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St. John's - Things to Do in St. John's in December

Things to Do in St. John's in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

Good time to visit Low Season · Budget Friendly

December Weather in St. John's

Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance

49°F (9°C) High Temp
28°F (-2°C) Low Temp
0.0 inches (0 mm) Rainfall
70% Humidity
⚠ North Atlantic storms spin up without warning. Whiteout skies arrive in minutes. Gusts top 80 km/h (50 mph). Seek shelter fast. ⚠ Black ice forms on sidewalks overnight. Walk like a penguin. Small shuffling steps keep you upright. Falls ruin vacations.

Is December Right for You?

Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking

Advantages
  • + December starts iceberg season. Ancient 10,000-year-old bergs drift past Signal Hill. Cape Spear's 1836 lighthouse frames them. You stand at the continent's easternmost point. Bring a scarf. The wind is relentless.
  • + Hotel rates drop 30-40% after October's cruise exodus. Same-week harbor-view rooms appear in St. John's minus the summer gouge. Book online. Sleep cheaper. Wake to foghorns.
  • + George Street Christmas lights weave 120,000 bulbs overhead. The 200-year-old lane glows like a film set after 4:30pm darkness. Duck into pubs. Order Screech. Repeat.
  • + Mummers Parade lands December 27th. Locals wear outrageous costumes, bang ugly sticks, demand pub entry for a drink. Tradition since 1819. Join or watch. Bring cash.
Considerations
  • − Daylight shrinks to 8 hours. Sun up at 7:45am, down by 4:30pm. Icy sidewalks shine by late afternoon. Headlamp essential. Coffee helps.
  • − North Atlantic storms hurl 80 km/h (50 mph) winds. Feels like -15°C (5°F) even above freezing. Damp cold slices through jackets. Zip tight.
  • − East Coast Trail turns treacherous. Ice sheets coat the 540 km (335 mile) coastal path. Dramatic cliff views still tempt. Stay off. Wait for spring.

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Best Activities in December

Top things to do during your visit

St. John's in December is a city wrapped in salted wind. The Atlantic light is thin and low. Days are short, with the sun arcing briefly over Signal Hill before long, dark evenings take over. Locals gather in pubs where windows steam with condensation. The air smells of wool and fried fish. This is not a season for outdoor festivals. It is for contained, communal warmth. The month builds toward the Mummers Parade on December 27th. George Street erupts with the clatter of ugly sticks then. The Rooms museum offers its own refuge all month. The scent of hot rum toddies and the sound of button-accordions echo in its galleries overlooking the frozen harbor. Visiting now means embracing the contrast between the raw, windswept landscape and the profound human hospitality found inside. Weather here in December is variable and brisk. Highs rarely push past a single digit on the Celsius scale. Nights often dip well below freezing. You will feel the humid bite of the ocean air. Measurable rainfall is low. But expect a mix of conditions. Fleeting snow flurries dust the jellybean-colored row houses. Clear afternoons are piercingly bright. Pack sturdy boots and layered clothing. Seek out the gleam of harbor lights against the early dusk. Listen for the mournful blast of foghorns from the Narrows. Hotels in St. John's are concentrated in the downtown core. You will be within steps of the historic streets, steaming pubs, and glowing shop windows that define a December evening.

Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise

Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise

 cruise
★ 4.9 837 reviews from $93

A boat cuts through the steel-gray waters of the Atlantic. The engine's low rumble mixes with the shriek of seabirds. You will see the comic, orange-beaked faces of puffins bobbing on the swells. A collective gasp follows a humpback's fluke breaking the surface with a mighty slap. The chill sea spray on your face is a bracing reminder of the wild ecology just beyond the city's edge.

Half day Expensive Midday, for the best light over the water
This cruise connects you directly to the dramatic marine life that defines the Newfoundland coast. It is a world away from the sheltered harbor.
Insider tip: Dress in layers warmer than you think you need. The wind on the open water is relentless. It cuts through ordinary jackets.
This month: Whale sightings are less common in December. The stark, dramatic seascape and winter bird populations offer a profoundly different atmosphere.
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Historic St. John's Newfoundland and Cape Spear Tour

Historic St. John's Newfoundland and Cape Spear Tour

 cultural
★ 4.9 252 reviews from $66

This tour winds along coastal roads. You will see the white foam of Atlantic waves crashing against the black cliffs of Cape Spear, the easternmost point in North America. You will hear stories of lighthouse keepers and soldiers in the fortifications atop Signal Hill. The wind whistles through old stone batteries there.

Half day Moderate Morning departure to capture the clear winter light along the coast
The journey frames the rugged, defiant character of St. John's against its dramatic natural fortress. It provides the essential geographic and historical context for the city. This explains why St. John's clings to this specific, dramatic edge of the continent.
Insider tip: Request a seat on the left side of the vehicle. This gives unobstructed views of the ocean cliffs during the drive to Cape Spear.
This month: The wind at Cape Spear is fierce in December. Secure your hoods and hats when stepping outside the vehicle.
Book now on Viator →
St. John's Downtown Walking Tour

St. John's Downtown Walking Tour

 walking_tour
★ 4.8 219 reviews from $44

You will walk the steep, sloping streets of downtown St. John's. Your boots echo on the old pavement. You pass rows of Victorian houses painted in vivid shades of raspberry, buttercup, and mint. The guide's voice cuts through the cold air. It points out subtle differences in rooflines and the history behind a weathered wooden door. You can smell woodsmoke from chimney flues. You feel the city's intimate, village-like scale.

