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 - Place du Capitole and Saint-Sernin district become magical wonderlands with 60+ wooden chalets selling regional specialties, mulled wine at €3-5 per cup, and local artisan crafts from November 24 to December 31
- Restaurant season peaks with cassoulet weather - December's 3-10°C (37-50°F) temperatures make this the perfect time for Toulouse's signature white bean stew, with traditional brasseries offering authentic versions for €18-25 versus tourist versions other months
- Violet season specialties appear - December brings candied violets, violet macarons, and violet liqueurs to patisseries as Toulouse's symbol flower is preserved for winter, available at premium chocolatiers throughout the old town
- Hotel prices drop 40% after December 8 - Post-holiday rates mean luxury accommodations near Capitole cost €80-120 versus €140-200 in peak months, with better availability and upgraded rooms
Considerations
- Daylight limited to 8.5 hours - Sunrise at 8:15am, sunset by 5:15pm means outdoor sightseeing must be planned for 9am-4pm window, with many architectural details hard to photograph in low light
- Canal du Midi boat tours suspended - The UNESCO World Heritage canal is closed to tourist boats December 15 - February 28 for maintenance, eliminating one of Toulouse's signature experiences
- Frequent light drizzle disrupts walking - Rain falls 10 days per month, typically 2-4 hour periods of light drizzle that make cobblestone streets slippery and outdoor market browsing uncomfortable without proper rain gear
Best Activities in December
Christmas Market Food Tours
December transforms Toulouse into a winter food paradise with traditional Christmas markets offering regional specialties impossible to find other months. The 10°C (50°F) weather is perfect for sampling hot vin chaud, roasted chestnuts, and seasonal cassoulet while staying warm. Markets operate daily 10am-8pm with minimal crowds before noon.
Basilica and Cathedral Interior Tours
December's short daylight and cool weather make indoor cultural exploration ideal. The Basilique Saint-Sernin and Cathedral Saint-Étienne showcase stunning rose windows best appreciated during winter's softer light. With low tourist crowds, you'll have peaceful access to France's largest Romanesque church.
Capitole Theatre and Concert Hall Events
Toulouse's cultural season peaks in December with opera, ballet, and classical concerts at the prestigious Capitole Theatre. The cool 3-10°C (37-50°F) evenings are perfect for elegant indoor entertainment, with December featuring special holiday performances and reduced tourist competition for tickets.
Covered Market and Food Hall Tours
December's rainy weather makes Toulouse's covered markets essential - Marché Victor Hugo offers the perfect refuge with regional wines, artisan cheeses, and seasonal specialties. The 70% humidity preserves food perfectly while you explore undercover, sampling local products away from outdoor drizzle.
Aerospace Museum Complex Visits
December's limited daylight and frequent drizzle make indoor attractions like Cité de l'espace and Aeroscopia Museum ideal. These world-class aerospace exhibitions showcase Toulouse's aviation industry with interactive displays perfect for cool, damp days when outdoor activities are limited.
Traditional Cassoulet Cooking Classes
December's 3-10°C (37-50°F) temperatures create perfect cassoulet weather - Toulouse's signature dish is best learned and eaten during winter months. Local cooking schools offer authentic bean stew preparation using traditional methods, ideal for warming up during cool December days.
December Events & Festivals
Marché de Noël de Toulouse
The city's main Christmas market transforms Place du Capitole and surrounding streets with 60+ wooden chalets selling regional products, mulled wine, and artisan crafts. Features local violet products, foie gras, and Armagnac unique to the region.
Les Hivernales Festival
Contemporary arts and theater festival featuring experimental performances in venues across the city. Showcases emerging artists and avant-garde productions in intimate indoor spaces perfect for December weather.
Festival des Lumières Saint-Sernin
Light projections illuminate the UNESCO World Heritage Basilique Saint-Sernin during December evenings. Free outdoor spectacle that transforms the Romanesque architecture with seasonal themes and musical accompaniment.