Wondering what to wear to the Christmas markets this holiday season? This practical guide covers everything you need to stay warm, comfortable, and prepared while exploring Europe’s festive markets.

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If you’ve never traveled to Europe in the winter before, deciding what to pack can feel a little Packing for a European Christmas market trip can be tricky. You need to be prepared for cold weather, rain and even snow, but if you’re traveling between several cities, you also don’t want to haul around a giant suitcase full of bulky winter clothes.

After visiting more than 40 Christmas markets across Europe, I’ve figured out what works for me: good layers, a warm coat, comfortable waterproof shoes and versatile pieces I can wear more than once.

In this guide, I’m sharing my complete European Christmas market packing list, including what I wear, the winter gear I swear by and the travel essentials I actually pack. I’ve also included my complete European Christmas market packing list at the end of this guide, so you can use it as a checklist when it’s time to pack!

Tips for Packing for a European Christmas Market Trip

Check the Forecast

Winter weather can vary quite a bit depending on where you’re going. A Christmas market trip to France or western Germany can look very different from one to Finland, Poland or the Baltics. Check the forecast for each destination right before your trip and adjust your packing list accordingly.

Pack Light and Choose the Right Luggage

Since you’ll be on the move a lot, pack as light as you can. If you can fit everything in a carry-on, amazing—my skincare usually ruins that plan for me. Either way, I prefer a travel backpack over wheeled luggage in Europe. It’s easier for trains, fits in overhead racks so you don’t stress about theft, and you’re not dragging it across cobblestones. Packing cubes make a huge difference too—they keep everything organized and help you squeeze more into a smaller bag.

My go-to backpack is the Osprey Farpoint (the women’s version is the Fairview now). I have both the 40L and 70L, and they’ve followed me to dozens of countries without a single issue.

Pack Layers

Layers are the key to staying warm without over packing: a thermal base layer, something insulating on top, and a waterproof or windproof outer shell. That way you can peel things off or bundle up as you wander the markets, explore side streets, or warm up with mulled wine.

Choose Pieces You Can Re-wear

Stick to a neutral color palette so everything works together—think cream, camel, gray, navy, or olive. That way you can mix and match pieces and get more outfits out of fewer items. And since leggings and pants are often darker, consider choosing a coat in something other than black so your outfit doesn’t look flat in photos.

Prioritize Comfortable, Weatherproof Shoes

You’re going to walk a LOT. Between sightseeing during the day and wandering through Christmas markets, it’s easy to spend hours on your feet, often on cobblestones and in cold or wet weather.

Bring shoes you’ve already broken in and make sure you have at least one waterproof pair. I also swear by good wool socks. Warm, dry, comfortable feet will make a much bigger difference to your trip than having the perfect shoes for every outfit.

Leave Room for What You’ll Bring Home

Don’t pack your suitcase completely full on the way there. Christmas markets are full of ornaments, handmade gifts, souvenir mugs and all kinds of things you didn’t know you needed until you saw them.

I always leave some extra room in my luggage for purchases so I’m not trying to figure out how to get everything home at the end of the trip.

What to Pack

Base Layers

A solid base layer makes a big difference when you’re outside for hours in the winter. You can find inexpensive ones made from polyester but I prefer merino wool for a few reasons:

• Natural fibers like merino wool keep you warm without bulk and regulate your body temperature better than synthetics.
• More breathable than polyester, which helps prevent irritation and keeps sweat and bacteria from sitting on your skin
• Wicks moisture
• Insulate even when damp
• Resist odors naturally—so you can re-wear them without feeling gross

Unless you run really cold, you may not need to wear both pieces all day. I usually save my base layer top for evenings when I’ll be outside after dark, but I love wearing the bottoms under jeans during the day for an extra layer of warmth.

Accessories

You don’t need to pack a whole drawer of winter accessories. One or two of each is usually plenty, and hats and scarves are an easy way to change up your look without taking up much room in your suitcase.

Hats:
A warm hat is a must, especially at night. I usually stick with neutral colors that work with all of the coats and outfits I packed. If you want a little more variety in your photos, hats are small enough that packing a second one won’t take up much room.

Scarves:
I take the same approach with scarves. I prefer wool or cashmere because they’re warm without being overly bulky, but a chunky knit scarf works too. A second scarf is also an easy way to change up your outfits without packing another coat or sweater.

Gloves:
Make sure your gloves are warm, waterproof and touchscreen-friendly so you’re not pulling them off every time you take a photo or check your phone. I actually got mine at Costco, and they’ve held up so well. Costco usually has great winter accessories—high quality, warm, and way more affordable than most outdoor brands.

