Things to Do in Almaty in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Almaty
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak ski season at Shymbulak - fresh powder, reliable snow coverage from 2,200m to 3,200m (7,218 ft to 10,499 ft), and lift lines are manageable on weekdays. You're looking at some of the best snow conditions of the entire season.
- Medeu ice skating rink operates at full capacity with pristine ice quality. At 1,691m (5,548 ft) elevation, this is the world's highest skating rink, and December temperatures keep the ice perfect without being brutally cold.
- Clear mountain visibility - December tends to have less smog than January-February because of wind patterns. You'll actually see the Tian Shan peaks from the city, which matters if you're here for mountain photography or just want those Instagram shots.
- Lower accommodation prices compared to New Year's week. Book before December 20th and you'll pay 30-40% less than the holiday peak. Mid-range hotels in the city center run 15,000-25,000 KZT per night versus 35,000+ during New Year's.
Considerations
- Genuine cold that catches unprepared visitors off guard. That -6°C (21°F) average low feels like -15°C (5°F) with wind chill. If you're from warmer climates, this isn't 'cute winter' - this is proper Central Asian winter that requires serious layering.
- Short daylight hours mean limited sightseeing time. Sunrise around 8:30am, sunset by 5:30pm. You've got maybe 8 hours of usable daylight, which compresses your itinerary significantly.
- Air quality can deteriorate during temperature inversions, particularly in the second half of December. The city sits in a valley, and when cold air traps pollution, AQI can spike to 150-200. Not every day, but it happens enough to mention.
Best Activities in December
Shymbulak Ski Resort Sessions
December is when Shymbulak truly comes alive. You've got 20km (12.4 miles) of runs from 2,200m to 3,200m (7,218 ft to 10,499 ft), and December snow coverage is typically excellent - usually 80-120cm (31-47 inches) base. The temperature sits in that sweet spot where it's cold enough for good snow but not so brutal you can't enjoy a full day. Weekdays are surprisingly quiet; weekends see more locals but nothing like European resort crowds. The gondola from Medeu takes 20 minutes and offers spectacular views when visibility is good, which December tends to deliver.
Medeu Ice Skating Complex
At 1,691m (5,548 ft), Medeu is the world's highest outdoor speed skating rink, and December is arguably the best month to experience it. The ice quality is pristine - they maintain it obsessively - and temperatures are cold enough to keep it perfect but not so extreme that you can only manage 20 minutes before retreating indoors. The rink operates daily from 10am to 10pm, though afternoon sessions from 2pm-5pm tend to be busiest with families. Evening skating under lights has a particular magic to it. The 842-step staircase up to the rink is a workout, or you can take the shuttle from the parking area.
Big Almaty Lake Winter Access
Big Almaty Lake at 2,511m (8,238 ft) is stunning year-round, but December offers something special - the lake often partially freezes, creating this otherworldly turquoise-and-white landscape against snow-covered peaks. The 28km (17.4 mile) drive from the city takes about 45 minutes, and you'll need a vehicle with good winter tires or chains. The road can be tricky after fresh snow. Temperature at the lake runs 5-8°C (9-14°F) colder than the city, so we're talking -10 to -15°C (14 to 5°F) typically. You can walk around the lake perimeter - about 3km (1.9 miles) - but the altitude and cold mean you'll want to keep moving.
Kok-Tobe Hill Evening Visits
Kok-Tobe at 1,100m (3,609 ft) offers panoramic city views, and December evenings are particularly atmospheric when the city lights up and, if you're lucky, fresh snow dusts the observation platforms. The cable car ride from Dostyk Avenue takes 6 minutes and operates until 11pm most nights. Up top, you've got the TV tower, souvenir market, small amusement park, and several restaurants. The temperature is usually 2-3°C (3.6-5.4°F) colder than downtown, and wind can be significant, but the views - especially at twilight around 5-6pm - are worth bundling up for. The Beatles monument and apple sculpture make for decent photos.
Zenkov Cathedral and Panfilov Park Winter Walks
Zenkov Cathedral, one of the world's tallest wooden buildings at 56m (184 ft), sits in Panfilov Park and looks particularly striking against December snow. The cathedral's pastel colors pop against white backgrounds, and the park's tree-lined paths are pleasant for walks when temperatures are above -5°C (23°F). The park is small - you can walk the whole thing in 20 minutes - but it's central, historically significant, and photogenic. The nearby Green Bazaar is a 10-minute walk and worth combining for a half-day cultural itinerary. Morning visits around 10-11am offer the best light for photography.
Charyn Canyon Winter Day Trips
Charyn Canyon sits 200km (124 miles) east of Almaty, and December offers a unique perspective - fewer tourists, dramatic lighting, and occasionally snow-dusted red rock formations that look almost Martian. The Valley of Castles section is the highlight, with rock formations reaching 150-300m (492-984 ft) high. Temperature runs warmer than Almaty - typically 0 to -5°C (32 to 23°F) - because of lower elevation at 600m (1,969 ft). The 3-hour drive each way means this is a full-day commitment, leaving around 8am and returning by 6-7pm. The canyon trail is about 2km (1.2 miles) down and back up, manageable but requires decent fitness.
December Events & Festivals
Independence Day Celebrations
December 16-17 marks Kazakhstan's Independence Day, and Almaty goes all out despite the cold. You'll see concerts in Republic Square, traditional performances, and fireworks on the evening of the 16th. Hotels and restaurants book up significantly for this weekend, and many businesses close on the 16th. The celebrations have a genuine local flavor rather than tourist-oriented events - you're experiencing how Kazakhs actually mark their national holiday.
New Year's Preparation Period
The last week of December sees Almaty transform for New Year's, which is celebrated bigger than Christmas here. Panfilov Park, Republic Square, and major streets get elaborate light displays and decorations. The Green Bazaar becomes particularly lively with vendors selling special foods and decorations. This is more atmosphere than specific events, but it's worth noting that the city's energy shifts considerably after December 20th as locals prepare for the biggest holiday of the year.