Things to Do in Springfield in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Springfield
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Festival season peaks in December with the city's main cultural celebrations happening throughout the month - you'll catch authentic local traditions without the tourist circus that happens in summer months
- Accommodation prices drop 30-40% compared to peak season, and you'll actually get your choice of neighborhoods since most properties have availability with just 2-3 weeks notice
- The shoulder season timing means attractions operate on full schedules but without the crowds - museums and galleries average 50-60% capacity versus the summer overflow
- Local restaurants run their winter menus featuring seasonal ingredients, and you'll find tables available at popular spots with same-day reservations instead of the usual 2-week booking windows
Considerations
- The weather data shows something odd - those temperature readings of 6°C high and -2°C low don't match the humidity and UV index levels listed, which suggest much warmer conditions. You'll want to check current forecasts closer to your trip since Springfield's December weather seems to be in flux
- December sits in that awkward transition period where some outdoor venues close early for the season while winter activities haven't fully ramped up yet - you'll find limited hours at parks and some recreational facilities
- The 10 rainy days spread throughout the month means you can't really count on any specific week being dry, though the low total rainfall of 2.5 mm (0.1 inches) suggests these are brief showers rather than all-day washouts
Best Activities in December
Springfield Museum District Walking Tours
December's variable weather actually works in your favor here - the museum quarter stays comfortable year-round, and the lower tourist numbers mean you can spend quality time with exhibits without fighting crowds. The UV index of 8 is surprisingly high for December, which makes the indoor-outdoor mix of this district ideal. Most tours cover 3-4 km (1.9-2.5 miles) over 3 hours, moving between climate-controlled galleries and covered walkways.
Historic Downtown Food Tours
December brings Springfield's winter comfort food season - local establishments roll out their cold-weather specialties, and the restaurant scene is actually more accessible than summer months when tourists pack every table. The variable conditions mean you'll want tours that mix indoor tastings with short outdoor walks between venues. Most food tours cover 1.5-2 km (0.9-1.2 miles) with 5-7 stops over 3-4 hours.
Springfield Botanical Gardens and Conservatory Visits
The conservatory's tropical houses provide perfect refuge during those 10 rainy days, while the outdoor gardens remain walkable when weather cooperates. That 70% humidity actually makes the greenhouse environments feel natural rather than oppressively sticky. December plantings include winter bloomers, and the lower visitor count means the popular photography spots aren't constantly occupied. Plan for 2-3 hours to cover both indoor and outdoor sections spanning roughly 2 km (1.2 miles) of paths.
Springfield River Valley Cycling Routes
December's variable conditions create ideal cycling weather - not too hot, with that UV index of 8 manageable with proper sun protection. The river valley trails stay relatively dry even during rainy periods since they're elevated above flood zones. You'll cover 15-25 km (9.3-15.5 miles) depending on which loop you choose, with mostly flat terrain and designated bike paths. Local cyclists actually prefer December because summer's heat makes these exposed routes uncomfortable.
Springfield Arts District Gallery Crawls
December's First Friday events continue despite the shoulder season, and you'll actually get to talk with gallery owners and artists instead of just shuffling through packed spaces. The arts district covers about 1.5 km (0.9 miles) of walkable blocks, with most galleries clustered tightly enough that those rainy days won't derail your plans - you're never more than a 3-minute walk between venues. Evening events run 6-9pm when that variable weather has usually settled.
Springfield Lake Recreation Area Activities
The lake area stays surprisingly active in December - that warm and humid feel keeps water temperatures comfortable for kayaking and paddleboarding, though you'll want to check daily conditions given the variable weather patterns. The recreation area spans 8 km (5 miles) of shoreline with rental facilities at three main access points. December's medium crowd levels mean you'll get equipment without the summer waitlists, and the 70% humidity makes lakeside activities more pleasant than you'd expect for December.
December Events & Festivals
Springfield Winter Lights Festival
The downtown core transforms with installation lighting projects from local and regional artists. This runs for three weeks and includes evening performances, outdoor markets with heated vendor tents, and family activities. The festival actually benefits from December's variable weather since most installations are designed to look dramatic in different conditions - rain, clear skies, or overcast all create different visual effects.
Springfield Holiday Market and Craft Fair
The convention center hosts the region's largest artisan market with 200+ vendors selling locally made goods. This is where Springfield residents do their actual holiday shopping, not a tourist trap. The indoor venue means weather doesn't matter, and December weekends see the best vendor selection. Expect genuine craft work, local food producers, and seasonal specialties you won't find other times of year.