Things to do in Christchurch in December

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Overview

December is a less popular time to visit Christchurch. The weather is usually cold and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 42—49°F (6—9°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Christchurch during this time. Some of our top recommendations: visit the Christchurch Christmas Market, take a festive walk along the Christchurch Quay, take a stroll through the Christchurch Christmas Tree Trail, and more!

Christchurch 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 Christchurch. 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 Christchurch 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 Christchurch in December

Top experiences in December
Visit the Christchurch Christmas Market
The Christchurch Christmas Market is a festive event held in December, featuring a variety of stalls selling unique gifts, crafts, and delicious seasonal treats. It's a great place to soak up the holiday atmosphere and find some special gifts for your loved ones.
Take a festive walk along the Christchurch Quay
The Christchurch Quay is a picturesque spot at any time of year, but in December it takes on a special charm with festive decorations and twinkling lights. It's a lovely place to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the waterfront.
Take a stroll through the Christchurch Christmas Tree Trail
The Christmas Tree Trail is a magical experience where you can wander through the town and admire the beautifully decorated Christmas trees. It's a great way to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy the festive decorations throughout the town.
Attend a Christmas carol concert at the Christchurch Priory
The Christchurch Priory is a stunning venue for a traditional Christmas carol concert, with its beautiful acoustics and historic surroundings. It's a wonderful way to experience the magic of Christmas through music and song.
Go ice skating at the Christchurch Winter Wonderland
The Winter Wonderland in Christchurch features a real ice rink where you can enjoy some festive skating with friends and family. It's a great way to embrace the winter season and have some fun in the crisp December air.
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Holidays in Christchurch in December
December
  • Christmas Eve (December 24)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)
  • Boxing Day (December 26)
  • New Year's Eve (December 31)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Christchurch in December

Temperatures on an average day in Christchurch in December

The average temperature in Christchurch in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 49°F (9°C) to a low of 42°F (6°C). Some would describe it as cold and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Christchurch, July, has days with highs of 69°F (20°C) and lows of 57°F (14°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 46°F (8°C) and lows of 39°F (4°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Christchurch 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
42%
Chance of rain
0.146 in
Amount
21.9 mph
Wind speed
89%
Humidity
8.1 hrs
Daylight length
7:59 AM
Sunrise
4:03 PM
Sunset
31%
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 (6°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 Christchurch in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Christchurch has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Christchurch 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 Christchurch for December.
Mudeford
1. Mudeford
Nature & Parks
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Mudeford is a harbourside and beachside parish based on a former fishing village in the east of Christchurch, Dorset, England, fronting water on two sides: Christchurch Harbour and the sands of Avon Beach. The River Mude and Bure Brook enter the harbour under the main promenade. Wikipedia.
Christchurch Priory
2. Christchurch Priory
4.7
(1165)
Church
Sights & Landmarks
White-stone Anglican church dating from the 11th century, with regular concerts, tours and a museum.
Adventure Wonderland
3. Adventure Wonderland
4.1
(1719)
Amusement center
Water & Amusement Parks
Amusement park with themed rides, inflatable slide, runaway train and trampolines, plus events.
Highcliffe Castle
4. Highcliffe Castle
4.5
(3193)
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Gothic revival mansion dating from 1836, with restored exteriors, plus tearoom and gardens.
Highcliffe Beach
5. Highcliffe Beach
4.6
(1452)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Avon Beach
6. Avon Beach
4.5
(2720)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Bournemouth Aviation Museum
7. Bournemouth Aviation Museum
4.6
(804)
Museum
Specialty Museums
A chance to sit in the cockpits of vintage planes including a Spitfire, plus flight simulator.
Snowtrax Alpine Activity Centre & Snowsports Shop
8. Snowtrax Alpine Activity Centre & Snowsports Shop
4.5
(1355)
Amusement center
Outdoor Activities
Family centre for skiiing & snowboarding, with an adventure park, bistro & children's activities.
Quay Leisure Boat Hire
9. Quay Leisure Boat Hire
4.8
(72)
Boat rental service
Sights & Landmarks
The Regent
10. The Regent
4.7
(1232)
Movie theater
Concerts & Shows
Restored 1930s art deco cinema, now also featuring theatre, opera, concerts and dance.
Red House Museum and Gardens
11. Red House Museum and Gardens
4.7
(228)
Museum
Art gallery
18th-century workhouse featuring art exhibitions & cultural events, plus a cafe, a shop & gardens.
Norman House
12. Norman House
4.5
(1077)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Castle ruins with remains of the keep and 12th-century, riverside house with a rare Norman chimney.
Mudeford Ferry
13. Mudeford Ferry
4.6
(114)
Ferry service
Transportation
Steamer Point Nature Reserve
14. Steamer Point Nature Reserve
4.6
(479)
Park
Nature & Parks
Wooded, 24-acre natural area on a hill with sea views, an information center & interactive displays.
Bailey Bridge Prototype
15. Bailey Bridge Prototype
5.0
(1)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Norman House
16. Norman House
4.5
(1077)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Castle ruins with remains of the keep and 12th-century, riverside house with a rare Norman chimney.

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