Things to Do in Toulouse in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Toulouse
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Christmas markets transform the city from late November through December - Place du Capitole hosts the main market with 70+ wooden chalets selling local crafts, vin chaud, and cassoulet. Markets typically open 10am-8pm daily, with the best atmosphere after 5pm when lights come on
- Significantly fewer tourists than summer months mean you can actually enjoy Basilique Saint-Sernin and the Jacobins Convent without crowds. Museums like Les Abattoirs rarely have lines, and you can book same-day tickets for most attractions
- December is truffle season in nearby Quercy and Périgord regions. Local markets like Marché Victor Hugo have fresh black truffles at €800-1,200 per kg, and restaurants run special truffle menus. The cassoulet you eat in December will be richer and more authentic than summer versions
- Hotel prices drop 30-40% compared to peak season. Three-star hotels in Carmes or Saint-Cyprien neighborhoods run €60-90 per night in December versus €120-150 in summer. Book 3-4 weeks ahead for best selection around Christmas week
Considerations
- Days are short - sunrise around 8:15am, sunset by 5:15pm. You get roughly 8 hours of daylight, which limits how much you can pack into a day. Plan indoor activities for early mornings and evenings
- The weather is genuinely unpredictable in December. You might get crisp sunny days at 12°C (54°F) or grey drizzly stretches at 5°C (41°F). That 70% humidity makes it feel colder than the thermometer suggests, especially when wind picks up along the Garonne
- Many smaller restaurants and shops close for winter holidays, particularly the week between Christmas and New Year. Family-run places in Saint-Étienne neighborhood might shut down entirely for 10-14 days
Best Activities in December
Canal du Midi Walking and Cycling Routes
December is actually ideal for the 240 km (149 miles) of towpaths along this UNESCO World Heritage canal. The plane trees are bare so you get better views of the 17th-century engineering, and the 10°C (50°F) temperatures are perfect for cycling without overheating. The path is mostly flat, well-maintained, and you'll have it largely to yourself. Locals walk here year-round regardless of weather. Start at Port Saint-Sauveur and cycle toward Ramonville - about 12 km (7.5 miles) round trip takes 90 minutes at a leisurely pace.
Toulouse City Center Walking Tours
The pink terracotta brick architecture looks particularly striking in December's softer winter light, and the shorter days mean you can do a morning walking tour and still have afternoon for museums. Focus on the medieval quarter between Capitole and Saint-Sernin - about 3 km (1.9 miles) of walking covers the main highlights. December means you can actually photograph Place du Capitole without dodging crowds. The Christmas market adds atmosphere but doesn't overwhelm the historic character.
Cité de l'Espace Space Museum
This is your rainy day salvation and it's genuinely world-class. Full-scale Ariane 5 rocket, actual Mir space station module, and planetarium shows that run every 45 minutes. You need 3-4 hours minimum. December is perfect because it's entirely indoors, never crowded on weekdays, and the planetarium is particularly impressive when you've been dealing with grey skies outside. Kids and adults both get absorbed here.
Covered Market Food Tours at Marché Victor Hugo
The 1890s covered market is heated and open year-round, making it perfect for December exploration. Upstairs restaurants serve phenomenal cassoulet, confit de canard, and foie gras - this is when locals eat these dishes, not in summer. Ground floor has 80+ vendors selling regional products. Go between 9am-1pm when it's most active. The surrounding Carmes neighborhood has excellent wine bars for afternoon tastings when the drizzle sets in.
Airbus Factory Tours at Aeroscopia Museum
Toulouse builds every Airbus aircraft, and factory tours run year-round except Christmas week. You see actual A380s and A350s being assembled - it's genuinely impressive even if you're not an aviation enthusiast. Tours are entirely indoors and last 90 minutes. December bookings are easier to secure than summer when tours sell out weeks ahead. The adjacent Aeroscopia museum has Concorde and vintage aircraft you can board.
Day Trips to Albi and Cordes-sur-Ciel
These medieval towns are 75 km (47 miles) and 80 km (50 miles) north and look atmospheric in December fog. Albi has the massive Sainte-Cécile Cathedral and Toulouse-Lautrec Museum - both excellent for grey days. Cordes-sur-Ciel is a hilltop village that lives up to its name when morning mist rolls in. December means free parking and empty streets. Each town needs 3-4 hours. You can combine both in one long day trip or focus on one.
December Events & Festivals
Toulouse Christmas Markets
The main market at Place du Capitole runs from late November through December 30th, with 70+ wooden chalets selling regional crafts, foie gras, Armagnac, and Christmas decorations. Other markets pop up at Place Wilson and Place Saint-Georges. Evening visits after 5pm have the best atmosphere when lights are on and vin chaud stands are busiest. Locals treat this as a social event, not just shopping - expect crowds on weekend evenings.
New Year's Eve at Place du Capitole
Free public celebration with live music, DJ sets, and midnight fireworks over the Capitole building. Draws 30,000-40,000 people so it gets genuinely packed by 11pm. Locals start gathering around 10pm. Nearby bars and restaurants run special menus at €60-120 per person. Metro runs extended hours until 3am. If crowds aren't your thing, head to the Garonne riverbanks for quieter fireworks viewing.