December in Ghana is a wild wild west, depending on how much cash you’ve saved up. From dusk till dawn parties, annual concerts on steroids, reunion dinners, night beach raves etc. No wonder Lonely Planet listed us at the top spot for countries to visit in November (leading into December).
However, beneath the untamed and unrestrained excitement is something deeper: a chance for visiting diasporans and tourists to truly connect and get to know our culture as a country. We really have more than just vibes.
This short guide i’ve curated below highlights 5 heart-centered experiencces that go beyond the party scene. You’ll leave with an incredible 360° cultural experience.
✨ 1. Give Back With Love: Join a Community Outreach or Volunteer Event
December is one of the biggest giving seasons in Ghana, many organisations and private individuals plan donation drives for orphanages, widows, children hospitals, special needs institutions and schools in need. Volunteering as a tourist gives you the chance to:
• Spend time with children in hospitals and orphanages.
• Support reading and mentoring clubs
• Help with food drives
• Join a medical or community clean-up outreach
You leave with more than photos — you leave with purpose. You can join the organisation when the donated items are being made which means- road trip!! Check out these donation drives happening now and either support with your money, time or skills. I curated a verified list of charities on my X account to also help with your search.
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2. Trace Your Roots: Experience a Personal Heritage Journey
For many Black American diasporans, December is a spiritual return to follow their ancestors foot steps in their motherland.
Meaningful experiences include:
Visiting the famed Cape Coast & Elmina Castles where slaves were shipped off to the Americas.
Standing at the “Door of No Return” which is an emotional, grounding, and deeply transformative experience.
Experiencing a traditional naming ceremony. This experience is eye-opening and a doorway to asking of the meaning of one’s name.
Meeting local historians and storytellers - There are several plays in the month of December like “There’s Rice at Home” by JoeWackle. Find the one which befits your interest and join to learn about our Ghanaian history.
🌿 3. Slow Down With Nature: Waterfalls, Mountains & Quiet Escapes
Believe me when i say Ghana has breathtaking waterfalls and back-breaking, resolve breaking mountains for hikes and also quiet weekend escapes from the city’s chaos. If you’re escaping the winter months to come to Ghana then get ready to dive into warm pools, surf on rowdy ocean waves, hike till your lungs can’t take it anymore or taking incredible TikTok videos of you in our waterfalls.
Here are some of nature’s best places to visit this December:
Wli Waterfalls
Aburi Botanical Gardens
Boti Falls
Shai Hills
Ada riverfront escapes
Busua beach
Kwahu Nteso waterfalls
Bomfobiri waterfalls
These are incredible places to see for a total connection with nature. Don’t forget to pack your drone for incredible overhead videos.
📚 4. Join Storytelling Nights, Poetry Jams or Cultural Performances
December isn’t just nightlife — there’s art everywhere. Egotickets is one of my favourite ticketing platforms which is highlighting quiet a number of art experiences and cultural events.
Look out for:
Poetry slam nights
Storytelling evenings
Live band music
Traditional dance performances
Spoken word festivals
Art festivals like this Cup & Arts Festival happening on the 13th of December.
These spaces are intimate, emotional, and deeply cultural.
5. Support Small Ghanaian Brands at Festive Markets
December is the season of pop-ups and and at these events you can meet:
• Ghanaian & other African Fashion designers
• Natural skincare brands making the most luscious of skin and hair care products by Ghanaian businesses.
• Jewelry makers using wood, glass and other recycled materials to make the finest and unique jewelery pieces.
• Farmers & food traders at pop-ups are always the best! Artisan breads, jams, peppers, spices, pizzas etc can be found at this pop-ups.
Shopping local empowers small businesses and gives you unique gifts to take home after Detty December.
