigger energy.

• Supreme Ankos Village: the flagship Christmas carnival event organized by the supreme masquerade society transforms Takoradi into a festive “village” of music, dance, and revelry. It’s not a literal village but themed pop-up celebration that captures the essence of Ankos culture-think immersive street parties with Supreme’s members leading parades in dazzling outfits. The 2025 edition marks the society’s 25th anniversary and scheduled for December 24-26, 2025.

Ankos Village by Supreme Masquerade Society

Recent buzz from socials and traditional media makes it “the best place to be every Christmas,” with locals urging visitors: “You need to visit Takoradi this Christmas ooo.” One user summed it up: “December in Takoradi… it’s lit during Christmas.”

Why Visit?

Sekondi-Takoradi’s Christmas isn’t just a holiday—it’s a cultural explosion that celebrates Ghanaian resilience, from its fishing village roots to oil-boom modernity. It’s affordable (street food under GH₵20), inclusive, and unforgettable. If you’re in Ghana, hop on a trotro; if abroad, join the Year of Return vibe. Merry Christmas from Tadi—Made in Taadi, eh!

December is Sekondi-Takoradi?

That Sekondi-Takoradi energy is an undeniable love. One of the city’s finest putting the Western Region on the map from the streets of Effiakuma to global stages, a multiple award winner and the official DJ of Kofi Kinaata and holding it down as the ultimate club, pub, and event king is set to officially set the tone for this festive season; December is Western Region.

Yo, DJ Ashes! The Effiakuma Baddest DJ is set to host his loyal jammers to a mouthwatering curtain raiser of a concert dubbed; “Effiakuma to the World.”  The event, which is organized every year brings together industry players, fans, and people from all works of life to partake in a series of activities including a clean up exercise, free health screening, football gala which is climaxed with a concert.

A section of pupils from Effiakuma

This year’s event takes a new twist as it marks a historic partnership with Jelvis Foundation.

The ground breaker will begin with a ‘bonfire night’ on Friday December 12, 2025, from 19:00 preceded with a donation to the aged on December 14th 2025, a float and many other activities.

Health screening

Effiakuma to the world 5.0 donation to the aged

Big Brother Naija Season 10 first runner-up, Dede Ashiogwu, is captivating audiences once again, this time as the cover star for La Mode Magazine’s 98th edition. Themed “The Power of Elegance”, the issue highlights her journey from reality TV standout to a fashion and lifestyle icon, blending Nigerian cultural elements with contemporary style.

Key Highlights from the Buzz

Dede’s Rise: Known as the “Queen of Aura,” Dede finished as the runner-up in BBNaija S10, topping social media trends throughout the season. She leveraged her platform for fashion collaborations, including appearances at Lagos Fashion Week, solidifying her status as a style influencer.

The Cover Story: The photoshoot features Dede in elegant, high-fashion looks—think sculpted gowns and structured pieces that exude confidence and grace with fans raving about her “glow-up,” with the cover emphasizing poise as a form of empowerment.

Dede Ashiogwu cover of magazine

Magazine Milestone: La Mode, a Nigerian fashion staple, uses this edition to celebrate elegance as a force—timeless, transformative, and unyieldingly fierce. It’s a nod to Dede’s post-show era, where she’s not just surviving the spotlight but redefining it on her terms.

Fan Frenzy: The reveal has sparked a storm on X (formerly Twitter), with Dede’s post alone racking up thousands of likes and reposts in hours. Fans are calling it her “era takeover,” praising how she fuses cultural flair with high fashion.

Cover Highlights (From the Buzz)

Dede’s visuals are pure fire: radiant skin, windswept tresses, and outfits that balance drama with wearability. One shot has her in a sculpted white gown against a sunset-hued backdrop, exuding queen energy; another leans into structured tailoring for that entrepreneurial edge.

Dede’s not just a cover star; she’s proof that BBNaija launches legacies. If her Insta feed (@dede_ashiogwu) is any hint, this is the start of something iconic. What’s your take—ready for the Dede domination?