By Prisca Sam-Duru

City Mall Ikeja Lagos was one of the few areas in the City that came alive with a visually striking and remarkable centerpiece that ushered in the 2024 Christmas celebration. Jameson Irish Whiskey which recently opened a creative hub in Lagos to help artists and culinary experts express their talents, unveiled the 12-day festive celebration at Ikeja City Mall on December 21, 2024.  

The unique experience which ended on January 1, 2024, featured a one-of-a-kind Christmas tree creatively constructed solely from 2500 recycled Jameson bottles. The event wasn’t just about the aesthetically designed tree, it was funfilled with visitors enjoying a variety of festive activities, including live music, cocktail demonstrations, games and a host of other engaging experiences.

The celebration kicked off by 5pm after the Jameson’s stand was completely set up, with loud music blasting from speakers positioned around the stand. Cocktail and games followed before the Tree Lighting Ceremony.

For the duration, there was something new and exciting for everyone as the unveiling of the tree provided an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Each day featured a new theme and unique activities such as music, thrilling Christmas Carol nights, a vibrant Owambe party, a spectacular New Year’s Eve concert, and more, that exemplified the warmth and openness of Jameson’s spirit, beginning with a colourful opening ceremony and finishing with memorable moments shared by friends, relatives, and curious onlookers.

Day after day, the tree remained the star attraction: a towering tribute to sustainability that also served as the perfect holiday backdrop for photos, hangouts and spontaneous laughter. On one evening, dubbed “Puzzles and Connects,” players connected in friendly competition, racing against the clock to arrange Jameson-themed puzzle pieces into mini festive trees. The lively atmosphere of camaraderie continued into the night, with winners cheering and high fiving. Receiving their mystery gift boxes added to the thrill.

Shortly after, another attraction emerged: a “Candle Making and Gift Corner,” where guests were encouraged to express their artistic side through the art of candle-making. While DJ SKB fired up the venue with music as fun seekers watched the Jameson-branded molds and excitedly waited for the candles to cool. A cozy gift area, an ode to the Christmas spirit of gift-giving, ensured that everyone went home with a token giving the day a glow of personal creativity and self-expression.

The tree lighting ceremony which happened exactly at 8pm, was more than just a festive landmark but an excellent representation of the company’s commitment to eco-friendly practices and support for art with recycled objects.

Commending Jameson for offering ideas about good waste management involving creativity, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Hon. Tokunbo Wahab, stressed the importance of recycling, noting that “Waste is not waste unless we tag it as waste.”

Managing Director of Pernod Ricard Nigeria- the parent company of Jameson Whiskey, Michael Ehindero, who was excited for witnessing his first Jameson bottle tree in Lagos, stated, “We are here to deliver 12 days of excitement and memorable experiences. Every bottle you see here was repurposed after use, turning waste into something extraordinary.”