Winter Travel Packing List: European Christmas Markets

A European Christmas market trip is a magical winter adventure that blends festive traditions, charming locales, and seasonal treats against a backdrop of twinkling lights and historic architecture. Planning a trip to these enchanting markets is exciting, but knowing what to pack is key to ensuring your experience is both comfortable and unforgettable.

Woodrow and I have had the pleasure of visiting Christmas markets in more than thirty different cities across Europe, so we’ve learned a few tricks and tips throughout the years. Packing for a winter trip means layering smartly, as temperatures can vary significantly depending on your destination. It’s essential to stay warm but also flexible enough to navigate bustling markets, indoor activities, and festive evenings. 

Additionally, you’ll probably collect gifts and souvenirs as you move through the markets. With the right mix of clothing, accessories, and travel essentials, you’ll be ready to stroll cobblestone streets, sip mulled wine, and pick out holiday gifts without a hitch.

This guide to packing for a European Christmas market trip will ensure you’re fully equipped for every experience! From must-have clothing to handy travel accessories, we’ll walk you through what you need to stay cozy, safe, and festive while exploring some of Europe’s most iconic winter destinations. Let’s make this season’s holiday trip truly magical!

Also Read: The Best European Christmas Markets to Visit This Winter

Clothing Items to Pack

Base layers

Base layers are absolutely essential for any enchanting European Christmas market trip. My go-to is the UNIQLO HeatTech line. They’re affordable and keep me nice and warm while strolling through Christmas markets all day and night. I particularly love the UNIQLO HeatTech Ultra Warm Leggings. They give me an extra layer of warmth while still being thin enough to go under pants or jeans without making me look bulky.

Another fantastic option for base layers is the Ekouaer women’s long-sleeve shirts from Amazon. I have this three-pack of thermal undershirts, which come in cream, brown, and black. They are so soft and are perfect for cold weather, either layered or on their own! They also have many other colors and necklines to choose from based on your preferences.

Packable jacket

Another fave product that I keep with me throughout my winter travels is my packable jacket. The one I have is the Ultra Light Down Jacket from UNIQLO. This jacket comes in so many fun colors, keeps me warm in almost all weather conditions, and packs down to the size of a water bottle. It’s cute and practical! It also features two exterior and two interior pockets to keep your hands warm and your belongings safe.

Long coat

Top layers that you can add and remove will make or break your warmth level while enjoying Europe’s Christmas markets. It’ll be very cold outside, especially because many countries have recently banned the use of heat lamps. However, inside is a totally different story. Many shops and restaurants crank up the heat, so you’ll want a coat that you can easily remove and put back on before being subject to the cold.

Most of us have our tried-and-true coats, but if you’re looking for a new one, I absolutely love my MANGO Pocket Quilted Jacket. The one I got last year was cream, but this year, they have it in black and maroon. It keeps me warm even in the worst snow. If you want something less bulky, go for a wool coat. I got mine from Zara in France, but this one from Abercrombie & Fitch is a bestseller every year.

Fleece-lined tights

Buying fleece-lined tights changed the game for me. I was tired of only wearing pants and jeans throughout the winter. I wanted to wear those cute Pinterest-inspired outfits, but I also didn’t want to freeze to death. Then I discovered fleece-lined tights that look like chic, thin black tights! Finally, I could wear cute skirts or dresses during the winter without freezing my butt off. If there’s one clothing item I highly recommend, it’s this pair of fleece-lined tights on Amazon! Thank me later!

Also Read: The Best Christmas Markets on the French Riviera

Waterproof boots

Waterproof is the keyword here. You’re in Europe, after all. Even if you aren’t caught up in a heavy snowstorm, it is likely that you may run into a few snow sprinkles or freezing rain. It’s better to be prepared for it than cold. While I love the warmth of UGGs, I don’t particularly like the process of cleaning them after walking around in snow or mud. I prefer a leather boot or, even better, a combat boot.

Combat-style boots often have a platform sole that’ll ensure your feet stay dry and warm. I got mine from Stradivarius, but you can really find these anywhere. This pair from Amazon is pretty similar to the ones I have. I also love that it has a zipper, which makes it super easy to take off at the end of a long day.

Wool socks

Wool socks are vital in ensuring your feet stay toasty warm yet dry. Wool is naturally moisture-wicking, so even those prone to sweaty feet can enjoy the warmth of wool without having wet feet at the end of the day. We love the brand Darn Tough, which offers high-quality socks for all sorts of outdoor activities. No, this is not sponsored; we really do love them. I bought Woodrow his first pair of Darn Tough socks when he first joined the Space Force, and they have remained his favorite work socks since then.

Gloves

While I love to use a cup of mulled wine to keep my hands warm, another great option is gloves. I think they’re absolute necessities. At Christmas markets, you’re out in the cold all day and probably want to grab different foods and souvenirs. I prefer gloves that aren’t too bulky (I don’t want to risk breaking any beautiful handmade products) but still provide warmth and are touchscreen-compatible. This pair from The North Face is perfect! It’s a little pricey, but their high-quality build and materials will ensure they last for more than one winter season. Plus, they come in colors to suit any style.

