Things to do in Holyrood in December

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Overview

December is a good time to visit Holyrood. The weather is usually really cold and slightly windy, with temperatures ranging from 27—36°F (-3—2°C).

Holyrood has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your December trip to Holyrood. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to December. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Holyrood in December. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout December, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Holyrood in December

Top experiences in December
We couldn't find any experiences in December
Holidays in Holyrood in December
December
  • Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster (December 11)
  • Christmas Eve (December 24)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)
  • Boxing Day (December 26)
  • New Year's Eve (December 31)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Holyrood in December

Temperatures on an average day in Holyrood in December

The average temperature in Holyrood in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 36°F (2°C) to a low of 27°F (-3°C). Some would describe the temperature to be really cold. The general area may also feel slightly windy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Holyrood, August, has days with highs of 69°F (20°C) and lows of 56°F (13°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 31°F (-1°C) and lows of 21°F (-6°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Holyrood in December based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in December
36°F
highs
27°F
lows

General weather summary

Really cold, slightly windy
Feels like
45%
Chance of rain
0.179 in
Amount
17.1 mph
Wind speed
93%
Humidity
8.5 hrs
Daylight length
7:40 AM
Sunrise
4:13 PM
Sunset
33%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 36°F (2°C) and a low of 27°F (-3°C), it generally feels really cold and slightly windy. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket and remember to bring an umbrella
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Best attractions for Holyrood in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Holyrood has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Holyrood that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Holyrood for December.
Salmonier Nature Park
1. Salmonier Nature Park
4.6
(612)
Temporarily Closed
Wildlife park
Nature & Parks
Slide 1 of 8
It's Free! A wonderful interpretive center with lots of helpful, knowledgeable staff and some impressive taxidermy work - true museum quality. The information presented was helpful, accurate and sometimes surprising. There is a fabulous 3km long boardwalk trail that takes you through the boreal forest setting, and the trail is punctuated by placards and enclosures where you MAY see some of the rescued wildlife that for one reason or another is not a candidate for release. They do wildlife rescue work - with a focus on treatment and release back into the wild. We saw several, but the trail (longish but accessible! A mix of shade, dappled light and occasional direct sun, but mostly sheltered from winds) is worth it all on its own; a beautiful, peaceful place. While we were there (mid June), there were a couple of busloads of students in the center and on the trails, in addition to the usual local families and us tourists - and there was plenty of room for us all. Highly recommend, and the number of families (locals) there with kids and strollers making obvious repeat visits suggest they do to!
If you’re looking for a nice walk on a boardwalk with animals to check out along the way, you found it! This nature park has a range of animals who can no longer live on their own in the wild, with lots of their own space. Yes, that means that sometimes you don’t get to see the animal you wanted, but they deserve to have peace sometimes too! Great place for a family trip or just a weekend visit.
I really enjoyed my afternoon here. The boardwalk is easy to navigate. I'm addition to the wildlife there were lots of birds in the forest. I didn't spot all of the wildlife so I'll need to try again. A great way to spend a day in nature. It's also free and there is a donation box if you so choose.
Salmonier Nature Park offers a peaceful and family-friendly escape into Newfoundland’s wild heart. You’ll wander along a tranquil 3 km boardwalk—completely stroller and wheelchair-accessible—through lush boreal surroundings dotted with chances to glimpse rehabilitated wildlife living in natural settings. The experience is both enriching and beautifully maintained, and with free admission, it’s a perfect outing for nature lovers, families, and curious explorers alike.
