‘Tis the season…for Christmas markets! Should you’re fortunate sufficient to be spending your holidays in Europe this 12 months, you’ve in all probability already began desirous about what you’re going to pack. However earlier than you begin throwing every part into your suitcase, there are some things it is best to consider. In spite of everything, you don’t wish to go away room for all of the goodies you get on the Christmas Markets!
I’ll share precisely the best way to pack and what I like to recommend you put on to remain heat! I’ve up to date this information for the 2026 Christmas market season with my present favorites and contemporary hyperlinks.
See my Christmas market itinerary right here or examine all my guides to Christmas markets right here!
See my checklist of Amazon Christmas Market Packing picks right here.
Yearly I’m going to a number of Christmas markets in Europe, observe alongside on Instagram @heleneinbetween!
What to Put on for Christmas Markets in Europe
The way to Pack for Christmas in Europe
I am unable to suggest packing in a stick with it sufficient!
A pair years in the past, I upgraded to this rolling bag that may ALSO be a backpack! It is a rolling bag that doubles as a backpack and it really works SO nicely. Why a rolling bag AND backpack combo? As a result of it truly is one of the best to cross as a stick with it bag!
This again pack – it is a sport changer and is nice if you need a typical backpack. That is the precise one I’ve had for almost a decade. It has been to over 60 nations and by no means fails me. Should you choose a rolling bag, I like to recommend this one!
Packing Suggestions
Put on your cumbersome stuff on the airplane (coat, chunky sweaters) and pack strategically. You do not want 5 sweaters. As a substitute, use equipment to alter it up! I swear it can appear to be you packed 25 completely different outfits simply by switching up scarves and equipment.
The important thing to winter packing in a stick with it is layering. I at all times convey a white and black turtleneck to put on below sweaters, coats, even clothes. One in all my favourite issues to convey are fleece-lined tights and leggings. These could be added below denims, skirts, or clothes to really feel hotter.
Should you’re not used to the chilly, you may be tempted to pack a variety of heavy garments. However belief me, much less is extra. You’ll be able to at all times purchase a cute scarf or hat on the market in case you get chilly.
Get my downloadable packing checklist!
How To Costume For Christmas Markets in Europe
For a typical day, it may get fairly chilly. It is higher to be on the secure facet with regards to heat! I can’t stress this sufficient, however layering is vital. From high to backside, here is what I put on for a typical Christmas Market day:
❄️ Europe Packing Should Haves! ❄️
🧥 Coat – Vital for any winter journey! This one doesn’t disappoint
👖 Thermal Leggings – Retains you heat all day.
👕 Thermal Undershirt – Added Heat
🥾 Boots– These maintain you cozy and are sturdy sufficient to put on within the snow
🧦 Wool Socks– maintain your toes heat and dry
🧤 Telephone Suitable gloves – These work so you may nonetheless take photos of the Christmas lights!
🧳 Baggage – That is my go-to carry-on!
🔌 Common Adapter – Greatest for nation hopping
👜 Crossbody Bag – The most effective for retaining you palms free and your stuff secure
☃️ Beanie – A should for retaining heat (and searching cute!)
🔥 Hand heaters – The key to by no means being chilly!
🧣 Scarf – So key to packing much less is to have equipment like scarves to change it up!
Get my full packing checklist right here!
I take into account myself an skilled! I have been to over 100 Christmas markets in Europe and I take folks to the markets yearly! (Hear extra about that right here.)
I’m not going to be chilly on the Christmas markets. YOU SHOULD NEVER BE COLD! That is a fast option to smash your time on the markets! I’ve a frequently up to date checklist on Amazon right here. I replace this commonly with what it is advisable to pack!
This ensures I keep heat and dry… and comfy.
My Full Packing Checklist
Here is every part I am packing! This may all simply slot in my bag and go away me room for Christmas Market souvenirs.
If you would like an inventory of every part I pack, from electronics to toiletries to every part in between! I replace this checklist typically!
Denims // Fake Leather-based Leggings (Amazon Possibility)// Fleece Lined Leggings (another choice) // Fleece lined tights // Brown Leggings // Skirt // Cable Knit Sweater
Coat // Black Velvet Costume (Comparable Costume- Black Turtleneck Sweater Costume)// Vacation Costume (Comparable Costume, I counsel Sizing Up)// Inexperienced Sweater (Comparable)
Over the Knee Boots // Mountaineering Boots // Socks // Tree Sweater // Scarf // Turtleneck // Flannel Shirt
Reebok Tennis Sneakers // Crossbody bag (Comparable) // Beanie (One other Possibility)// Digicam
Go for Comfy Sneakers
THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART! You are going to be in your toes all day. You’ll be doing a variety of strolling if you’re on the Christmas market, so ensure you pack comfy sneakers. Go away your excessive heels at dwelling and go for flats or tennis sneakers. I pair my white Reeboks with almost every part. It seems tremendous cute and makes it simple to stroll on cobblestone streets. And though it might be tempting to convey your cutest pair of sneakers, do not forget that they won’t be sensible if it’s chilly or snowy exterior. So be sure to pack each cute and sensible sneakers!
