Things to Do in Armenia in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Armenia
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Spectacular mountain visibility - December's crisp air means Mount Ararat dominates the skyline on most days, giving you those postcard-perfect views that get obscured by summer haze. The clarity is particularly stunning from Khor Virap monastery at sunrise, when the snow-capped peak catches the first light.
- Genuine cultural immersion without tourist crowds - You'll actually have space to appreciate Geghard Monastery's acoustics and can photograph Garni Temple without waiting for other visitors to move. Museums like the Matenadaran rarely have lines, and locals have more time to chat since the summer rush has ended.
- Winter food traditions are in full swing - December means harissa bubbling in clay pots at family restaurants, fresh gata pastries baked for upcoming holidays, and dried fruit markets overflowing with seasonal preserves. The Christmas preparation period brings special dishes you won't find other times of year, particularly around Republic Square's food stalls.
- Significantly lower accommodation costs - Hotels in Yerevan drop prices by 30-40% compared to September peak season. That boutique guesthouse that cost 45,000 AMD in summer? You're looking at 28,000-32,000 AMD in December, and you'll often have the breakfast room to yourself.
Considerations
- Lake Sevan is genuinely cold and many lakeside facilities close - Water temperature drops to around 5°C (41°F), and the wind coming off the lake cuts through layers. The popular fish restaurants in Sevan town stay open, but beach areas are deserted and about half the guesthouses shut down until April.
- Limited daylight means rushed itineraries - Sunset hits around 5:30pm, so that monastery circuit needs to start by 9am if you want decent light for photos. Evening activities essentially mean Yerevan only, since driving mountain roads after dark in December isn't advisable.
- Unpredictable road conditions in higher elevations - Routes to Tatev, Dilijan, and especially anything above 2,000 m (6,562 ft) can close temporarily after snowfall. The weather itself is manageable in Yerevan and Gyumri, but day trips require flexibility and backup plans.
Best Activities in December
Yerevan walking and cultural tours
December weather is actually ideal for exploring Yerevan on foot - the 20-25°C (68-77°F) temperatures mean you can comfortably walk Republic Square to the Cascade without overheating, and the occasional light rain never lasts more than an hour. The city's cafe culture peaks in December as locals gather indoors, giving you authentic glimpses of Armenian social life. Museum visits work perfectly as afternoon activities when the UV index hits 8 - the Genocide Memorial, History Museum, and Cafesjian Center all provide meaningful indoor experiences. Tours typically run 3-4 hours and cost 8,000-15,000 AMD depending on group size.
Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery visits
The 30 km (18.6 mile) route from Yerevan to these UNESCO sites is spectacular in December when the Azat River gorge has flowing water and the basalt cliffs show their winter character. Garni Temple looks particularly dramatic against December's clear skies, and Geghard's cave churches maintain a constant 12-15°C (54-59°F) temperature that's actually warmer than outside. The lack of summer tour buses means you can hear the monastery's famous acoustics properly - locals sometimes sing hymns that echo through the chambers. Plan 5-6 hours total including travel time.
Armenian cooking classes and food experiences
December is prime time for learning winter Armenian cooking - you'll make harissa, the slow-cooked wheat and meat porridge that's essential cold-weather comfort food, plus gata pastries that families prepare for upcoming Christmas celebrations. Classes typically run 3-4 hours in residential kitchens or small culinary studios, giving you genuine interaction with Armenian home cooking traditions. The 70% humidity actually helps dough rise beautifully. You'll eat what you cook, so come hungry.
Khor Virap monastery with Ararat views
This is THE December activity - the monastery sits just 8 km (5 miles) from the Turkish border with unobstructed views of snow-covered Mount Ararat. December's clear air means visibility is exceptional about 20 days out of the month, compared to summer's frequent haze. The 45-minute drive south from Yerevan crosses the Ararat Plain, and you can climb down into the underground pit where Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned. Sunrise visits are spectacular but cold - temperatures around 5°C (41°F) at 7am.
Dilijan National Park and monastery circuit
The forested mountains around Dilijan get light December snow that transforms the landscape without making it inaccessible - roads stay clear but the pine forests look pristine. Haghartsin and Goshavank monasteries sit in wooded valleys at around 1,300 m (4,265 ft) elevation where temperatures drop to 10-15°C (50-59°F). The hiking trails between monasteries are manageable in December if you have proper footwear, though you'll want to stick to marked paths. The town of Dilijan itself has excellent cafes for warming up between monastery visits.
Vernissage market and artisan shopping
The weekend Vernissage market near Republic Square operates year-round, but December brings special inventory as artisans prepare Christmas stock - hand-carved nativity scenes, traditional wool socks and slippers for winter, and preserved fruits packaged as gifts. The market sprawls across several blocks with hundreds of stalls selling everything from Soviet-era cameras to hand-woven carpets. December's cooler weather makes browsing comfortable, and vendors are more willing to negotiate since tourist traffic is lighter. Saturday and Sunday mornings 9am-4pm are prime time.
December Events & Festivals
Armenian Christmas preparation period
While Armenian Christmas falls on January 6th, December sees families preparing traditional foods and decorating. You'll notice gata pastries appearing in bakeries, special Christmas bread called tarehats being made, and markets selling dried fruits and nuts for holiday tables. It's not a tourist spectacle but rather a cultural window - cafes and restaurants start featuring seasonal menus, and the atmosphere in Yerevan becomes noticeably festive without being commercialized.
New Year celebrations
December 31st is actually the bigger celebration in Armenia compared to Christmas. Republic Square hosts a large public gathering with live music, and restaurants across Yerevan offer special New Year menus. The tradition involves gift-giving and family feasts, and you'll see the city decorated with lights throughout late December. Hotels and restaurants book up for New Year's Eve specifically, so this is the one period in December where advance reservations matter.