Things to do in Le Havre in December

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Overview

December is a less popular time to visit Le Havre. The weather is usually cold and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 42—49°F (5—9°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Le Havre during this time. Some of our top recommendations: sample traditional Norman cuisine at a local restaurant, attend a festive workshop or cooking class to learn about local holiday traditions, take a guided tour of the city's historic sites and landmarks, and more!

Le Havre has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your December trip to Le Havre. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to December. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Le Havre in December. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout December, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Le Havre in December

Top experiences in December
Sample traditional Norman cuisine at a local restaurant
December is the perfect time to indulge in the rich and hearty flavors of traditional Norman cuisine. From creamy Camembert cheese to savory cider-braised dishes, the local restaurants in Le Havre offer a delicious array of seasonal specialties. Warm up with a bowl of seafood chowder or savor a tender beef stew, accompanied by a glass of local cider or Calvados. The cozy ambiance and warm hospitality of the restaurants make dining out in Le Havre a truly delightful experience during the winter months.
Attend a festive workshop or cooking class to learn about local holiday traditions
For a hands-on and immersive experience in Le Havre, consider attending a festive workshop or cooking class that focuses on local holiday traditions. From making traditional Christmas decorations to learning how to prepare seasonal dishes, there are plenty of opportunities to get creative and learn something new. You'll have the chance to interact with locals, gain insight into their customs, and take home some new skills and knowledge that you can share with friends and family back home.
Take a guided tour of the city's historic sites and landmarks
In December, the city of Le Havre offers guided tours that provide a fascinating insight into its rich history and heritage. From the iconic St. Joseph's Church to the UNESCO-listed modernist architecture, there's plenty to discover. Knowledgeable guides will lead you through the city's most significant landmarks, sharing stories and anecdotes that bring the past to life. It's a great way to gain a deeper appreciation for the unique blend of old and new that defines Le Havre.
Take a day trip to Etretat to see the stunning cliffs in winter
Just a short drive from Le Havre, the breathtaking cliffs of Etretat are even more dramatic in the winter months. The rugged coastline is adorned with a dusting of snow, and the crashing waves create a mesmerizing spectacle. You can take a leisurely walk along the cliff paths, admiring the natural arches and needle-like formations that have inspired artists for centuries. The fresh sea air and stunning vistas make for a rejuvenating day trip from Le Havre in December.
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Visit the Le Havre Christmas Market
The Le Havre Christmas Market is a magical experience in December. The market is filled with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. You can browse through the stalls selling handmade crafts, local delicacies, and unique gifts. There are also live performances, carol singers, and a visit from Santa Claus himself. It's the perfect place to soak up the holiday atmosphere and find some special souvenirs to take home.
Attend a traditional Christmas mass at one of the local churches
For a truly unique cultural experience in Le Havre, consider attending a traditional Christmas mass at one of the local churches. The historic architecture and ornate decorations create a serene and reverent atmosphere for the holiday service. Whether you're religious or simply interested in experiencing a different cultural tradition, attending a Christmas mass in Le Havre can be a meaningful and memorable part of your December visit.
Take a stroll along the Le Havre waterfront at night
In December, the Le Havre waterfront comes alive with dazzling light displays and festive decorations. Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade and admire the beautifully illuminated buildings, bridges, and ships. The reflections of the lights on the water create a magical and romantic atmosphere. It's a wonderful way to experience the city's unique blend of modern architecture and maritime heritage in a whole new light.
Take a scenic drive along the Normandy coast to enjoy the winter landscapes
In December, the Normandy coast takes on a serene and picturesque beauty that's perfect for a scenic drive. The rolling hills, charming villages, and rugged coastline
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Holidays in Le Havre in December
December
  • Christmas Eve (December 24)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)
  • New Year's Eve (December 31)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Le Havre in December

Temperatures on an average day in Le Havre in December

The average temperature in Le Havre in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 49°F (9°C) to a low of 42°F (5°C). Some would describe it as cold and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Le Havre, August, has days with highs of 70°F (21°C) and lows of 59°F (15°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 46°F (8°C) and lows of 38°F (3°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Le Havre in December based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in December
49°F
highs
42°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold and breezy
Feels like
46%
Chance of rain
0.142 in
Amount
21.1 mph
Wind speed
87%
Humidity
8.3 hrs
Daylight length
8:46 AM
Sunrise
5:01 PM
Sunset
30%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 49°F (9°C) and a low of 42°F (5°C), it generally feels cold and breezy. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket and remember to bring an umbrella
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Best attractions for Le Havre in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Le Havre has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Le Havre that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Le Havre for December.
St Joseph's Church
1. St Joseph's Church
4.6
(3290)
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
Auguste Perret-designed Brutalist church with an octagonal tower & geometric stained-glass windows.
Museum of Modern Art André Malraux
2. Museum of Modern Art André Malraux
4.4
(3067)
Modern art museum
Museums
Modernist glass-walled gallery, home to 5 centuries of art & an extensive Impressionist collection.
Hanging Gardens
3. Hanging Gardens
4.4
(4193)
Botanical garden
Nature & Parks
Mid-19th-century fortress with manicured lawns & varied plants & flowers, plus views of the sea.
Appartement Témoin Perret
4. Appartement Témoin Perret
4.7
(571)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Maison de l'armateur - musée
5. Maison de l'armateur - musée
4.5
(488)
Art museum
Museums
Stately 1700s mansion with Louis XVI-era furnishings & a unique octagonal atrium.
Les Jardins de l'Hôtel de Ville
6. Les Jardins de l'Hôtel de Ville
3.9
(8)
Garden
Nature & Parks
Le Havre Cathedral
7. Le Havre Cathedral
4.4
(1175)
Place of worship
Sights & Landmarks
This 16th-century stone cathedral is one of few buildings in Le Havre to remain standing after WWII.
Centro reconstruido de El Havre
8. Centro reconstruido de El Havre
Historical place
Architectural Buildings
Plage du Havre
9. Plage du Havre
4.3
(8109)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Scenic sand-&-pebble beach offering showers, chair rentals & access to eateries & a swimming pool.
Docks Vauban
10. Docks Vauban
4.2
(11644)
Shopping mall
Shopping
Bibliothèque Oscar Niemeyer
11. Bibliothèque Oscar Niemeyer
4.6
(383)
Public library
Libraries
Arboretum du parc de Rouelles
12. Arboretum du parc de Rouelles
4.5
(241)
Park
Nature & Parks
Le Volcan - Scène Nationale du Havre
13. Le Volcan - Scène Nationale du Havre
4.5
(876)
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
Natural History Museum
14. Natural History Museum
4.2
(586)
Natural history museum
Museums
Temporary, themed exhibits & events on natural history in a stately 19th-century space.
Pl. du Général de Gaulle
15. Pl. du Général de Gaulle
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Pasino Partouche Le Havre
16. Pasino Partouche Le Havre
3.9
(2496)
Gambling house
Fun & Games
Former stock exchange building turned contemporary casino, hotel & spa with a cafe & cocktail bar.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Le Havre?

Get inspired for your trip to Le Havre with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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