Things to Do in Montgomery in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Montgomery
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Mild winter temperatures averaging 16°C (61°F) make December perfect for exploring Montgomery's Civil Rights Trail and downtown attractions without the brutal summer heat that regularly hits 35°C (95°F) from June through August
- Christmas season transforms downtown into a festival of lights and holiday markets, particularly along Dexter Avenue and around the Alabama State Capitol, with significantly fewer crowds than peak spring tourism during March and April
- Hotel rates drop 25-40% compared to spring peak season, with downtown properties averaging $85-120 per night instead of the $140-180 you'd pay during convention season or major commemorative events
- The Deacon Jones Home for Christmas Tour and Montgomery Christmas Parade typically happen early December, offering authentic Southern holiday traditions you won't find in guidebooks, plus the Alabama Shakespeare Festival runs special holiday productions
Considerations
- Those 10 rainy days mean you'll likely hit at least 2-3 wet days during a typical visit, and while rainfall totals are low at 5 mm (0.2 inches), the 70% humidity makes everything feel damper than the numbers suggest
- Shorter daylight hours with sunset around 4:45 PM by mid-December means you'll lose 2-3 hours of optimal sightseeing time compared to summer visits, particularly challenging for photography at outdoor memorials
- Some smaller attractions and local restaurants close for extended holiday periods from December 23-26, and Sunday hours are already limited in Montgomery, so poor planning can leave you with fewer options than expected
Best Activities in December
Civil Rights Trail Walking Tours
December's mild temperatures make this the ideal month for the 3.2 km (2 mile) self-guided walking trail connecting the Rosa Parks Museum, Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, and the Legacy Museum. You'll actually want to walk in 16°C (61°F) weather instead of suffering through July's oppressive heat. The lower humidity compared to summer means you can comfortably spend 3-4 hours outdoors without feeling drained. Crowds are noticeably thinner than during Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend in January or the spring commemoration events.
Alabama River Boat Tours and Waterfront Activities
The Alabama River stays navigable and actually pleasant in December, with temperatures in the low-to-mid teens Celsius (high 50s to low 60s Fahrenheit) making deck time comfortable with a light jacket. The Harriott II Riverboat runs weekend cruises through mid-December before their winter break, and kayak rentals at Cooter's Pond are still operating. The variable weather means you might catch beautifully clear days or slightly overcast conditions, but serious rain is rare enough that morning departures are usually safe bets.
Old Alabama Town Historical Complex Exploration
This 6-acre living history museum with 50+ restored 19th-century buildings becomes particularly atmospheric in December's cooler weather. You'll spend 2-3 hours walking between structures, and the mild temperatures make this far more enjoyable than summer visits. The complex often decorates for Christmas with period-appropriate decorations, giving you a sense of 1800s Southern holiday traditions. The variable December weather means indoor exhibits in the Ordeman House and Rose-Morris House provide good backup options if drizzle starts.
Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and Blount Cultural Park
The museum's Artworks collection and rotating exhibits provide excellent indoor options for those inevitable rainy December days, while the surrounding 240-acre Blount Cultural Park offers pleasant walking trails when weather cooperates. December's mild conditions make the outdoor sculpture garden and lakeside trails actually walkable without sweating through your clothes. The Alabama Shakespeare Festival theater is also in this complex, running special holiday productions in December.
Downtown Montgomery Food Trail and Market District
December brings seasonal Southern comfort food to Montgomery's downtown restaurants, and the cooler weather makes walking between spots along Commerce Street and Dexter Avenue actually pleasant. The Capital City Farmers Market sometimes runs special holiday markets in early December with local vendors. You'll find authentic Alabama barbecue, soul food, and Southern fusion spots concentrated in walkable downtown blocks. Evening temperatures in the 7-10°C (45-50°F) range mean you'll want that light jacket for restaurant hopping.
F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum and Literary Sites
Montgomery's literary history comes alive at the only museum dedicated to the Fitzgeralds, located in the house where they lived in 1931-1932. December's indoor focus makes this ideal timing, and the museum often hosts special readings or holiday events. Combine this with visits to other literary landmarks like the Scott and Zelda grave site at Oakwood Cemetery. The cooler weather makes cemetery walking tours comfortable, covering about 1.6 km (1 mile) of paths.
December Events & Festivals
Montgomery Christmas Parade
This annual downtown parade typically happens the first Saturday in December, featuring local marching bands, floats, and community groups. It's genuinely local rather than tourist-focused, which means you'll see authentic Montgomery community spirit. The parade route runs along Dexter Avenue past the State Capitol. Arrive 30-45 minutes early for decent viewing spots along the route.
Jubilee CityFest Christmas Celebration
Downtown Montgomery's riverfront area hosts this multi-day holiday festival in early December with live music, food vendors, holiday market stalls, and activities for families. It's become a significant local tradition over the past decade, drawing crowds from across the River Region. Free admission though food and vendor purchases obviously cost extra.
Alabama Shakespeare Festival Holiday Productions
ASF typically runs special holiday-themed productions through December, often including A Christmas Carol or other seasonal shows. These are professional theater productions in a Tony-award winning regional theater, not community theater level. Worth planning an evening around if you're interested in live performance.