Families, food lovers gear up as GTCO rolls out 2025 holiday food, drink festival

By Queen Phillips

Lagos is gearing up for an extraordinary festive season as Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) announces the maiden GTCO Food & Drink Festival, Holiday Edition, a special Christmas-themed celebration set to blend Africa’s rich culinary heritage with world-class entertainment, and family-friendly experiences.

Scheduled for December 20 and 21, 2025, at the GT Centre, Oniru, Lagos, the Holiday Edition marks a bold expansion of the acclaimed annual GTCO Food & Drink Festival, widely regarded as Africa’s largest food exhibition.

This first-of-its-kind edition introduces a refreshing twist, one that merges the warmth of the holidays with Nigeria’s dynamic food and lifestyle culture, creating what many are already describing as a new December signature event for Lagos.

Speaking on the upcoming festival, during a press conference at their headquarters in Lagos, the Corporate Communications, GTCO Plc, Mr. Charles Eremi, said the Holiday Edition reinforces the company’s commitment to fostering creativity, enterprise, and shared happiness.

According to him, the Food & Drink platform has grown into “a powerful showcase of African cuisine, innovation, and small business excellence,” adding that extending it into a festive edition is GTCO’s way of “creating joyful shared experiences while supporting SMEs across the food and beverage value chain.”

With over 213 food vendors, immersive installations, and festive attractions, the event is designed as an inclusive space where families, tourists, creators, and entrepreneurs can explore, unwind, and connect.

Key highlights include: a vibrant christmas village visitors will enjoy a full holiday marketplace featuring handcrafted gifts, festive meals, artisanal treats, and themed entertainment, perfect for families preparing for the season.

Immersive Children’s Play Area, A safe, colourful world built for children of all ages, complete with holiday-themed games, workshops, and curated entertainment to keep younger visitors delighted throughout the two-day event.

Free Exhibition Stalls for 213 Food Vendors::- In line with GTCO’s SME-support focus, small businesses across Africa’s food and beverage sector will exhibit at no cost, giving them unmatched visibility and market exposure during the peak holiday shopping period.

High-Energy Raves–: Two of Nigeria’s most exciting performers will headline night-time raves, giving festival-goers a rich blend of food, vibes, and electrifying live music.

For GTCO, the Holiday Edition is more than a festival. It is part of a deliberate shift to deepen its lifestyle positioning within the financial services sector—creating brand experiences that resonate with young people, families, global tourists, and the SME community.

Beyond entertainment, organisers say the event aims to: celebrate African culinary art. Support small businesses with world-class platforms. Strengthen community engagement. Drive tourism and end-of-year economic activity. Create memorable holiday moments for Lagos residents and visitors.

As Lagos continues to establish itself as Africa’s creative and entertainment capital, the 2025 GTCO Food & Drink Festival, Holiday Edition promises to set a new benchmark for festive experiences on the continent.

With its blend of food, music, culture, and family-centric fun, the event is poised to become a major December highlight and a cherished new tradition for thousands of Lagosians.