Tops & Sweaters

You don’t need a huge wardrobe to stay warm and look put together. I pack a few versatile pieces that layer well and can be mixed and matched throughout the trip.

Sweaters:
Cashmere and wool are my favorites because they’re warm without being bulky, but I have a few cotton sweaters I love too. I avoid really thick, heavy knits because they take up a ton of suitcase space, can make your coat feel tight, and usually aren’t necessary when you’re layering over merino wool.

Dresses:
I always pack a dress or two. A sweater dress with leggings underneath is my go-to when I want to feel a little more dressed up but still be warm and comfortable enough to walk around the markets or go out to dinner.

T-Shirts & Tank Tops:
I bring a couple of basic T-shirts and tank tops to wear under sweaters on days when I don’t need a full base layer. I tend to run warm, so I usually save my merino wool top for colder evenings when I’ll be outside at the markets.

Bottoms

You don’t need many bottoms—just pieces that are warm, versatile, and easy to re-wear.

Leggings:
I bring one pair of fleece leggings. These water-resistant ones from Amazon are my go-to—perfect for when it rains or snows. They’re polyester, which isn’t my first choice, but they’re incredibly warm and practical for winter weather.

Skirt:
I pack one skirt, which I wear with either my fleece leggings or merino base layer underneath for warmth when it’s cold.

Trousers:
I also pack a wide-leg trouser, usually a sweatpants that looks like a trouser. They’re cozy, warm, and still look polished—perfect for travel days or dressed-up casual outfits.

Jeans:
I bring two pairs of jeans: a regular pair and a fleece-lined pair for when it’s really cold. I run really hot so I like having a regular pair of jeans to keep from overheating.

Shoes and Boots

Everyone’s feet are different, and what’s comfortable for one person may be miserable for someone else. The most important thing is finding shoes that fit your feet well, keep them warm and dry, and are comfortable enough to wear for hours of walking.

I’m a firm believer in bringing more than one pair of shoes so you can rotate between them. I usually pack one pair of warm, waterproof boots and either a water-resistant sneaker or a lighter boot.

Boots & Shoes:

My go-to snow boots for the last few years have been Keens (shown above), but a couple of years ago I brought a pair of suede Hey Dude boots. I treated them with waterproofing spray, and I ended up wearing them most of the time at the markets. They are lightweight, comfortable enough for walking all day and keep my feet warm with the right socks. Last year I also added a pair of leather Hoka Bondi’s into my Christmas market rotation and I love them as well! Perfect for warmer days.

Socks:
Good wool socks are essential for any Christmas market packing list. I love Smartwool and Darn Tough—they’re cute, warm, and durable. Costco also carries merino wool hiking socks every year at a great value – although the ones I bought last year seemed like the quality has gown down a bit.

You really only need 3–4 pairs for your whole trip. That might sound gross, but wool naturally resists odor and bacteria, so you can wear them two or three times before washing. I just rotate them every day and let them air out between wears.

Break in Your Shoes
Get your shoes well before your trip and break them in thoroughly. Make sure they don’t rub anywhere, because you’ll likely be walking 20,000–30,000 steps a day exploring markets and streets. Comfortable, well-fitted shoes make a huge difference in how much you enjoy your trip.

Winter Coats & Jackets

You really only need one good winter coat, but I usually bring two: a longer, warmer parka for really cold days and a lighter puffer for milder weather.

Choosing a Winter Coat:
I’ve brought several different parkas on Christmas market trips over the years, including ones from Eddie Bauer, Fjällräven and The North Face. The brand matters less than choosing a coat that’s actually designed for the weather you’ll be in. Look for something warm enough for the temperatures in your destination and water-resistant or waterproof enough to handle rain and snow.

I also prefer a longer parka that gives me some extra coverage, especially when I know I’ll be spending hours outside at the markets.

Bring a Lighter Option:
I usually bring a lighter puffer jacket too. It gives me another option for milder days when a heavy parka would be too warm, and it doesn’t take up much room in my luggage. I especially love my Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoodie as my lighter jacket. It’s incredibly warm and takes up no space at all!

Choosing a Coat Color:
Most of my coats are black, and I always end up regretting it when it comes to photos because most of my bottoms are black too! I’d recommend getting a neutral colored coat that won’t look monotone with your bottoms, but still goes with everything you pack.

Christmas Market Travel Essentials

Aside from clothing, you’ll want to bring all your usual travel essentials like a power adapter, toiletries (this is my favorite toiletry bag), and a power bank to keep your phone charged. I also love to pack a few hand warmers—they’re a total lifesaver on those really cold nights out at the Christmas markets.

What to Wear to the Christmas Markets Packing List

Below is my free, printable packing list for everything you need to bring on your Christmas market trip!

More Christmas Market Planning Resources