Packing List for Europe in Winter (Christmas Market Edition)

If you’re dreaming of mulled wine in Germany, twinkling lights in Alsace, or cozy wooden stalls in Switzerland, you’re probably planning a trip around Europe’s fabulous Christmas markets.

Magical? Yes!

Cold? Also YES!

Being from Texas, we were hesitant to visit Europe in winter, but we really wanted to see the great Christmas markets in Europe, so we bit the bullet and booked our first Christmas market trip. Believe me when I tell you that it is cold, but it is so worth it. You just have to be prepared.

I’ve created this packing list for Europe in winter – specifically for Christmas markets. This guide will help you stay warm, comfortable, and cute enough for photos without having to drag around an overstuffed suitcase.

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Table of Contents (Click to Unroll)

Why Packing for European Christmas Markets is Different

Christmas market travel means:

Standing outdoors for hours
Sightseeing after dark, when the temperatures are coldest
Cobblestone streets + rain, slush, snow, or ice
Hot drinks in one hand + phone in the other

Your packing focus needs to be on warmth, walkability, and waterproofing!

How to Pack for Christmas Markets in Europe

I cannot stress enough that you need to pack in a carry-on only!

You need to be able to manage your own bag (often up and down stairs) while in Europe, so packing only a carry-on is essential.

Packing Tips

Wear your bulkiest items on the plane (boots, coat, etc)
Layering is your friend.
Don’t overpack. Reuse your clothes, especially sweaters. You will have your coat on most of the time and won’t see them anyway
Use accessories to change up your look in pics (scarves, hats, etc)
Less is more. You can always buy a cute scarf or hat at the market to save room

What to Wear to European Christmas Markets

Europe in winter can get quite cold, so you definitely want to be prepared. Because of that, though, you will probably be in your coat in every single picture, so it’s ok to wear your shirts/sweaters a couple of times. Again, you won’t be sweating in them either, so they should stay nice and clean.

Here are the items you definitely need:

A Warm, Weatherproof Coat (Top Priority)

A warm, weatherproof coat is your top priority. It gets dark early in Europe in winter (like around 4:00 pm), so not only will you be outside a lot, but you will also be outside after sunset.

We purchased jackets from Columbia that contain the Omni-heat technology. These puffer coats fold down to almost nothing, but thanks to the interior lining, they trap your body heat to keep you warm and toasty.

I have this coat, which I love. If it isn’t raining, you can remove the outer rain jacket shell and just wear the puffer coat and still stay super warm. If you need the rain jacket, just zip it on.

Marty has this coat and loves it. He says it keeps him super warm!

Thermal Base Layers (Your Secret Weapon)

Besides a coat, you also NEED thermal base layers. These can truly make or break your trip.

Pack:

2-3 thermal tops – preferably merino wool (you can wear them for multiple days)
2 thermal pants/leggings

Why choose merino wool?

Warm without bulk
Doesn’t smell (so you can rewear it for multiple days)
Regulates temperature (so perfect for transitioning between indoors and outdoors)

I took 1 pair of merino wool leggings to wear under my jeans or ski pants, and 1 pair of fleece-lined leggings to wear under skirts or as my pants. I ordered and tried several pairs of fleece-lined leggings, and these were the absolute winner for comfort and warmth.

Marty ordered this merino wool set and said it was comfortable and warm during our trip.

Cozy Mid-Layers for Layering

Outside is cold, inside is warm, so layers are your friend.

Bring:

2-3 sweaters (wool or cashmere); can wear one on the plane
1 fleece or insulated pullover

Pants That Can Handle the Cold or That You Can Layer

When planning your pants, remember that they need to be insulated or you need to be able to put your baselayer underneath them. You will wear one pair (your bulkiest) on the plane, then pack two additional pairs.

Best Pants to Pack:

Lined jeans or trousers (baggy enough that you can put your base layer underneath when it’s really cold)
Travel pants with stretch
Ski pants or lined hiking pants work great

Cute Skirts/Dresses for Women

If you want to wear cute skirts or dresses to the Christmas markets, be sure to purchase these fleece-lined tights. They keep you nice and warm and look super cute!

Pair your tights with a cute winter dress, and you have the perfect outfit for a Christmas market photoshoot.

Best Shoes & Socks for European Christmas Markets

You will walk miles on your European Christmas Market trip, so be sure to wear comfortable, warm footwear.

Must-haves include:

Waterproof or water-resistant
Good traction
Cushioned soles
Fur-lined is a great addition.

Waterproof, warm boots for women and men are readily available, so try out a few and see which one you like best. Just remember to break them in before heading out on your trip.

Pair your boots with some merino wool socks, and your feet will stay warm and dry the whole trip!

Read Next: How We Travel With Only a Backpack

Christmas Market Accessories You Will Be Glad You Packed

These small items can make a huge difference during your trip:

What to Pack for Snow, Rain, and Night Markets

Weather Essentials

Travel Essentials

Bags and Organization

A good carry-on suitcase and a travel backpack that doubles as a day-use bag are essential. While they are a bit more expensive, we love our Away carry-on bags. They roll great and have withstood years of travel!

Because we packed so many bulky winter clothes, we also invested in these compression bags that come with a rechargeable handheld vacuum. They were lifesavers. Just don’t forget to pack the vacuum and charger!

Electronic Essentials

Travel adapter
Power bank
Phone with offline maps downloaded
iPad or similar with movies downloaded

Toiletries & Winter Must-Haves

Moisturizer (cold weather=dry skin)
Lip balm
Travel-size pain relievers and cold medicine
Refillable water bottle

What Not to Pack for Christmas Markets in Europe

Skip these!

Multiple bulky coats
New shoes (hello, blisters)
Too many clothes
Full-sized toiletries
Clothes that don’t protect you from the cold weather

Sample Europe Packing List Quick View

Clothing

Winter coat
Rain jacket and pants
2 thermal/wool base layer tops
1-2 thermal/wool base layer pants/leggings
2-3 sweaters (wear one on the plane)
2-3 pairs of pants (wear one on the plane)
1 skirt or dress if desired
Fleece tights for women
Sleepwear and underwear

Shoes & Accessories

Waterproof shoes or boots
Scarf, hat, and gloves (or buy these at the market for a fun souvenir)
Wool socks

Travel Essentials

Backpack or crossbody day bag
Rechargeable hand warmers
Travel adapter
Power bank
Toiletries
Passport and visas (if applicable)
Refillable water bottle
Compact umbrella
Compression bags and rechargeable vacuum

Christmas Markets in Europe Frequently Asked Questions:

How Cold are European Christmas Markets?

Depending on the time of year and where you are in Europe, the temperatures vary. We visited Germany, France, and Switzerland the last week of November and the first week of December and experienced temperatures ranging from 20°F–45°F (-6°C–7°C), with it being colder at night.

What is the Best Country for Christmas Markets?

Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic top the list of Christmas markets each year.

Can I Pack in Just a Carry-On?

Absolutely! Follow our packing guide, and you will do just that! Be smart about layering and use the compression bags we suggested.

Final Thoughts: Pack Smart, Stay Cozy

European Christmas markets are one of the most magical winter experiences there is, but only if you are warm enough to enjoy them. With the right layers, waterproof shoes, and a smart packing plan, you will be sipping mulled wine and admiring the twinkling lights, not freezing!