Christmas Village debuts in Ikorodu to boost family bonding, local tourism

The Christian Retreat Centre (CRC) in Ikorodu, Lagos State, says its Christmas Village and Funfair is set to bring families together, create jobs, and boost community tourism.

The Team Lead of the Christmas Village 2025, Kayode Ibrahim, said this during an interview with newsmen on Thursday in Lagos.

Ibrahim said that the inaugural Christmas Village, organised by CRC, aimed to provide families a secure, affordable, and accessible space to unwind, reconnect, and celebrate the holidays without the burden of long-long-distance travel.

“Christmas is a time when people relax, bond and get to know each other again.

“We are creating a place where families can sit together, have fun, take photographs and remember their time together,” he said.

Ibrahim, however, acknowledged that awareness remained a major challenge, as many Ikorodu residents were unaware of the Christmas Village in spite of ongoing publicity.

He urged families who were concerned about safety and lack of finance to travel for the Christmas festivities, to patronise recreational centres around their communities, and ensure they create lasting memories.

The Customer Service Lead, Mrs Abigail Adebukola, said beyond entertainment, the project had created socio-economic benefits for the host community, including job opportunities for residents and improvements to access roads around CRC.

Supreme news reports that the centre features accommodation, illuminated sculptures, and a 30-metre lighted Christmas tree, touted by organisers as one of the tallest in Lagos.

Other features are activities including, open spaces and tents for picnics, swimming, basketball courts, bouncy castles, food, drinks and other children’s attractions.