Well let me say it's free to get in that's great and the whole thing is boardwalk so you can walk it in sandals you don't need hiking shoes on.I like looking on the inside at the different animals like polar bears. The outside I believe is a 2 km walk I was told. Takes about an hour or if you just walk without stopping. I got there around lunch that just happened to be the time I was driving by. But you can't see any of the larger animals during that time in the day they're all hidden. If you want to see some larger animals like the Caribou or the moose you have to go first thing in the morning and to avoid all the kids. I know this is a kid thing but with all the screaming and having 30 kids behind you you're not going to see nothing. Best bet get there right at 9:00 a.m. or whenever they open. The smaller animals I got to see if you don't mind seeing them in cages. It's a shame to see great horned owls and foxes in cages. Oh and when I got there at 12:00 p.m. the parking lot was full there is a large parking lot but it was mostly full. That's how busy it is at that time.
Amazing free trail and little exhibition center. Takes you through some different landscapes of Newfoundland. If you're interested in plants, there are a ton of pitcher plants right beside the trail which I found super cool. The forest itself has plenty of wildlife that aren't on the trail, like squirrels, Canada Jays, Black Backed Woodpeckers, and dragon flies! Well worth the stop!
Such a nice walk. The trail is well maintained and a complete board walk so you don't have to worry about mud or anything. Didn't get to see every animal, but most of them were out. Completely free.
Super cool place to check out if you have the time! It's a very natural setting for the animals so you won't always see them, but be patient and wait and your chances of seeing the animals gets much better !
The Wilds Resort at Salmonier River
2. The Wilds Resort at Salmonier River
4.4
(349)
Resort hotel
Outdoor Activities
Unassuming rooms & condos in a rustic resort offering a golf course & a pool with mountain views.
Slide 1 of 8
Great golf course! The grounds crew and proshop staff are excellent. Conditions are some of the best around. Short drive outside the city but definitely worth it for excellent golf. Just make sure to bring bug spray and sun block!
The staff we met were very friendly, helpful and informative. And really made our stay enjoyable! Golf course looked nicely manicured. Would have like to explore the ground but time did not allow. Loved the location.! The view from our room was mostly a broken, sludge filled pool. Beds felt pretty worn out. But over all was clean.
Stayed there this weekend for a wedding. Stayed at the Red Cottage. It’s was about 4 km away from the main hotel area. The road to the cottage was horrible. Potholes big enough your car bottoms out. The website advertised a hot-tub, there was no hot-tub. The A/C unit was a block of ice. We had to clean the A/C filter cause it was so blocked there was no air getting through it. There were signs everywhere in the cabin stating out of order- ice maker, window don’t open. There was no cable T\V all weekend. It wasn’t what was advertised. For the amount of money you spend, it was very disappointing. We spoke to the Front Desk and they said we will let someone know. That’s pretty bad service in my opinion. Highly recommend to stay away from this cabin and wasn’t impressed by the resort at all. Nothing like was advertised. Just a heads up.
First of all and very important: bring your own snacks, beverages and alcohol. Prices here are ridiculous since you are in the middle of nowhere. The snacks they do have are very limited for choices. There were small bags of plain chip $3, 2 kinds of chocolate bars and maybe 6 or 7 flavors of canned pop at almost $4 each. For 2 bags of chips, a chocolate bar, a water and a can of pop, I paid $17. I don't drink but people were saying a can of beer was just about $10. But when you have no other choice, you pay it. Okay, so we were there for a wedding and booked a hotel room. It was almost $240 and very basic. The bathroom was small, no tub and I killed 2 silverfish bugs in the bathroom. No microwave. No phone. No USB ports for charging devices but at least there were electrical outlets. It would have been nice if the 2 beds were queen instead of double. It did have a mini fridge and the beds were comfortable. I liked that there was no carpet however it's very noisy. You can hear everything in the hallway, the rooms beside you and above you. Something I've never ever seen in a hotel is a sign in the bathroom letting you know you will be charged $5 for a face cloth if you use it to clean makeup. They do provide black facecloths for it. I don't wear makeup so it wasn't a problem but if you do just be aware not to wipe it off with the white face cloths. The lady at the front desk was grumpy. They were pretty strict about not letting us in until very close to the 4pm check in time. Most hotels will let you in before if rooms are available and they clearly were at this hotel. So that was a little frustrating considering the wait between the wedding ceremony and the reception. Area is very scenic and the outdoor ceremony space was lovely but of course you will have to provide your own decor or hire it out. Reception area in the Pavillion was very nice. I really liked the high ceilings. Dinner and dessert were good.
