Things to Do in Tashkent in December

December Weather in Tashkent

8°C (47°F) High Temp

-1°C (31°F) Low Temp

58 mm (2.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Winter wonderland atmosphere - Tashkent transforms into a snow-dusted city with traditional heating systems like sandals (braziers) creating cozy gathering spots throughout mahallas (neighborhoods)
Perfect weather for exploring covered bazars and museums - December's cool temperatures make indoor cultural sites like Chorsu Bazaar and the State Museum of History comfortable for hours of exploration
Authentic local winter cuisine season - December brings hearty Uzbek winter dishes like mastava (rice soup) and fresh tandoor bread that's particularly warming in cold weather
Lowest tourist crowds of the year - International visitor numbers drop by 80% compared to spring, meaning genuine interactions with locals and no queues at major attractions like Khast Imam Complex

Considerations

Limited daylight hours - Sunrise at 7:45 AM, sunset by 5:30 PM gives only 9.5 hours of daylight for sightseeing
Inconsistent heating in older buildings - Many guesthouses and some restaurants built in Soviet era have unreliable heating systems, requiring extra layers indoors
Some outdoor attractions less appealing - Botanical gardens and parks like Alisher Navoi Park are dormant, and outdoor dining at traditional tea houses is uncomfortable

Best Activities in December

Traditional Uzbek Cooking Classes in Local Homes

December is prime season for learning winter Uzbek cuisine when families prepare hearty dishes like shorpa (lamb soup) and fresh non bread. The cold weather makes standing over hot tandoor ovens particularly enjoyable, and local families have more time for hosting during slower agricultural season.

Booking Tip: Book through cultural centers or guesthouses 5-7 days ahead. Classes typically cost $25-40 per person including ingredients and meals. Look for experiences that include market shopping and traditional bread making in home tandoors.

Chorsu Bazaar and Traditional Market Tours

December transforms Tashkent's markets into winter spice wonderlands. Vendors sell seasonal dried fruits, winter teas, and warming spices. The covered sections provide shelter from cold winds, and locals shop for New Year preparations making markets particularly vibrant with cultural activity.

Booking Tip: Self-guided visits work well, but guided tours cost $15-25 and provide cultural context. Visit between 10 AM-3 PM when most stalls are active. Bring cash in small som denominations for easier transactions.

Uzbek Textile and Carpet Workshop Visits

Winter months are when traditional carpet weavers and textile artisans work most productively indoors. December offers opportunities to observe suzani embroidery and silk weaving in heated workshops. Artisans have more time for demonstrations when not tending to summer agricultural duties.

Booking Tip: Contact through Uzbekistan Craft Development Center or arrange through hotels. Workshop visits typically cost $20-35 including demonstrations and small purchases. Book 3-4 days ahead as many artisans work on seasonal commission pieces.

Islamic Architecture and Museum Tours

December's crisp air and low sun creates dramatic lighting for photographing Islamic architecture at Khast Imam Complex and Kukeldash Madrasah. Indoor museums like the Fine Arts Museum provide warm refuge between outdoor sites, and the cooler weather makes walking between monuments in the Old Town comfortable.

Booking Tip: Most sites are self-guided with entry fees of $2-5. Guided architecture tours cost $30-50 for half-day experiences. Visit major outdoor sites between 11 AM-4 PM for best lighting and warmest temperatures.

Traditional Hammam and Spa Experiences

December's cold weather makes traditional Uzbek bath houses (hammams) particularly appealing. These heated stone facilities offer authentic cleansing rituals and massages. Local families frequent hammams more in winter months, providing cultural immersion opportunities unavailable in warmer seasons.

Booking Tip: Traditional hammams cost $8-15 for basic services, $20-35 with massage treatments. Book afternoon sessions (2-6 PM) when facilities are warmest. Bring flip-flops and towel, or rent on-site for $2-3.

Tashkent Metro Art and Soviet History Tours

December is ideal for exploring Tashkent's ornate metro stations as the underground system provides warm shelter between stops. The subway's artistic stations like Kosmonavtlar and Alisher Navoi showcase Soviet-era mosaics and chandeliers. Limited daylight above ground makes underground exploration more appealing.

Booking Tip: Metro rides cost under $0.20 per journey. Self-guided exploration works well, but historical context tours cost $20-30 for 3-4 hour experiences. Avoid rush hours (8-9 AM, 5-7 PM) for better photography opportunities.

December Events & Festivals

Late December

New Year Celebrations at Independence Square

Tashkent's main New Year celebration features traditional music, local food vendors, and ice sculptures. Unlike Western New Year parties, this event emphasizes family gatherings with Uzbek cultural performances and traditional winter foods like hot shorpa served from outdoor stands.

Mid to Late December

Winter Handicraft Festivals in Mahallas

Local neighborhoods organize small winter craft fairs where artisans display seasonal items like wool carpets, felt products, and winter clothing. These community events offer authentic cultural interaction away from tourist areas with opportunities to purchase directly from makers.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots rated for -5°C (23°F) - sidewalks become icy and December brings 10 days of precipitation that can freeze overnight

Layered clothing system with wool or synthetic base layers - indoor temperatures vary dramatically from 15-25°C (59-77°F) depending on heating systems

Warm hat and insulated gloves - December wind chill can make -1°C (31°F) feel like -8°C (17°F)

Lightweight down jacket or heavy wool coat - essential for morning and evening temperatures that drop below freezing

Scarf or neck warmer - protects against cold winds common in Tashkent's open squares and bazaar areas

Thermal underwear for at least two changes - particularly important if staying in Soviet-era buildings with inconsistent heating

Waterproof day pack cover - December's 58 mm (2.3 inches) of precipitation often comes as wet snow that soaks fabric bags

Hand warmers or small thermos - useful for long outdoor sightseeing sessions in sub-freezing temperatures

Thick wool socks (multiple pairs) - cold stone floors in mosques and traditional buildings require extra foot insulation

Moisturizer and lip balm - 70% humidity combined with heated indoor air creates skin drying conditions

Insider Knowledge

Uzbek families prepare for New Year differently than Western celebrations - join locals at mahalla (neighborhood) tea houses where elders gather around sandals (traditional braziers) sharing stories and hot tea from 2-5 PM daily

December is when locals make seasonal preserves and dried fruit preparations - visit family-run shops in residential areas beyond tourist zones for authentic winter treats like dried persimmons and quince jam unavailable other months

Many restaurants reduce outdoor seating but increase tandoor bread production - arrive at traditional oshxona (local eateries) before noon when fresh hot bread emerges from wood-fired ovens

Soviet-era district heating systems operate on neighborhood schedules - heat typically turns on citywide December 15th but individual buildings may vary by several days, affecting accommodation comfort

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold indoor spaces can be - many tourists pack only for outdoor temperatures but neglect that older Tashkent buildings often maintain indoor temperatures around 15°C (59°F)

Planning too many outdoor walking tours - December's 9.5 hours of daylight and freezing morning temperatures make all-day outdoor itineraries uncomfortable and rushed

Expecting summer bazaar variety - winter markets focus on preserved foods, warm clothing, and heating supplies rather than fresh produce and summer crafts, requiring adjusted shopping expectations