Moncton in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Moncton

-1°C (31°F) High Temp

-9°C (16°F) Low Temp

99 mm (3.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Magical Christmas atmosphere with elaborate light displays throughout downtown - Resurgo Place transforms into a winter wonderland with over 50,000 LED lights from December 1-31
Indoor cultural scene peaks in December - Capitol Theatre runs premium holiday productions, and Resurgo Place hosts special Maritime history exhibits with 40% fewer crowds than summer
Ice skating season begins at Moncton Coliseum outdoor rink (opens December 15) with rentals available for $8 CAD and hot chocolate vendors on-site
Hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to summer peak - downtown hotels average $89-120 CAD versus $140-180 in July, with many offering holiday packages including breakfast

Considerations

Brutal cold limits outdoor exploration - temperatures feel like -15°C (5°F) with Maritime wind chill, making walking tours uncomfortable for more than 20-30 minutes
Magnetic Hill and Fundy National Park activities severely limited - zoo closes outdoor exhibits, and coastal hiking trails are often icy and dangerous
Daylight extremely limited with only 8.5 hours between sunrise (7:45 AM) and sunset (4:15 PM), restricting sightseeing time and outdoor photography

Best Activities in December

Indoor Cultural Heritage Tours

December is perfect for exploring Moncton's indoor attractions without summer crowds. Resurgo Place offers heated Maritime history experiences, and the Thomas Williams House provides warm colonial history tours. Museums extend holiday hours and offer special exhibitions with 60% fewer visitors than peak season.

Booking Tip: Most cultural sites offer winter admission packages $15-25 CAD. Book online 3-5 days ahead for holiday special exhibits. Many locations offer combo tickets with discounts up to 20% for multiple attractions.

Holiday Light Festival Tours

Moncton's downtown transforms with elaborate Christmas displays perfect for December's early darkness. Self-guided walking tours work best between 5-8 PM when lights are most visible but before temperatures drop further. Indoor warm-up stops every 2-3 blocks make this manageable even in cold weather.

Booking Tip: Free self-guided maps available at visitor centers. Organized evening tours typically cost $20-35 CAD and include heated transportation. Book holiday-specific tours 7-10 days ahead as they fill quickly mid-December.

Winter Ice Skating Experiences

December marks the beginning of outdoor skating season, with covered rinks opening mid-month. The Moncton Coliseum outdoor facility offers a quintessential Maritime winter experience with mountain views, while indoor alternatives provide consistent conditions regardless of weather.

Booking Tip: Outdoor rink rentals cost $8-12 CAD with equipment rental $5 CAD. Indoor facilities range $10-15 CAD. No advance booking needed for public sessions, but check weather-related closures for outdoor rinks.

Heated Shopping District Tours

CF Champlain mall and downtown covered walkways provide warm retail exploration perfect for December weather. Local artisan markets peak in December with holiday crafts, and many shops offer winter-specific Maritime products not available other seasons.

Booking Tip: Most shopping areas connected by underground or covered walkways. Artisan markets typically operate weekends in December with items ranging $10-80 CAD. No booking required, but special holiday markets may have admission fees $3-8 CAD.

Indoor Culinary Experiences

December showcases Maritime winter comfort food traditions with restaurants offering special holiday menus featuring local ingredients like Malpeque oysters and Atlantic salmon. Many establishments provide cozy fireside dining perfect for cold evenings, with extended holiday hours.

Booking Tip: Holiday dinner reservations essential 10-14 days ahead for weekends. Prix fixe holiday menus typically range $35-65 CAD per person. Look for establishments offering traditional Acadian winter dishes unique to the region.

Heated Entertainment Venues

Capitol Theatre and Casino New Medina offer premium indoor entertainment during December's harsh weather. Holiday productions and special events peak this month, providing sophisticated evening activities while avoiding outdoor cold. Many venues extend hours for holiday programming.

Booking Tip: Premium holiday shows book 2-3 weeks ahead with tickets ranging $25-85 CAD. Casino offers free admission with dining packages $40-70 CAD. Check current entertainment schedules in booking section below for specific December programming.

December Events & Festivals

December 1-31

Festival of Lights Downtown Display

Annual downtown illumination featuring over 50,000 lights throughout the core shopping and business district, including synchronized displays and interactive light installations along Main Street

Mid to Late December

Capitol Theatre Holiday Production Series

Professional theatrical performances featuring holiday classics and Maritime-themed winter shows, with special matinee and evening performances throughout the month

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Heavy winter coat rated to -20°C (-4°F) - Maritime wind chill makes temperatures feel 6-8 degrees colder than actual readings

Waterproof insulated boots with deep treads - icy sidewalks and 10 days of precipitation create slippery conditions throughout the month

Thermal underlayers (merino wool or synthetic) - indoor heating often overcompensates, so layers allow adjustment between -9°C (16°F) outdoor and 22°C (72°F) indoor temps

Insulated gloves that work with touchscreens - essential for outdoor photos and navigation with 8.5-hour daylight window

Wool or fleece hat covering ears - Maritime wind significantly increases heat loss from exposed head and neck

Quality sunglasses for snow glare - UV index may be low but reflected light from snow and ice causes eye strain

Hand and foot warmers (disposable) - invaluable for outdoor activities lasting more than 30 minutes

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 40% faster than normal temperatures

Lip balm with SPF protection - dry winter air and wind cause rapid chapping

Small backpack for layer management - frequent indoor/outdoor transitions require constant clothing adjustments

Insider Knowledge

Downtown buildings connect via underground and covered walkways - locals use the 'pedway' system to avoid outdoor exposure while shopping and dining

Most outdoor attractions like Magnetic Hill Zoo close major exhibits in December, but locals know the indoor tropical conservatory remains open with special winter programming

Hotel parking lots offer free engine block heater plugins - essential if you're renting a car, as temperatures regularly drop below -5°C (23°F) overnight

Many restaurants and attractions extend hours during the two weeks before Christmas to accommodate holiday shopping, then reduce hours significantly between Christmas and New Year

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating Maritime wind chill - the actual temperature of -1°C (31°F) feels like -15°C (5°F) with coastal winds, so tourists often dress inadequately

Planning too many outdoor activities - most visitors can only handle 20-30 minutes outside before needing to warm up, so build indoor stops into every outdoor plan

Assuming Fundy National Park offers winter activities - most trails close due to ice conditions and park services are extremely limited December through March