Things to do in Caen in December

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Overview

December is a less popular time to visit Caen. The weather is usually cold and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 40—48°F (4—9°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Caen during this time. Some of our top recommendations: explore the Château de Caen at Christmas time, visit the Caen Christmas Market, visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen for a festive art experience, and more!

Caen 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 Caen. 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 Caen 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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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Caen in December

Top experiences in December
Explore the Château de Caen at Christmas time
The Château de Caen, a historic castle dating back to the 11th century, is a must-visit in December. During the holiday season, the castle is adorned with festive decorations, including twinkling lights, garlands, and Christmas trees, creating a magical ambiance. Visitors can explore the castle's ramparts, towers, and courtyards, and learn about its rich history through special holiday-themed tours and activities. The Château de Caen at Christmas time offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and charm of this iconic landmark in a festive setting.
Visit the Caen Christmas Market
The Caen Christmas Market is a magical experience in December, with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts filling the air. The market features a variety of stalls selling handmade crafts, local delicacies, and unique gifts, making it the perfect place to find special presents for loved ones. Visitors can also enjoy live music, entertainment, and traditional Christmas treats, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere that captures the spirit of the season.
Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen for a festive art experience
The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen, a renowned art museum, offers a unique cultural experience in December, with special exhibitions, holiday-themed art workshops, and festive events. Visitors can explore the museum's impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, and immerse themselves in the beauty and creativity of the works on display. The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen provides a wonderful opportunity to appreciate art and culture in a festive and inspiring setting.
Take a day trip to the charming village of Beuvron-en-Auge
In December, the picturesque village of Beuvron-en-Auge, located just a short drive from Caen, is a delightful destination to experience the charm of rural Normandy during the holiday season. The village's half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and festive decorations create a storybook setting, evoking a sense of nostalgia and warmth. Visitors can wander through the village, visit local shops and artisanal boutiques, and savor the cozy atmosphere of this idyllic Norman village.
Sample traditional Norman cuisine at a cozy restaurant
December is the perfect time to indulge in the delicious flavors of Norman cuisine, with its hearty stews, savory tarts, and delectable desserts. Caen is home to a variety of cozy restaurants and bistros that specialize in traditional Norman dishes, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere to savor the local culinary delights. From creamy Camembert cheese to succulent cider-braised pork, there's no shortage of mouthwatering options to enjoy during the holiday season.
Take a guided tour of the Pegasus Bridge and Museum
The Pegasus Bridge and Museum, a historic site commemorating the D-Day landings of World War II, offers guided tours in December that provide a fascinating insight into the events of that pivotal moment in history. Visitors can explore the bridge, museum, and surrounding grounds, and learn about the bravery and
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Holidays in Caen 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 Caen in December

Temperatures on an average day in Caen in December

The average temperature in Caen in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 48°F (9°C) to a low of 40°F (4°C). Some would describe it as cold and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Caen, July, has days with highs of 71°F (22°C) and lows of 57°F (14°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 47°F (8°C) and lows of 37°F (3°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Caen in December based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in December
48°F
highs
40°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold and breezy
Feels like
43%
Chance of rain
0.125 in
Amount
20.6 mph
Wind speed
90%
Humidity
8.3 hrs
Daylight length
8:47 AM
Sunrise
5:05 PM
Sunset
29%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 48°F (9°C) and a low of 40°F (4°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 Caen in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Caen has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Caen 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 Caen for December.
Mémorial de Caen
1. Mémorial de Caen
4.6
(18417)
War museum
Museums
Caen's Centre for History & Peace, exploring WWII, the Normandy landings & the Cold War.
L'Abbaye-aux-Hommes
2. L'Abbaye-aux-Hommes
4.5
(4060)
Abbey
Sights & Landmarks
Built by William the Conqueror, this turreted Romanesque abbey with cloisters now houses City Hall.
Colline aux Oiseaux
3. Colline aux Oiseaux
4.6
(5674)
City park
Nature & Parks
Landscaped park with rose garden, playground, picnic areas, mini-golf, cafe & small farm.
Caen Castle
4. Caen Castle
4.3
(11257)
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Castle built on the ruins of a William the Conqueror fortress, plus museums of archaeology & art.
The Abbey of Sainte-Trinité
5. The Abbey of Sainte-Trinité
4.5
(1944)
Monastery
Sights & Landmarks
Hilltop 11th-century abbey with an arcaded courtyard, housing Queen Mathilda's tomb.
Musée de Normandie
6. Musée de Normandie
4.3
(517)
History museum
Museums
Castle housing a permanent collection of Roman exhibits, stone-age helmets & history of local life.
Museum of Fine Arts, Caen
7. Museum of Fine Arts, Caen
4.4
(800)
Art museum
Museums
Sprawling museum in a storied castle with 16th-century European paintings, engravings & sculptures.
St Peter's Catholic Church
8. St Peter's Catholic Church
4.4
(1064)
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
Landmark Catholic church dating to the 13th century with an ornate facade & restored spire.
Caen Tourist Office
9. Caen Tourist Office
4.4
(513)
Tourist information center
Visitor Centers
Caen Botanical Garden
10. Caen Botanical Garden
4.5
(2507)
Botanical garden
Nature & Parks
Local flora, tropical greenhouses & a medicinal section, plus workshops & guided tours for groups.
Vaugueux
11. Vaugueux
Neighborhoods
Maisons à Pans de bois 16e siècle
12. Maisons à Pans de bois 16e siècle
4.6
(19)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Église Saint-Jean
13. Église Saint-Jean
4.3
(657)
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
Medieval Catholic church with ornate stained-glass windows, known for its prominent & unusual tilt.
L'Abbaye-aux-Hommes
14. L'Abbaye-aux-Hommes
4.5
(4060)
Abbey
Sights & Landmarks
Built by William the Conqueror, this turreted Romanesque abbey with cloisters now houses City Hall.
Maison des Quatrans
15. Maison des Quatrans
4.4
(36)
Historical place
Sights & Landmarks
Église du Vieux Saint Sauveur
16. Église du Vieux Saint Sauveur
4.4
(89)
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Caen?

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

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