Newark in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Newark

7°C (45°F) High Temp

-2°C (28°F) Low Temp

89mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Holiday markets and festivals create authentic local atmosphere - Branch Brook Park Winter Festival runs weekends through December with local vendors and ice skating
Hotel rates drop 40-60% compared to summer months, with downtown business hotels offering weekend packages from $89-120/night
Newark Museum of Art extends winter hours with special exhibits and holiday programming, plus no tourist crowds for authentic cultural experiences
Prime time for indoor attractions - Prudential Center hosts Devils games and major concerts with easier ticket availability than peak months

Considerations

Harsh weather limits outdoor activities - temperatures feel like -7°C to -12°C (19-10°F) with wind chill, making walking tours uncomfortable
Many outdoor attractions close or reduce hours - Branch Brook Park cherry blossom areas are dormant and Riverfront Park has limited facilities
Flight delays common at Newark Liberty International due to winter storms - 25% higher chance of weather-related delays in December

Best Activities in December

Newark Museum District Cultural Tours

December is perfect for exploring Newark's indoor cultural scene. The Newark Museum of Art runs special holiday exhibits, and the cold weather makes indoor museum hopping ideal. The Ballantine House Victorian mansion is especially atmospheric during winter months with period holiday decorations.

Booking Tip: Many museums offer discounted winter passes valid through March. Book guided tours 5-7 days ahead as group sizes are smaller in winter. Cultural walking tours typically cost $25-45 per person and include indoor stops for warming up.

Historic Downtown Newark Architecture Tours

Cold weather actually enhances the Gothic Revival and Art Deco architecture viewing - bare trees reveal building details obscured in summer. The 2-3 hour tours include heated indoor stops at Cathedral Basilica and historic theaters. Best done midday when temperatures peak.

Booking Tip: Book indoor-focused architecture tours that include cathedral and theater interiors. Tours typically run $35-55 and should include hot beverage stops. See current options in booking section below.

Ironbound District Food Tours

December is prime time for Portuguese and Brazilian comfort food in the Ironbound neighborhood. Cold weather means hearty stews, fresh bread, and warm pastéis. Indoor market tours keep you warm while sampling authentic cuisine. Evening tours include heated restaurant stops.

Booking Tip: Food tours run year-round but December focuses on hearty winter dishes. Book 7-10 days ahead for weekend tours. Expect 3-4 hour tours costing $65-85 including multiple indoor stops and tastings.

Newark Liberty Airport Aviation Tours

Winter months offer unique behind-the-scenes airport experiences with less crowded facilities. Special December tours include the old Art Deco terminal and control tower visits. Indoor experiences perfect for cold weather, with heated transportation between stops.

Booking Tip: Airport tours require advance security clearance - book 14-21 days ahead. Tours run $45-65 and include heated shuttle transport. Available most weekdays with limited weekend options.

Prudential Center Sports and Entertainment

December Devils hockey games offer authentic Newark winter culture. The arena is fully heated with pre-game activities at surrounding heated venues. Concert season peaks in December with major touring acts avoiding summer outdoor venues.

Booking Tip: Hockey tickets are most affordable in December before holiday games. Book 10-14 days out for best selection. Tickets range $25-85 for upper bowl, $65-150 lower bowl. Parking books up fast - reserve spots for $15-25.

Branch Brook Park Winter Activities

While cherry blossoms are dormant, December transforms the park for winter recreation. Ice skating rink operates weather permitting, and heated visitor centers offer warm indoor spaces. Cross-country skiing possible after snowfall on the park's 4km (2.5-mile) trails.

Booking Tip: Park activities are weather-dependent - check conditions day-of-visit. Ice skating costs $8-12 with $5 skate rental. Winter programs run weekends and require 3-5 day advance registration through Essex County Parks.

December Events & Festivals

December 31st

First Night Newark New Year's Celebration

Family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration in downtown Newark featuring live music, food vendors, and fireworks at midnight. Indoor venues provide warming stations and the PATH train runs extended hours for safe late-night transport.

Most weekends in December

Branch Brook Park Winter Festival

Weekend festival throughout December featuring ice skating, holiday market vendors, and heated food stands. Local Portuguese and Brazilian vendors from Ironbound participate, offering authentic winter comfort foods.

Every Sunday in December

Cathedral Basilica Holiday Concert Series

Weekly concerts in the heated Gothic cathedral featuring local choirs and classical musicians. The acoustics and architecture create a unique winter cultural experience unavailable in warmer months.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Heavy winter coat rated for -10°C (14°F) - essential for outdoor walking between attractions

Waterproof insulated boots with good tread - sidewalks get icy and 89mm (3.5 inches) of precipitation means frequent wet conditions

Thermal underlayers - humidity makes cold feel more penetrating, base layers crucial for comfort

Waterproof gloves - not just warm ones, as you'll be handling wet metro cards and phone in precipitation

Warm hat covering ears - wind off the Passaic River creates significant wind chill factor

Compact umbrella - December averages 10 rainy/snowy days with unpredictable timing

Hand and foot warmers - for outdoor activities like ice skating or stadium events

Scarf or neck gaiter - throat protection essential in cold, humid air

Wool socks - feet stay warmer in heated indoor spaces you'll be ducking into frequently

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 40-50% faster than normal

Insider Knowledge

Penn Station Newark has the warmest underground connections to downtown - use the covered walkways rather than street level when possible

Many restaurants in Ironbound offer winter lunch specials from 11am-3pm when tourist traffic is lowest - same quality food at 30% less cost

PATH train cars are heated but platforms are exposed - download the app for real-time arrivals to minimize outdoor waiting

Newark Library main branch downtown has free WiFi, heating, and bathrooms - perfect warming spot between outdoor activities and many locals use it as a community center during cold months

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold it feels due to humidity - 2°C (36°F) in Newark feels like -5°C (23°F) in dry climates

Planning too many outdoor activities - December weather realistically limits outdoor time to 30-45 minute segments before needing to warm up indoors

Not checking PATH and NJ Transit winter schedules - service can be delayed or modified during snow/ice events with little advance notice