2-3 hours Budget An afternoon start, finishing as the early winter dusk sets the city lights aglow
This walking tour reveals the layered human stories embedded in the very architecture and incline of St. John's. You cannot grasp this from a vehicle.
Insider tip: Wear footwear with serious grip. The historic sidewalks and streets can be treacherously slick with December's frost and ice.
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Award Winning 4 Hr Tour w Come From Away star* (lunch included)

Award Winning 4 Hr Tour w Come From Away star* (lunch included)

 guided_experience
★ 4.9 170 reviews from $148

This experience examines the recent cultural history of St. John's. It is centered on the true story that inspired the global phenomenon. You will hear firsthand accounts, perhaps even a song, in locations that feel lived-in and real. A meal of local fare follows.

4 hours Expensive Midday tour, as it is structured around the lunch experience
The warmth of the shared lunch and the personal narratives create an emotional connection to the city's contemporary spirit. It has a moving, personal entry point into the famous Newfoundland hospitality. That hospitality defines modern St. John's.
Insider tip: The included lunch is a highlight. Come hungry and ready to try traditional dishes you might not order on your own.
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St. John's 3 Hour Newfoundland Food Tour

St. John's 3 Hour Newfoundland Food Tour

 food
★ 4.9 132 reviews from $101

This tour is a deliberate, delicious education. It moves from a warm bakery smelling of fresh molasses bread to a pub. There you will taste the sharp, salty tang of pickled seal flipper. You will feel the heat of a fishcake fresh from the fryer. You will sip on a dark, malty local stout. Each stop unpacks a chapter of how the people of St. John's have eaten, from necessity to celebration.

III hours Expensive Late morning, evolving into an early and satisfying lunch
It is the most direct and flavorful path to understanding the culinary identity of the city. Do it bite by authentic bite.
Insider tip: Pace yourself. The portions are generous and substantial. They are designed for a cold climate.
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2 Hours Guided Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls

2 Hours Guided Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls

 cruise
★ 4.9 558 reviews from $97

This shorter boat tour departs from the nearby community of Bay Bulls. It immerses you in sheltered fjord-like scenery. Sheer rock walls tower over the deep green water. You will hear the captain's commentary crackle over the loudspeaker. Listen for excited shouts when a whale's spout is spotted. The focused duration makes it an intense burst of coastal wildness.

2 hours Expensive Morning, when the waters in Bay Bulls are often at their calmest
It delivers a concentrated dose of the region's majestic marine environment with efficiency. This is good for a short winter day.
Insider tip: The boat's interior cabin is heated. Claim a spot by the windows early for a comfortable view. You will not need to brave the open deck the entire time.
This month: As with other marine tours, the focus shifts from summer whale concentrations to the powerful winter seascape. You will see hardy bird species instead.
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Where to Stay in St. John's in December

Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for December travellers.

Best Western Plus St. Johns Airport Hotel and Suites in St. John's
★★★★ Mid-Range

Best Western Plus St. Johns Airport Hotel and Suites

9.1 Excellent · 106 reviews
From $281 / night
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December Events & Festivals

What's happening during your visit

December 27
Mummers Parade

December 27th clatters with disguised locals banging ugly sticks. They chant 'Any mummers 'lowed in?' George Street jams by 8pm. UNESCO recognizes the ritual. Costumes dazzle. Beer flows.

Throughout December
Christmas at The Rooms

The Rooms, St. John's cultural flagship, hosts salt cod tastings, tourist screech-ins, button-accordion jams. Fourth-floor cafe overlooks the harbor. Hot rum toddies steam. View is free.

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Essential Tips

Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid

Insider Knowledge
Skip Cape Spear crowds. Locals drive 3 km (1.9 mile) to Middle Cove Beach for elevation and solitude. Better angles. No tour buses. George Street pubs skip cover charges in December. Tradition: buy the band a round. Bring cash. Not every bar takes plastic. Newfoundlanders love to talk. Ask about their screech-in tale. You'll hear stories no guidebook dares print. Laugh loudly. The Battery's wooden houses perch on cliffs. Cars can't fit. Park at the base, walk 800m (0.5 mile) for photos. Save your rental.
Avoid These Mistakes
Don't assume you can drive to iceberg viewpoints. Coastal roads ice over. Rentals ban winter routes. Stick to tours or city lookouts. Avoid waterfront St. John's hotels without checking window seals. North Atlantic storms whistle through gaps. Thermostat lies. You shiver. Jeans are a rookie error in December. Cotton drinks the North Atlantic spray and clings to skin. You will be cold, wet, and sorry in sixty minutes. Locals stick to wool or synthetic layers. Pack smart.
Explore More Activities in St. John's

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Continue Planning Your Trip

November

Travel guide for November

January

Travel guide for January

Where to Stay in December

Accommodation guide for St. John's in December

Climate Guide in December

Weather and seasonal patterns for St. John's in December

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Best Things to Do in St. John's on a Winter Day?

