Things to do in Northampton in December

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Overview

December is a less popular time to visit Northampton. The weather is usually cold and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 36—45°F (2—7°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Northampton during this time. Some of our top recommendations: visit the Northampton Christmas Market, explore the Christmas lights in Northampton town center, go ice skating at Beckworth Emporium, and more!

Northampton 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 Northampton. 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 Northampton 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 Northampton in December

Top experiences in December
Visit the Northampton Christmas Market
The Northampton Christmas Market is a festive event that takes place in the town center throughout December. Here, you can browse through a variety of stalls selling unique gifts, handmade crafts, and delicious festive treats. The market is also home to a Santa's Grotto, where children can meet Father Christmas and share their Christmas wishes. The atmosphere is filled with holiday cheer, with live music, carol singers, and twinkling lights adding to the festive ambiance. It's the perfect place to soak up the Christmas spirit and find some special gifts for your loved ones.
Explore the Christmas lights in Northampton town center
During December, Northampton town center is adorned with dazzling Christmas lights, creating a magical and festive atmosphere. Taking a stroll through the town center to admire the twinkling lights and festive decorations is a delightful experience. You can also visit the town's iconic landmarks, such as the Guildhall and All Saints' Church, which are beautifully illuminated for the holiday season. The Christmas lights add a touch of sparkle to the town and make for a charming backdrop for shopping, dining, and exploring.
Go ice skating at Beckworth Emporium
Beckworth Emporium, located just outside of Northampton, hosts a magical outdoor ice skating rink during the month of December. Skating under the open sky surrounded by festive decorations and twinkling lights is a truly enchanting experience. Whether you're a seasoned skater or a complete beginner, the rink offers fun for all ages and abilities. After your skating session, you can warm up with a hot chocolate or mulled wine at the on-site café, making for a perfect winter outing.
Take a festive walk in Abington Park
Abington Park, one of Northampton's most beautiful green spaces, takes on a special charm during the month of December. The park is adorned with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and Christmas displays, creating a magical atmosphere for a winter walk. You can stroll through the park's picturesque gardens, visit the historic Abington Park Museum, and enjoy the seasonal sights and sounds. It's the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors while immersing yourself in the holiday spirit.
Attend a Christmas workshop at Delapré Abbey
Delapré Abbey, a historic site in Northampton, hosts a range of festive workshops and activities during December. From wreath-making and ornament crafting to gingerbread decorating and festive storytelling, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The workshops offer a chance to get creative, learn new skills, and make unique decorations and gifts for the holiday season. The beautiful surroundings of the abbey provide a picturesque setting for a day of festive fun and creativity.
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Holidays in Northampton 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 Northampton in December

Temperatures on an average day in Northampton in December

The average temperature in Northampton in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 45°F (7°C) to a low of 36°F (2°C). Some would describe it as cold and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Northampton, July, has days with highs of 72°F (22°C) and lows of 53°F (12°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 43°F (6°C) and lows of 33°F (1°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Northampton in December based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in December
45°F
highs
36°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold and breezy
Feels like
40%
Chance of rain
0.103 in
Amount
19.4 mph
Wind speed
98%
Humidity
7.8 hrs
Daylight length
8:03 AM
Sunrise
3:52 PM
Sunset
24%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 45°F (7°C) and a low of 36°F (2°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 Northampton in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Northampton has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Northampton 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 Northampton for December.
Royal & Derngate
1. Royal & Derngate
4.6
(3720)
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
Performing arts centre with 2 theatres staging in-house drama, plus touring classical music troupes.
Stanwick Lakes Country Park
2. Stanwick Lakes Country Park
4.6
(4695)
Nature preserve
Nature & Parks
This 750-acre site offers children's activities, nature education services & crafts courses.
Althorp Estate
3. Althorp Estate
4.5
(960)
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
July-August access to the Spencer family estate, with Princess Diana's island grave and a museum.
Castle Ashby Gardens
4. Castle Ashby Gardens
4.6
(1459)
Garden
Nature & Parks
Landscaped lawns, an 1872 orangery & a butterfly garden, plus a menagerie with meerkats & marmosets.
Coton Manor Garden
5. Coton Manor Garden
4.7
(1250)
Botanical garden
Nature & Parks
Delapre Abbey
6. Delapre Abbey
Building
Nature & Parks
Scenic gardens & parkland surround this historical abbey with guided tours, a cafe & gift shop.
Abington Park House
7. Abington Park House
4.0
(2)
Guest house
Nature & Parks
Unpretentious rooms with TVs, and tea and coffeemaking equipment, plus free cooked breakfast.
Sywell Country Park
8. Sywell Country Park
4.6
(2467)
Country park
Nature & Parks
This area around a former reservoir has walking paths & a butterfly garden, plus a cafe & play area.
Pitsford water fishing lodge
9. Pitsford water fishing lodge
4.6
(324)
Nature & Parks
Bodies of Water
Heart of The Shires
10. Heart of The Shires
4.4
(1168)
Shopping mall
Antique store
More than 20 individual shops and galleries, plus a tearoom, set around a farm courtyard.
Rookery Open Farm
11. Rookery Open Farm
4.6
(477)
Farm
Sights & Landmarks
Northampton Museum and Art Gallery
12. Northampton Museum and Art Gallery
4.7
(718)
Museum
Art gallery
Free museum with massive shoe collection, plus fine and decorative art and local heritage displays.
The Pinnacle Climbing Centre
13. The Pinnacle Climbing Centre
4.8
(173)
Rock climbing
Fun & Games
Aspers Casino Northampton
14. Aspers Casino Northampton
4.0
(543)
Casino
Fun & Games
Splashy entertainment venue with a restaurant & a bar offering poker, table games & slots.
Northampton & Lamport Railway - (Pitsford and Brampton,Station)
15. Northampton & Lamport Railway - (Pitsford and Brampton,Station)
4.3
(412)
Tours
Heritage museum
Restored heritage track, designed by George Stephenson, for seasonal steam and diesel-powered rides.
Phipps NBC
16. Phipps NBC
4.7
(53)
Brewery
Food & Drink

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Northampton?

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

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