Beanie or Ear muffs

A beanie or ear muffs are also non-negotiables in my book. Without either of these, my ears can sometimes get so cold it’s painful. I found the cutest white, fluffy earmuffs at Primark. And while they did a fantastic job keeping my ears warm, I got annoyed by them because it was so hard to hear everyone around me. They’re cute for a few minutes but not really practical for me. Instead, I prefer a beanie. I have a few cute ones from various stores, but if you’re short on time, Amazon has a ton of styles and colors.

Also Read: Taygeer Travel Backpack Review: A Lightweight and Practical Choice for Frequent Travelers

Everyday Essentials

Mini backpack

When I’m traveling, my mini backpack comes everywhere with me. I love that it has the capacity to fit everything I need while also not being too bulky or in the way. I’ve used a mini backpack at almost every Christmas market we’ve visited and have never had any issues. Mine is from Primark, but Vera Bradley’s Banbury Backpack in pumice stone would be my pick if I needed another one. I usually carry a portable charger, my camera, and sometimes even a small bottle of water with me.

Tote bag

If a mini backpack isn’t your jam, consider bringing a tote bag. I’m not sure if this is catching on, but a few years ago, when we went to the Strasbourg Christmas market, our hotel (the voco Strasbourg Centre) even gave us a tote bag to keep! It was super convenient to keep all of our Christmas market goodies in one place. Most vendors won’t give you a bag to put your purchases in, so bringing your own bag is a good idea.

Also Read: Arabella Jagdhof Resort am Fuschlsee Review, With Photos

Water bottle

Even when it’s cold, staying hydrated is still important. Also, the 16.9-ounce plastic water bottles we’re used to having in the United States are not as common overseas. You’ll usually find water sold in one-liter bottles instead. This is why I think it’s a good idea to bring your own portable water bottle. I love this ALLKELR flat portable water bottle that fits almost any bag.

Electric hand warmers

To be honest, I hadn’t even heard of electric hand warmers until I moved to Europe. And now, I can’t visit a European Christmas market without them! They’re pretty self-explanatory and definitely come in hand-y (ha ha). These rechargeable hand warmers from Amazon have over 4,700 five-star reviews, come in several colors, and last for up to 12 hours on a single charge!

Cash

While some Christmas market vendors are starting to accept credit cards, seeing “no CB” signs are not uncommon. I don’t exchange cash beforehand. Instead, I prefer to use my debit card to take out cash from ATMs. Avoid Euronet ATMs or other ATMs that are not connected to an actual bank. Also, let your bank know that you are traveling overseas and for how long to avoid any unwanted blocked charges.

Additional Must-Haves

Plug Adapter

If you’re traveling to Europe from somewhere else, such as the United States, you’ll want to make sure to pack a travel plug adapter to keep all of your electronics charged. We have several of these TESSAN Universal Travel Adapters, which can be used worldwide. They also feature USB and USB-C plugs, so you don’t even need to pack a charging brick — just the cord!

Digital Camera

While you can capture fantastic photos with your phone’s camera, I highly recommend bringing a digital camera if you have one. Sometimes, capturing all the lights and Christmas market scenery with a phone camera can be challenging. I absolutely love my Nikon Zfc; even the kit lens does wonders! Plus, it’s mirrorless and much lighter than traditional DSLR cameras.

Headphones

If you plan to visit multiple Christmas markets on one trip, you’ll probably have to commute a lot, whether by road, train, or plane. Having headphones to pass the time by listening to a podcast, listening to music, or watching a movie can be helpful. I adore my headphones from Soundcore, the same company that makes Anker portable chargers (another fave of mine).

Amazon Kindle

Along with headphones, I always like to have my Amazon Kindle with me on travel days. I have the Paperwhite version, which allows me to read even with the sun glaring onto the screen. Amazon recently came out with the Kindle Colorsoft, which allows users to enjoy vibrant photographs and illustrations as you would with a with a real book, but without the bulk.

Also Read: The Best European Summer Destinations to Visit

Practical Packing Tips

• Leave room in your bag! You’ll want to bring home some souvenirs. Most Christmas markets offer one euro back if you return your hot beverage cups, but if you’re like me, you’ll probably want to keep at least one from each market.
• Layers are your bestie. This is probably a no-brainer for most of you, but I’m from Hawaii, so I didn’t grow up with winters. While the Christmas markets are cold, I find that many restaurants and shops are super liberal with the heat. Therefore, you’re gonna wanna shed some layers anytime you go indoors.
• Waterproof shoes are a must. After the soles of my beloved Primark boots finally gave out, I was thankful to find boots that kept my feet warm and, more importantly, dry. Others I traveled with (cough cough, Woodrow) opted for their normal athletic shoes and had super cold feet at the end of the day. Don’t be like them.
• Earmuffs or beanie? Are you an earmuff person or a beanie person? I always thought earmuffs were super cute, and while they kept my ears nice and toasty, I literally couldn’t hear a thing. I found myself taking them off often to hear others speak. It might not be the same for you, but if you’re like me, earmuffs might be something you can leave off your packing list.