Click on to buy!
White Reeboks // Mountaineering Boots (these are comfy sufficient to put on all day at markets!)
Knee Excessive Boots // Mini Uggs // Blundstones Boots // White Winter Boots
I are inclined to pack 2- 3:
Not obligatory however I additionally like these chelsea boots and these Platform Loafers. Additionally love these Ugg Boots for heat.
Jewellery and Toiletry Packing
Discovery Assortment // Brush case // Toiletry Bottles // Jewellery Case // Journey Brush // make up sponge holder // make up case
Journey dimension is vital with regards to packing toiletries. I really like this case for all my make-up. It makes it simple to open so I can see every part I want. I go for my go-to equipment for every part i would like for all the journey with this Discovery Assortment from Colleen Rothschild – I do not go away dwelling with out it! See my high picks proper right here.
For jewellery take a case so issues do not get tangled!
Costume in Layers
The climate could be unpredictable throughout the winter months, so it’s at all times greatest to decorate in layers. That manner, if it will get chilly, you may simply add a jacket or scarf. And if it will get too scorching, you may at all times take off a layer or two. However keep away from packing too many heavy objects, as you don’t wish to lug round an enormous coat all day. A light-weight jacket or sweater ought to suffice alongside along with your heavy obligation coat.
I like to recommend this coat! It has been wonderful for me and withstands the alps to the chilly, windy days. The hood is vital!
Additionally a fan of this “packable” puffer coat because it’s good and heat and never cumbersome!
Select festive colours and patterns
When doubtful, go for festive colours and patterns! That is the time of 12 months to interrupt out your pink and inexperienced garments (or no matter colours are in style in your nation). And don’t be afraid to experiment with completely different patterns—simply be sure they’re applicable for the event. For instance, avoiding carrying something too horny or revealing because you’ll be round household and pals.
Packing Checklist Should Haves
If I needed to choose just a few issues I would not go away dwelling with out, this may be it!
- Crossbody bag (Comparable) – That is what I carry generally to journey Europe, it holds every part and the zipper retains every part secure! Plus it permits me to be palms free
- Sun shades – These are my go to! Would additionally make an awesome Christmas present
- Backpack – That is my Backpack that I’ve carried for almost a decade- that is what I exploit as my stick with it bag and I by no means examine a bag. This rolling bag can be a very good choice. I upgraded to this rolling bag that may ALSO be a backpack! It is a rolling bag that doubles as a backpack and it really works SO nicely. Why a rolling bag AND backpack combo? As a result of it truly is one of the best to cross as a stick with it bag!
- Layering Turtleneck – I at all times pack these to make sure I keep heat
- Beanie (One other Possibility) – I often pack one or two beanies to maintain extremely heat, plus switching it up makes it appear to be I’ve packed far more than I’ve
- Fleece Lined Leggings (another choice) – a MUST! Could be worn below denims, skirts, or with a coat. Retains me heat!
- Coat – You want a very good coat! This one is superior! I’m additionally a fan of Packable Puffer Coat.
- Cable Knit Sweater – Go for a sweater you actually love that can maintain you heat. I at all times convey a white one because it goes with all my scarves and beanies
- Fleece lined tights – these are sport changers!
- Reebok Tennis Sneakers – my tried and trusted sneakers! Go along with every part
- Scarf – Cute to make any outfit really feel extra festive
- Socks (Additionally love these) – Carry just a few pairs of thick, heat socks
- Digicam – My digicam for taking all my photographs
- Mountaineering Boots – These are comfy sufficient to put on all day and are cute!
- Journey Face Assortment – I do not go away dwelling with out my face wash, lotions, and night time and day time routine. This can be a model I belief my pores and skin with since 2015 and it is put collectively within the good journey (TSA accredited!) dimension!
What to Pack for Males for Christmas Markets
Lengthy Sleeve Shirts – Michael has these in a number of colours. It is just about all he wears. It is nice for layering too. Numerous coloration choices to select from too!
Columbia Pants – My husband has these in each out there coloration. LITERALLY. He lives in these. And he places thermal underwear beneath for the chilly.
Thermal Underwear – Michael has this in black and grey and he additionally wore this when canine sledding in unfavourable 40 diploma climate! It really works!
Fleece – I want I may rely what number of occasions he is worn this fleece. It is within the tons of. IT’s sensible and has pockets and retains you heat.
