Things to do in Rennes in December

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Overview

December is a less popular time to visit Rennes. The weather is usually cold and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 38—49°F (4—9°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Rennes during this time. Some of our top recommendations: visit the Thabor Park and Gardens, explore the historic center of Rennes at night, visit the Rennes Christmas Market, and more!

Rennes 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 Rennes. 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 Rennes 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 Rennes in December

Top experiences in December
Visit the Thabor Park and Gardens
In December, the Thabor Park and Gardens in Rennes are transformed into a winter wonderland, with enchanting displays of holiday lights, festive decorations, and seasonal flora. Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque grounds and admire the beautifully illuminated pathways, ornate fountains, and lush greenery. The peaceful and serene ambiance of the park in winter offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Rennes during the holiday season.
Explore the historic center of Rennes at night
In December, the historic center of Rennes is transformed into a magical wonderland after dark, with the medieval streets and squares illuminated by festive lights and decorations. Take a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone alleys and admire the beautifully lit buildings, charming storefronts, and iconic landmarks such as the Parliament of Brittany and the Place des Lices. The enchanting atmosphere of the city at night is a truly unique experience that captures the spirit of the holiday season in Rennes.
Visit the Rennes Christmas Market
The Rennes 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 over 80 chalets selling a variety of gifts, crafts, and local delicacies, making it the perfect place to find unique Christmas presents and sample traditional Breton treats. There are also live performances, carol singers, and a giant Christmas tree, creating a joyful atmosphere for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
Attend the Trans Musicales Festival
The Trans Musicales Festival is a renowned music event that takes place in Rennes every December, showcasing emerging artists and cutting-edge sounds from around the world. The festival features a diverse lineup of musicians and bands performing in various venues across the city, from intimate clubs to large concert halls. With its focus on discovery and innovation, the Trans Musicales Festival offers a one-of-a-kind musical experience that is sure to delight music lovers and adventurous listeners alike.
Take a day trip to Mont Saint-Michel
Just a short drive from Rennes, the iconic island abbey of Mont Saint-Michel is a breathtaking sight to behold in December, when the crowds are smaller and the landscape is blanketed in a serene winter atmosphere. Explore the narrow streets and medieval architecture of the abbey, and marvel at the stunning views of the surrounding bay. With its timeless beauty and historical significance, Mont Saint-Michel offers a truly unforgettable day trip from Rennes during the holiday season.
Sample traditional Breton cuisine at a local restaurant
December is the perfect time to indulge in the rich and hearty flavors of traditional Breton cuisine, such as savory crepes, seafood stew, and buttery pastries. Visit a local restaurant or bistro in Rennes to savor the authentic tastes of the region, accompanied by a glass of local cider or a warming bowl of Breton soup. Whether you're dining in a cozy brasserie or a charming crêperie, the culinary delights of Brittany are sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
Go ice skating at the Place de la Mairie
During the month of December, the Place de la Mairie in Rennes is transformed into a festive ice skating rink, offering a fun and exhilarating activity for visitors of all ages. Lace up your skates and glide across the ice in the heart of the city, surrounded by the twinkling lights and festive decorations of the holiday season. Whether you're a seasoned skater or a beginner, the ice skating rink at the Place de la Mairie provides a joyful and memorable experience that
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Holidays in Rennes 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 Rennes in December

Temperatures on an average day in Rennes in December

The average temperature in Rennes in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 49°F (9°C) to a low of 38°F (4°C). Some would describe it as cold and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Rennes, July, has days with highs of 75°F (24°C) and lows of 55°F (13°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 49°F (9°C) and lows of 35°F (2°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Rennes in December based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in December
49°F
highs
38°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold and breezy
Feels like
41%
Chance of rain
0.139 in
Amount
18.1 mph
Wind speed
93%
Humidity
8.5 hrs
Daylight length
8:47 AM
Sunrise
5:14 PM
Sunset
29%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 49°F (9°C) and a low of 38°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 Rennes in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Rennes has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Rennes 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 Rennes for December.
Parc du Thabor
1. Parc du Thabor
4.7
(12153)
Park
Nature & Parks
18th-century park with large, landscaped gardens & aviaries containing non-native bird species.
Portes Mordelaises - Site historique Rennes centre
2. Portes Mordelaises - Site historique Rennes centre
4.3
(488)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Parlement de Bretagne
3. Parlement de Bretagne
4.4
(251)
City courthouse
Sights & Landmarks
Court of appeals in a 17th century parliamentary palace with an inner courtyard & ornate chambers.
Crêperie Au Marché des Lices
4. Crêperie Au Marché des Lices
4.6
(3206)
Creperie
Food & Drink
Les Champs Libres
5. Les Champs Libres
4.7
(1286)
Cultural center
Museums
Home to the main city library & the Museum of Brittany, plus a science museum with planetarium.
Parc des Gayeulles
6. Parc des Gayeulles
4.5
(5799)
Park
Nature & Parks
Vast area of parkland, established in 1967, with woodland, grassy clearings & water features.
Cathedral Saint-Pierre de Rennes
7. Cathedral Saint-Pierre de Rennes
4.5
(2317)
Catholic cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Traditional site of cathedral, demolished in 18th century and rebuilt after the French Revolution.
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes
8. Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes
4.5
(2273)
Art museum
Museums
From Greek & Celtic antiquities to works by Picasso in an elegant, 19th-century museum of fine arts.
Palais Saint-Georges
9. Palais Saint-Georges
4.6
(49)
Government office
Nature & Parks
Écomusée du pays de Rennes
10. Écomusée du pays de Rennes
4.5
(666)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Ample venue in a former farm manor for local history & culture exhibits, plus livestock buildings.
Portes Mordelaises - Site historique Rennes centre
11. Portes Mordelaises - Site historique Rennes centre
4.3
(488)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Roazhon Park
12. Roazhon Park
4.5
(7796)
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
Musée de Bretagne
13. Musée de Bretagne
4.5
(413)
Local history museum
Museums
Museum with archeological artifacts, interactive displays & photographs, from or about Brittany.
Rennes Alma
14. Rennes Alma
4.2
(15856)
Shopping mall
Shopping
Space Sciences
15. Space Sciences
4.5
(540)
Science museum
Museums
Science center & planetarium in a modern building, offering events & lectures with a family focus.
Frac Bretagne
16. Frac Bretagne
4.2
(546)
Art museum
Sights & Landmarks
Contemporary art is the focus at this striking, modern museum which features over 5000 works.

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