Rooms were nice, but the fact that the pool was being repaired during our stay was a let down. The restaurant was bellow expectations considering the price of the meal. The food was quite bland and the quality of the ingredients was not there for every meal that our group ordered. Our waiter was nice and available.
My recent stay at The Wilds Resort at Salmonier was nothing short of exceptional, deserving every one of its five stars. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the resort's stunning natural beauty – the serene Salmonier River, the lush, meticulously maintained grounds, and the tranquil atmosphere that truly makes it an escape from the everyday. The accommodations were impeccable, offering a perfect blend of comfort and elegance. Every detail, from the tasteful decor to the pristine condition, contributed to a truly relaxing and luxurious experience. The service was equally outstanding; every staff member I encountered was warm, professional, and genuinely committed to ensuring a memorable visit. Their attentiveness truly elevated the entire experience. A particular highlight of my stay was witnessing a beautiful wedding celebration on the grounds. The setting was absolutely picturesque, and seeing the joy and palpable love shared by the couple and their guests was profoundly moving. It was a powerful reminder of the enduring beauty and significance of connection and partnership. Amidst the stunning backdrop of The Wilds, observing such a heartfelt union truly underscored for me the essential role of love in our lives – a realization that resonated deeply and beautifully throughout my time there. Whether you're seeking a serene getaway, an adventurous golf retreat, or a perfect venue for life's most cherished celebrations, The Wilds Resort offers an unparalleled experience. It's more than just a place to stay; it's a destination where beauty, tranquility, and the spirit of connection converge. I wholeheartedly recommend it and eagerly anticipate my next visit.
I recently stayed at the Wilds. I had been exploring the Irish Loop on a cold, windy, foggy day. The Wilds was a welcoming oasis. Really enjoyed the nature walk around the grounds. A big "shout out" to Jackie. She was a great welcoming hostess. It was an A+ experience.
My husband and I stayed her on a recent get away and the staff couldn't have been better. Polite, helpful and the rooms were gorgeous.
Butter Pot Provincial Park
3. Butter Pot Provincial Park
4.2
(352)
Park
Nature & Parks
Spacious park featuring campsites & hiking trails in a natural setting with forests, ponds & bogs.
Slide 1 of 8
Great place for camping, friends and family day out. Lots of trails and walk ways for hiking. Ponds and beaches. Clean and nicely planned spots. Laundry and washrooms available. Day trips are open for everyone for whole park while for camping there is a fee. RVs and tents all are permitted.
The park is clean and fairly quiet. Sites are mostly big but privacy can vary. Comfort station is kept clean. Staff is friendly. The dumping station is a little out of the way bit seems to be maintained. Paved sections of road have not been maintained well and can cause issues. Dirt sections are moderately maintained. Some roads are 2 way but only wide enough for one car.
We did the Butter Pot Trail hike to the peak. The sign says 1 hour but it took longer going up as the terrain varied you had to adjust and sometimes it was hard to figure out to where the trail was at times (we used the offline map from OsmAnd to help with navigation). Suggest wearing shoes with a good grip i.e. Converse aren't a great idea. It was windy at the top of the peak.
Butterpot Hill Trail - This is a pretty moderate trail that winds its way through the wilderness around Butterpot Park and ultimately finishes at the top of Butterpot Mountain. There are a couple of really nice swimming spots along the way, and the views at the top are well worth the effort. The trail itself, up and back is about 6.6 kms, but we added more because we took some time to walk around the top of the mountain and take in all the views. The hike took us just under 3 hours, but it could easily be done in 2 without the extra stops. Pick a great day and this hike is well worth the $10 fee we paid to enter the park.
