Things to do in Durham in December

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Overview

December is a good time to visit Durham. The weather is usually cold with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 35—54°F (2—12°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Durham during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a holiday-themed nature hike at Eno River State Park, attend a holiday-themed cooking class at a local culinary school, attend a holiday-themed art workshop at a local gallery or studio, and more!

Durham 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 Durham. 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 Durham 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 Durham in December

Top experiences in December
Take a holiday-themed nature hike at Eno River State Park
Eno River State Park is a beautiful natural oasis located just outside of Durham, and during the month of December, they often offer special holiday-themed nature hikes. Led by knowledgeable guides, the hikes will take you through the park's scenic trails, sharing information about local flora and fauna, as well as holiday traditions and folklore. It's a great way to enjoy the beauty of nature while getting into the holiday spirit.
Attend a holiday-themed cooking class at a local culinary school
Durham is home to several top-notch culinary schools that often offer special holiday-themed cooking classes during the month of December. Whether you're interested in learning how to make traditional holiday dishes or want to try your hand at baking festive treats, a holiday cooking class is a fun and educational way to celebrate the season. Plus, you'll get to enjoy the delicious results of your hard work!
Attend a holiday-themed art workshop at a local gallery or studio
Durham is home to a vibrant arts community, and during the month of December, many galleries and studios offer special holiday-themed art workshops. Whether you're interested in making your own ornaments, creating festive decorations, or trying your hand at holiday-themed painting, there's a workshop for everyone to enjoy. It's a great way to get creative and make some unique holiday keepsakes.
Attend a holiday concert at the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC)
The DPAC is known for hosting world-class performances, and during the month of December, they often feature holiday-themed concerts and shows. From classic holiday tunes to modern interpretations, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Attending a holiday concert at the DPAC is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and experience the magic of live music in a beautiful venue.
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Take a holiday-themed historic walking tour of downtown Durham
Downtown Durham is full of history and charm, and during the month of December, you can take a special holiday-themed historic walking tour. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour will take you through the historic streets of downtown Durham, sharing stories and traditions from years past. It's a great way to learn about the city's history while getting into the holiday spirit.
Take a holiday-themed brewery tour of Durham's craft beer scene
Durham is known for its thriving craft beer scene, and during the month of December, many breweries offer special holiday-themed tours and events. From festive beer releases to holiday-themed decorations, a brewery tour is a fun and unique way to celebrate the season. Plus, you'll get to sample some delicious local brews and learn about the art of craft beer making.
Go ice skating at the Winterfest Ice Rink
Durham's Winterfest Ice Rink is a popular attraction during the month of December. Located in the heart of downtown Durham, the outdoor ice rink offers a fun and festive experience for skaters of all ages. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, the Winterfest Ice Rink is a great way to enjoy the winter season and get some exercise while having fun.
Visit the American Tobacco Campus for their annual holiday light display
Every December, the American Tobacco Campus in Durham transforms into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and holiday music. It's the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll and soak in the holiday spirit. The light display is free to the public and is a great way to spend an evening with family and friends.
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Holidays in Durham in December
December

There are no holidays in Durham in December

Other notable holidays
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Weather in Durham in December

Temperatures on an average day in Durham in December

The average temperature in Durham in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 54°F (12°C) to a low of 35°F (2°C). Some would describe it as cold with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Durham, July, has days with highs of 93°F (34°C) and lows of 70°F (21°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 49°F (9°C) and lows of 30°F (-1°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Durham in December based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in December
54°F
highs
35°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold with a gentle breeze
Feels like
32%
Chance of rain
0.149 in
Amount
10.9 mph
Wind speed
82%
Humidity
9.8 hrs
Daylight length
7:17 AM
Sunrise
5:03 PM
Sunset
45%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 54°F (12°C) and a low of 35°F (2°C), it generally feels cold with a gentle breeze. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
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Best attractions for Durham in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Durham has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Durham 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 Durham for December.
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
1. Sarah P. Duke Gardens
4.9
(7509)
Botanical garden
Nature & Parks
55-acre public gardens with 5 miles of walking paths, a koi pond & an amphitheater.
Durham Performing Arts Center
2. Durham Performing Arts Center
4.8
(6956)
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
Modern, multilevel theater showcasing recent Broadway shows & well-known music artists.
Durham Bulls Athletic Park
3. Durham Bulls Athletic Park
4.8
(4903)
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
Duke University Chapel
4. Duke University Chapel
4.9
(2116)
Church
Sights & Landmarks
Interdenominational campus church featuring a sizable tower, neo-gothic design & 3 pipe organs.
Museum of Life and Science
5. Museum of Life and Science
4.7
(1584)
Science museum
Museums
Indoor & outdoor museum with interactive exhibits on space exploration & life on earth.
Duke University
6. Duke University
4.5
(564)
Private university
Sights & Landmarks
Private research school with gardens & dramatic buildings is known for medicine & basketball.
Duke Lemur Center
7. Duke Lemur Center
4.6
(118)
Research foundation
Nature & Parks
American Tobacco Campus
8. American Tobacco Campus
4.7
(6531)
Business park
Sights & Landmarks
Cameron Indoor Stadium
9. Cameron Indoor Stadium
4.8
(1377)
Arena
Sights & Landmarks
Revered arena with a hardwood court for Duke University basketball, wrestling & volleyball.
Eno River State Park
10. Eno River State Park
4.8
(2498)
State park
Nature & Parks
Vast acres of woodlands for hiking & camping, with canoeing & fishing areas on the Eno River.
Nasher Museum of Art
11. Nasher Museum of Art
4.6
(753)
Art museum
Museums
Permanent collection of 10,000+ artworks & traveling exhibits in a 65,000-sq.-ft. modern building.
Bennett Place
12. Bennett Place
4.7
(423)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Reconstructed farmhouse with Civil War significance, plus living-history events & nature trails.
One Medical: Brightleaf Square
13. One Medical: Brightleaf Square
4.4
(737)
Medical clinic
Shopping
Trendy restaurants & shops in a pair of historic brick tobacco warehouses with a leafy courtyard.
The Carolina Theatre
14. The Carolina Theatre
4.7
(2401)
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
Nonprofit film & performing arts venue with 1,016-seat auditorium, 2 movie theaters & a ballroom.
Duke Homestead
15. Duke Homestead
4.6
(327)
Historical place
Sights & Landmarks
Former 19th-century farm & tobacco factory with guided tours, plus a museum & picnic area.
The Streets at Southpoint
16. The Streets at Southpoint
4.5
(10021)
Shopping mall
Shopping
Stylish mall with name-brand retailers, upscale department stores, restaurants & a movie theater.

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