Coat – Let me let you know one thing, this man wears the identical coat since center college. OKAY? Should you purchase a very good coat, it may final. He recommends one with a very good. This one is a superb value!
Sneakers – Michael loves these sneakers as a result of he thinks they’re fancy sufficient to put on to dinner however comfy sufficient to stroll cobblestone streets all day.
Outfit Concepts
Now that you recognize what to remember when packing for the Christmas markets, listed here are just a few outfit concepts for pairing every part collectively.
Listed here are some outfits I’ve created and worn to the Christmas Markets over time.
Coat // Scarf // Beanie (One other Possibility) // Digicam // Fleece Lined Leggings (another choice) // Socks //Mountaineering Boots
Cable Knit Sweater // Beanie (One other Possibility) // Mittens // Fleece Lined Leggings (another choice) // Socks //Mountaineering Boots
Plaid pants (these make any outfit enjoyable!) // headband // Turtleneck // Coat // Reebok Tennis Sneakers // Crossbody bag
We had a snowy day exterior of Monschau. It was so extremely beautiful we received out to take photos and stroll round. Here is what my mother wore to the Christmas markets too!
On me: Additional Heat truthful isle sweater (this was so thick! Actually one of the best! I wore this on the airplane to avoid wasting room in my bag. Comparable on Amazon right here. ) // Fleece Lined Leggings (another choice) // Socks //Mountaineering Boots// Beanie (One other Possibility) // Mittens
On my mother: Beanie // Scarf // Coat // Fleece Lined Leggings // sneakers (my mother swears by these! She wore them to all of the markets)
Coat // Costume (Comparable and Comparable) // Turtleneck // Velvet bow Hair tie // Fleece Lined Leggings (another choice) // Reebok Tennis Sneakers
Beanie (One other Possibility) // Sweater // Rain Jacket (I’ve this in black too!) // Fake Leather-based Leggings (Amazon Possibility) // Over the Knee Boots
Chenille Sweater (Comparable) // Denims // Boots
Beanie (One other Possibility) // Costume // Fleece Lined Leggings (another choice) // Socks // Sneakers
Fleece // Crossbody bag // Fleece Lined Leggings (another choice) // Ugg Boots
Touring the Christmas Markets Outfit Concept
Coat // Crossbody bag (Comparable) // Cable Knit Sweater // Scarf // Socks // Mountaineering Boots // Beanie (One other Possibility) // Fleece Lined Leggings (another choice)
Denims // Pink Sweater // Pea Coat // Reebok Tennis Sneakers // Socks // Sun shades // Crossbody bag (Comparable)
Skirt // Earrings // Cable Knit Sweater // Pea Coat // Reebok Tennis Sneakers // Crossbody bag (Comparable) // Beanie (One other Possibility) // Fleece Lined Leggings (another choice)
Coat // Earrings // Black Velvet Costume (Comparable Costume- Black Turtleneck Sweater Costume)// Crossbody bag (Comparable) // Platform Loafers // Bracelet // Fleece lined tights
Fake Leather-based Leggings (Amazon Possibility)// Christmas Sweater // Earrings // Bracelet // Sherpa Belt Bag // Platform Loafers // Bracelet // Flannel Shirt
Pea Coat // Vacation Costume (Comparable Costume, I counsel Sizing Up)// Over the Knee Boots // Fleece lined tights // Crossbody bag (Comparable)
Tree Sweater (Comparable)// Brown Leggings // Over the Knee Boots // Beanie (One other Possibility) // Earrings // Fleece Belt Bag
Truthful Isle Pink Beanie (One other Possibility) // Black Turtleneck // Zip Up Hoodie // Wire Skirt // Platform Loafers // Gloves (works along with your cellphone!) // Sherpa Belt Bag // Fleece lined Tights
Denims // Vegan Leather-based Jacket (Comparable) // Inexperienced Sweater (Comparable)// Socks // Reeboks // Sherpa Belt Bag
Different objects you may wish to pack
Tripod – That is my husband’s most wanted Tripod. He researched it for months and loves it.
Backpack – you do not wish to lug all of your Christmas market goodies in your palms, so convey a again pack. Bonus factors, this additionally has water. Which is usually laborious to come back by in Europe.
Hand Heaters – if you’re actually liable to getting chilly, attempt these simple, low cost hand heaters. We introduced these whereas we canine sledding in -40 diploma climate in Minnesota and so they labored like a allure!
See my Christmas market itinerary right here or examine all my guides to Christmas markets right here!
Packing for a European Christmas market doesn’t must be difficult—simply maintain the following pointers in thoughts and also you’ll be good to go! And most significantly, don’t overlook to have enjoyable! In spite of everything, that’s what the vacations are all about.
