Things to Do in Richmond in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Richmond
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Holiday atmosphere without overwhelming crowds - Richmond's December draws locals out for seasonal events, but you won't face the summer tourist crush. Museums and galleries stay pleasantly browsable, and restaurant reservations are actually gettable with 3-4 days notice rather than the weeks-ahead planning summer requires.
- Surprisingly mild temperatures for winter activities - That 2°C to 11°C (36°F to 52°F) range means you can comfortably explore outdoors during midday hours (typically 10am-3pm when temps peak) without the bone-chilling cold that hits in January-February. Perfect for the James River Park System trails and canal walks.
- Lower accommodation rates compared to peak season - You're looking at 20-30% savings versus summer pricing, especially mid-week. That boutique hotel in Shockoe Slip that runs $280 in June? Expect closer to $190-220 in early December, dropping even further after the 15th.
- Authentic local experience during holiday season - Richmond's holiday traditions (Monument Avenue light displays, various neighborhood decorations, seasonal markets) give you genuine cultural immersion rather than tourist-focused programming. You're experiencing what residents actually do, not what's staged for visitors.
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather requires flexible planning - That 'variable' conditions descriptor isn't marketing speak. You might get a sunny 11°C (52°F) afternoon perfect for Carytown shopping, then wake to 3°C (37°F) drizzle the next morning. Indoor backup plans aren't optional, they're essential for every outdoor activity you schedule.
- Limited daylight hours compress sightseeing windows - Sunset hits around 5pm in early December, closer to 4:50pm by month's end. That James River sunset kayak tour you're imagining? It launches at 3:30pm, not the leisurely 7pm summer slot. Plan your outdoor priorities for 11am-4pm and save museums for early morning or evening.
- Some outdoor attractions operate on reduced schedules - Several river outfitters and seasonal venues scale back to weekend-only operations or close entirely after mid-December. That Belle Isle kayak rental you're counting on? Confirm it's actually open before building your itinerary around it.
Best Activities in December
James River Park System Trail Hiking
December's cool temperatures make this the ideal month for Richmond's 600+ acre urban park system. The humidity drops from summer's oppressive levels, and that 2°C to 11°C (36°F to 52°F) range means midday hikes (10am-3pm) stay comfortable without the sweat-soaked misery of June through September. The deciduous trees have dropped their leaves, opening up river views you can't see in summer. North Bank Trail and Buttermilk Trail offer 5-8 km (3-5 mile) loops with minimal elevation change, perfect for the 70% humidity that still lingers. Wear layers you can shed as you warm up.
Historic District Walking Tours
Richmond's cobblestone streets and historic neighborhoods are actually more enjoyable in December than summer. You're not battling 32°C (90°F) heat and 85% humidity while climbing Church Hill's steep blocks. The 11°C (52°F) afternoon highs keep you comfortable for 2-3 hour walks through Shockoe Slip, Church Hill, and Monument Avenue. That UV index of 8 still requires sunscreen during midday, but you won't be desperately seeking shade every 15 minutes. The holiday decorations on Monument Avenue add visual interest you won't find other months.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Extended Visits
December's unpredictable weather makes VMFA your essential backup plan, but it's worth building into your schedule regardless. The museum's free admission (special exhibitions charge $12-18) means you can duck in for an hour during a cold snap or spend an entire rainy afternoon without feeling you need to maximize a ticket purchase. The 70% humidity outside makes the climate-controlled galleries particularly appealing. December typically sees lighter crowds than summer tourist season, so you can actually view the Faberge egg collection without elbowing through tour groups.
Craft Brewery Trail Visits
Richmond's 30+ craft breweries offer ideal December activities when weather turns. The city's brewery scene concentrates in Scott's Addition and Manchester neighborhoods, with venues spaced close enough for walking between them (though that 2°C/36°F evening temp makes rideshare appealing after dark). Most breweries feature indoor taprooms plus heated outdoor spaces, giving you flexibility as conditions shift. December sees seasonal beer releases, winter warmers, and barrel-aged stouts you won't find in summer.
Canal Walk and Downtown Waterfront Exploration
The 2 km (1.25 mile) Canal Walk connects downtown to Shockoe Bottom, following the historic James River and Kanawha Canal. December's cooler temps make this flat, paved path more pleasant than summer's heat, though you'll want to time walks for midday warmth (11am-2pm) rather than early morning when temps hover around 3°C (37°F). The walk passes under highway overpasses that provide rain protection during those brief December showers. Historical markers explain Richmond's role in early American commerce, and you're walking past actual 1800s infrastructure, not reconstructed tourist versions.
Maymont Park and Estate Tours
This 100-acre Victorian estate offers both indoor mansion tours and outdoor gardens, giving you options as December weather shifts. The formal Italian and Japanese gardens look different in winter dormancy, but the mansion's holiday decorations (typically up through late December) add seasonal interest. That 11°C (52°F) afternoon high makes garden walks comfortable, while the mansion's heated interior provides refuge when temps drop or drizzle starts. The nature center and wildlife exhibits offer additional indoor backup options on the same grounds.
December Events & Festivals
Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden transforms into a massive light display with over half a million lights throughout the garden paths. This is Richmond's signature December event, drawing locals and visitors for evening walks through illuminated gardens. The event includes model trains, seasonal music, and holiday activities. Worth noting that you're walking outdoors in 2-6°C (36-43°F) evening temps, so dress warmly. The indoor conservatory offers warm-up breaks.
Monument Avenue Holiday Lights
Residents along Monument Avenue decorate their historic homes with elaborate light displays, creating an informal but impressive neighborhood show. This isn't an organized event with admission fees, it's simply what locals do. You can drive or walk the 2.4 km (1.5 mile) stretch from Lombardy Street to Roseneath Road. Best viewing after dark (which arrives around 5pm in December), and displays typically stay up through New Year's.