On a raw winter day in St. John's, The Rooms — the province's flagship museum, art gallery, and archives — is the obvious anchor, with rotating exhibitions on Newfoundland history and culture that can fill a half-day easily. Signal Hill National Historic Site rewards the windswept climb with dramatic views over the Narrows and the open Atlantic, though dress for serious gusts. The Johnson Geo Centre, built into the ancient rock face of Signal Hill itself, makes for a fascinating underground afternoon. When daylight fades early, George Street's dense cluster of pubs is exactly where locals go — and where visitors quickly feel like locals too.

What Are the Best Places to Go in St. John's in December?

Cape Spear, the easternmost point in mainland North America, is starkly beautiful under snow — a short drive from downtown, it feels like standing at the edge of the known world. The colourful Victorian row houses of Jellybean Row look their most photogenic dusted in winter white, and the downtown harbour area has an atmospheric quiet that summer tourists never see. George Street is non-negotiable any time of year, but December brings it a particular warmth. If your visit overlaps with the Mummers Festival in early December, you're in for one of the most singular holiday experiences in Canada.

What Is the Weather Like in St. John's in December?

December in St. John's is genuinely cold, frequently stormy, and reliably dramatic — the city ranks among the snowiest, windiest, and foggiest in all of Canada, and winter doesn't hold back. Daytime highs sit around 0–2°C (32–36°F), with overnight lows near -5°C (23°F), but the North Atlantic wind chill regularly makes it feel 10 degrees colder than that. Expect a rotating mix of snow, freezing rain, and the occasional full blizzard, so waterproof everything and grippy-soled boots are mandatory, not optional. That said, this raw, elemental edge is a core part of what makes St. John's feel unlike anywhere else — locals genuinely embrace it.

Is December a Good Time to Visit St. John's, Newfoundland?

December is a legitimately underrated time to visit — summer crowds are completely gone, accommodation prices drop noticeably, and the city's authentic character comes through more clearly without the tourist season overlay. You won't find icebergs or humpback whales (those are April–July draws), but the dramatic coastline, centuries-old pub culture, and walkable historic downtown are just as compelling under snow. The Mummers Festival in early December is one of the most distinctly Newfoundland events on the calendar. The main trade-off is short daylight (about 8 hours) and real winter weather — if you can make peace with both, December is genuinely rewarding.

What Is Mummering, and When Does the Mummers Festival Happen in St. John's?

Mummering is a centuries-old Newfoundland tradition where people disguise themselves in elaborate, often absurd costumes and visit neighbours' homes during the Twelve Days of Christmas (December 25 to January 6), challenging hosts to identify them before being invited in for food and drink. In St. John's, this tradition has been revived and expanded into the Mummers Festival, which typically runs in early December on and around George Street, with parades, live music, and costumed street events that visitors can join. It's genuinely unlike any other Christmas tradition in Canada. Check the festival's official website closer to your travel dates for the exact schedule, as it shifts year to year.

How Many Hours of Daylight Does St. John's Get in December?

St. John's sees roughly 8 to 8.5 hours of daylight in early December, shrinking to around 8 hours at the winter solstice on December 21 — sunrise falls near 7:50 AM and sunset around 4:15 PM. That's short but not Scandinavian-level short, and the low-angle winter light that hits the harbour and Signal Hill in the middle of the day can be genuinely beautiful for photography. Plan outdoor excursions to Cape Spear or the waterfront for midday, and treat the long evenings as an invitation to explore the bar and live music scene St. John's is quietly famous for.

Are There Christmas Events or Markets in St. John's in December?

St. John's doesn't have a large-scale European-style Christmas market, but it has something more authentic: a genuinely community-rooted holiday calendar. The Mummers Festival (typically early December on George Street) is the headline event, and The Rooms often runs special programming and late openings during the season. Local venues, theatres, and churches host concerts and holiday performances throughout the month — the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra typically runs December programming worth checking out. For the most current listings, Tourism Newfoundland's events calendar and the city's local arts outlets are your best sources.

What Should I Pack for a December Trip to St. John's?

Pack for a place that takes winter seriously: a windproof, fully waterproof outer shell is the single most important item — down jackets lose much of their insulation when wet, and freezing rain is common. Thermal base layers, a mid-layer fleece, and wool socks will carry you through most days, and waterproof boots with genuine grip are essential since sidewalks alternate between ice and slush. Bring gloves you can actually use (not just dress gloves), a hat that covers your ears, and if you're planning time at exposed headlands like Cape Spear or Signal Hill, a neck gaiter or balaclava is entirely reasonable. Overpacking layers is a mistake you will never regret in St. John's in December.