Pretty nice scenery there. I've yet to actually go there in the summer so I cant speak to their facilities for pricing (other than off-season squatting on their campsites to test out my new winter sleeping bag lol), but like any campground there appears to be adequate facilities and I did see a sign directing towards trailer dumping so if you're in an RV you can dump the tanks.
This was a great experience the beach was nice, the bathrooms were very clean and they offer showers 🛀. There is a laundry room. Play ground for the kids and walking trails that take you out to explore the park. The beach ☀️ is great for kids to swim and family to kayak along the shoreline of the pond. The pond is huge with a big Island in the middle. 🏝
Great Provincial Park! Nature at its best and just 30 minutes from St. John's.. Hike to Butter Pot Hill (2 hours round trip)and see for miles. Lots of trails, swimming, playgrounds for the kids!! Two comfort stations, but one is currently out of service. Showers and flushing toilets available. Basic camping sites with no electricity or water. Picnic table and Fire pits on every site. Staff are very knowledgeable and helpful.
Great place, close to town, The lots are super private surrounded by trees. And The weekend we were there, It was blocked, But the place was quiet. was wonderful.
Coastal Connections
4. Coastal Connections
4.8
(4)
Boat tour agency
Tours
Slide 1 of 3
Whale show! My wife and I experienced the Sunset Cruise last summer. It was a beautiful experience. Captain Jan took us through the harbour in Holyrood where we spotted bald eagles, humpback whales, and lots of jellyfish. The atmosphere in our small group was warm and friendly. We asked a lot of questions and learned about the history of the area and the local marine life – it was very educational. Captain Jan was knowledgable and entertained us the whole way. Under an orange sunset sky on the way back, we spotted a lone humpback whale, who began breaching just for us. We circled around a few times and watched him slap his fins on the water and breach and breach. There were no other boats around at all – it was amazing. The boat itself was impeccably maintained and very comfortable. Refreshments were provided. A great trip – highly recommended for family and friends who want to avoid the crowds and experience Newfoundland marine life in peace.
Captain Jan and Hilary are incredibly knowledgeable, and the scenery in the bay is beautiful. Had an amazing time out on the water and would highly recommend their tours to anyone.
This business is closed
Holycross Park
5. Holycross Park
Park
Nature & Parks
Father Duffy's Well
6. Father Duffy's Well
4.3
(30)
Local history museum
Sights & Landmarks
Slide 1 of 8
Father Duffys well was a must see for me during my trip to Newfoundland. I heard many stories of people visiting here many times as children on family Sunday drives. Very peaceful after a fish n chips at Roxys diner.
Nothing much to it, there’s an old pipe but there wasn’t much flow when we were there. No bathrooms but a nice little stop on the way to the nature reserve with some history and a map of the area.
Quaint little rest stop close to the nature park. Natural spring, some picnic benches in shade, and a place to park your vehicle.
Nice spot to take the dog for a walk very scenic and beautiful shame the wooden bridges are falling into disrepair two outside toilets and two large picnic tables and covered shelters
I knew about father Duffy's well from years ago. Its only recently I read the story of father Duffy and how he used this spot as a resting area. It was a very fascinating story and he seemed like a good man... but with that said the rest stop seems to be a bit run down and forgotten about. It seems like a place that could be great but its kinda feels like a sad fading thing from the past. The community or province should have it refreshed and give it a upkeep maybe have a couple of people working there in the summers. And interpretation building at least to greet people to give them a tour and tell them about the history and have some little camp spots set up for tents etc. The well is there im uncertain if the water is fit to drink its a little building there. Im not sure what it was used for. Its full of bird and mouse poop. It has two big wooden canopies that are getting old. Two old out houses, the small walking trail is nice but the bridges are missing planks and the logs they used on the sides of the trail are rotted out. It all adds to the sad forgotten feel to a beautiful place that should be utilized in a better way.
Nice and clean sitting area, nice little scenic walking trail but needs some work, could be raked and the wooden walkways could use repair. Other than that its a great place to stop for a breather with the family
Great spot to BBQ with the family. Space for playing games is available and campfires are allowed. Small hiking trail is also present.
Nice place to take a quick break.
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