Things to Do in Yerevan in December

December Weather in Yerevan

4°C (39°F) High Temp

-5°C (23°F) Low Temp

20mm (0.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

December brings magical snow-dusted views of Mount Ararat on clear mornings - visibility is best between 7-9am when temperatures hit -3°C (27°F)
Christmas market season transforms Republic Square with traditional Armenian crafts, mulled wine for 800-1,200 AMD, and extended hours until 10pm
Hotel rates drop 40-60% compared to September peak season - luxury properties average $80-120 instead of $200+ per night
Indoor cultural attractions like Matenadaran Manuscript Museum and National Gallery have shorter queues and extended winter hours until 6pm

Considerations

Daylight lasts only 9 hours (sunrise 8:15am, sunset 5:30pm) severely limiting outdoor sightseeing time
Cascade Complex outdoor escalators close frequently due to ice, requiring 20-minute uphill walks in sub-zero temperatures
Many rooftop restaurants and outdoor cafes shut down completely, reducing dining options by roughly 30%

Best Activities in December

Geghard Monastery and Garni Temple Winter Tours

December transforms these UNESCO sites with snow-covered landscapes creating dramatic photo opportunities. Roads are well-maintained but icy conditions mean group tours (rather than self-driving) are essential. The 45-minute drive through Azat River Gorge offers stunning winter scenery, and indoor sections of Geghard provide warm shelter between outdoor viewing.

Booking Tip: Book heated vehicle tours 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators. Tours typically cost 8,000-12,000 AMD per person including transport and guide. Depart by 10am to maximize 9 hours of daylight. See current tour options in booking section below.

Armenian Brandy and Wine Tasting Experiences

December is prime season for indoor tastings as local distilleries extend winter hours and offer seasonal varieties. Ararat Brandy Factory provides heated tours perfect for cold days, while smaller wine cellars in central Yerevan offer intimate 2-hour sessions with traditional Armenian mezze pairings.

Booking Tip: Reserve tastings 3-5 days ahead, especially weekends. Premium experiences cost 4,000-8,000 AMD per person. Afternoon slots (2-4pm) are warmest and most comfortable. Multiple venues available through booking platforms below.

Traditional Carpet Weaving and Craft Workshops

December weather drives locals indoors, making this peak season for authentic craft workshops. Vernissage Market vendors offer 2-3 hour carpet weaving sessions in heated workshops, while pottery studios near Republic Square provide hands-on experiences with traditional techniques used for centuries.

Booking Tip: Workshop prices range 5,000-10,000 AMD for 2-3 hour sessions including materials. Book 2-3 days ahead as class sizes are limited to 6-8 people. Morning sessions (10am-1pm) utilize best natural light despite winter conditions.

Thermal Bath and Spa Experiences

December's sub-zero temperatures make Yerevan's thermal facilities incredibly appealing. Several Soviet-era bathhouses have been renovated with modern amenities while maintaining traditional Armenian banya culture. The contrast between -5°C outdoor air and 40°C thermal pools creates an unforgettable winter experience.

Booking Tip: Thermal sessions typically cost 3,000-6,000 AMD for 2-hour access. Book evening slots (4-8pm) to warm up after day tours. Many facilities offer traditional scrub services for additional 2,000-4,000 AMD. See current spa options below.

Underground Yerevan Historical Tours

Cold December weather makes underground attractions particularly appealing. The Soviet-era metro stations double as Cold War museums, while basement wine cellars and underground restaurants offer 18°C warmth and fascinating history. These venues showcase Yerevan's hidden layers literally and figuratively.

Booking Tip: Underground tours cost 3,000-7,000 AMD per person for 2-3 hour experiences. Private cellars require advance booking 5-7 days ahead. Combination tours covering multiple underground sites offer best value. Current options available in booking section.

Christmas Market and Winter Festival Tours

December brings authentic Armenian Christmas preparations with markets featuring traditional foods, handmade crafts, and seasonal entertainment. Republic Square transforms into a winter wonderland with heated vendor stalls, live music, and traditional dance performances running 5-10pm daily.

Booking Tip: Market access is free but guided cultural tours cost 2,000-4,000 AMD per person. Evening tours (6-9pm) capture best atmosphere when stalls are fully lit. Weekend tours include additional folk performances and extended vendor hours.

December Events & Festivals

December 15-31

Yerevan Christmas Market

Republic Square hosts traditional Armenian Christmas market with over 50 vendors selling handmade crafts, seasonal foods, and mulled wine. Features nightly folk performances and traditional music from 7-9pm.

Early to Late December

Armenian Orthodox Christmas Preparations

Throughout December, churches across Yerevan hold special evening services and carol performances building toward Armenian Christmas on January 6th. Saint Gregory Cathedral offers English-language explanations of traditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots rated for -10°C (14°F) - sidewalks ice over frequently and Cascade stairs become treacherous

Layered system: thermal base layer, wool sweater, down jacket rated for -15°C (5°F) - indoor heating varies dramatically between venues

Warm hat covering ears and insulated gloves - wind chill at 1,200m (3,937 ft) elevation makes -5°C feel like -12°C (10°F)

Portable phone charger - batteries drain 40% faster in sub-zero temperatures during day tours

Lip balm and moisturizer - 70% humidity drops to 30% indoors with heating, causing severe chapping

Sunglasses - snow glare off Mount Ararat and city buildings creates unexpected brightness

Cash in small bills - many vendors don't accept cards in temperatures that freeze payment terminals

Wool socks (3-4 pairs) - feet get wet from snow and slush, need daily changes

Scarf or neck warmer - essential for 20-minute walks between heated buildings

Hand and foot warmers - available locally but cheaper to bring, last 8-10 hours per packet

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations near Republic Square or Northern Avenue - these areas have underground shopping connections and covered walkways reducing outdoor exposure by 60%

Many restaurants close kitchens early (8pm instead of 10pm) in December due to reduced foot traffic - make dinner reservations by 6pm

Marshrutka (shared taxi) routes change in winter due to icy roads - download Yandex.Taxi app as backup, costs 600-1,200 AMD for cross-city trips

Museum entry fees drop 25-50% in December to attract winter visitors - National History Museum offers combination tickets covering 3 venues for 2,500 AMD

Avoid These Mistakes

Wearing cotton layers instead of wool or synthetic - cotton holds moisture and becomes dangerously cold in -5°C temperatures

Planning outdoor activities after 4pm - darkness and temperature drops to -8°C (18°F) make evening sightseeing miserable

Assuming restaurants stay open normal hours - 40% of outdoor dining closes completely, and many indoor venues reduce hours by 2-3 hours daily