What to Wear to the Christmas Markets in Europe – A Complete Packing Guide

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.

If you’ve never traveled to Europe in the winter before, deciding what to pack can feel a little intimidating. You want to stay warm enough to enjoy the markets, but you also don’t want to be hauling a giant suitcase on and off trains—or struggling down cobblestoned streets.

After visiting more than 40 Christmas markets across Europe, I’ve perfected a no-frills packing list that keeps you comfortable without weighing you down or making you miserable while lugging it around.

Before you start packing, it’s a good idea to check the weather for the cities you’ll be visiting. Winter in Europe can be unpredictable—one day it might be snowing, the next cold and rainy—so I like to add each city to my weather app a few weeks before my trip. The best strategy for staying comfortable is layers: base layers to keep you warm, mid-layers for insulation, and a waterproof or windproof outer layer to protect against whatever the weather throws at you. With layers, you can adjust as you go while wandering the markets, exploring the streets, and sipping mulled wine—without being weighed down by bulky clothing.

With that in mind, it’s time to get into the packing essentials. I’ve broken down my Christmas market packing list into clothing, shoes, accessories, and must-have items so you can stay warm, comfortable, and prepared for whatever winter throws your way.

Table of Contents

What to Wear to the Christmas Markets Packing List

Below is my packing list for everything you need to bring on your Christmas market trip. I go into more detail in the sections below, but this is an easy checklist to help make packing easier!

Tips for Packing for a European Christmas Market Trip

Before you pack, check the forecast for each city on your route. Winter weather can swing from snow to cold rain overnight, so I add every destination to my weather app a few weeks before I leave.

Layers are the key to staying warm without overpacking: 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.

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.

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.

What to Pack: Base Layers

A solid base layer makes a big difference when you’re outside for hours in the winter. I pack a merino wool top and bottom and recommend them over polyester for a few reasons.

Natural fibers like merino wool keep you warm without bulk and regulate your body temperature better than synthetics. They wick moisture, insulate even when damp, and resist odors naturally—so you can rewear them without feeling gross. They’re also more breathable than polyester, which helps prevent irritation and keeps sweat and bacteria from sitting on your skin.

That said, you don’t have to wear base layers all day unless you run really cold. I usually save mine for evenings when I’m outside at the markets or walking around after dark. During the day, I’ll skip the top unless temperatures are especially low. The bottoms, though, are great under jeans—denim is terrible at blocking cold and wind, so a merino layer underneath makes a big difference in comfort.

My go-tos are these Smartwool tops and bottoms. If you’re looking for a cheaper option that still works great, check out these REI brand base layers. With a good base layer, you can stay warm without piling on bulky sweaters, and your coat won’t feel stuffed.

What Accessories to Pack: Hats, Scarves & Gloves

You don’t need to pack a whole drawer of winter accessories—one of each is usually enough if you choose wisely.

Hats:
Pick a neutral color so it goes with every coat and outfit you packed. Bright colors might seem fun, but they can clash in photos or limit your outfit combinations. A simple wool, cashmere, or knit beanie works great and keeps your luggage lighter.

Scarves:
Stick with neutrals here too so they blend with everything, but if you want variety in your photos or outfits, packing a second scarf is an easy way to change up your look without adding bulk. Wool or cashmere are my favorites for warmth and softness, but chunky knits are another good option.

Gloves:
Make sure they’re warm 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.

With just a few well-chosen accessories, you’ll stay warm, look pulled together, and keep your luggage under control.

What to Pack: Tops and Main Layers

You don’t need a big wardrobe to stay warm and look put together—just a few versatile pieces that layer well.

Sweaters:
Cashmere and wool are my favorites because they’re warm without being bulky, but I have a few cotton sweaters I love too. Try to avoid thick, heavy knits—they eat up suitcase space, make your coat feel tight, and you won’t need that much insulation with a merino wool base layer.

Dresses:
I always pack a dress or two. A sweater dress with leggings underneath is my go-to for a cozy but dressed-up look that still works for walking around the markets or grabbing dinner.

Tops for Layering:
I also bring a couple of T-shirts and tank tops to wear under sweaters on days when I don’t need a base layer. I usually save my merino top for evenings when I’ll be outside at the markets—I run too warm to wear it all day.

With the right layers, you can mix and match comfortably without overpacking or overheating.

What to Pack: Bottoms

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

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 sweatpant 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.

With just a few bottoms, you can mix and match comfortably while staying warm without overpacking.

What to Pack: Shoes and Boots

The exact shoes I bring

I’m a firm believer in having more than one pair of shoes to rotate through. I usually bring a pair of snow boots—my go-to are Keens (these are a similar style) or the classic Sorels that everyone raves about—and either a water-resistant sneaker or a lighter boot. Last year, I brought suede Hey Dude boots (these are a similar style) that I treated with a waterproofing spray to seal them, and I ended up wearing them most of the time—they were perfect for walking all day and kept my feet warm with the right socks.

Socks:
Good wool socks are essential. I love Smartwool and Darn Tough—they’re cute, warm, and durable. I buy mine at REI, but Costco also carries merino wool hiking socks every year at a great value. You only need 3–4 pairs for the whole trip. That might sound gross if you’re not used to wool, but natural fibers resist odor and bacteria, so you can wear them two or three times before washing. Just rotate them and let them dry out if they get wet or sweaty.

Pro Tips:
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.

What to Pack: Outer Layers

You really only need one good coat, but I usually bring two: a long, heavier parka and a smaller, lighter puffer jacket. My go-to parka is this super light weight Eddie Bauer parka—it’s perfect for the coldest days and adds extra coverage when walking through wind or snow. For milder days, I bring a lighter puffer from Mountain Hardwear. It’s plenty warm on its own but takes up less space in your bag.

Neutral colors are best—they pair with any bottoms, especially if most of your pants and leggings are black. Having two coats also gives you some variety in photos and keeps your outfits from looking identical day after day, since this is all people will really see of your layers.

What to Pack: Miscellaneous Items

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. For the flight, I always bring my new favorite neck pillow, an eye mask, and some travel-size lotion to stay comfortable and hydrated on the way over. With these packed, you’ll be ready for cozy, stress-free travels through Europe.

Essentials Packing List:

Visual Portfolio, Posts & Image Gallery for WordPress

Power Adapter

eye mask

hand cream

toiletry bag

hand warmers

neck pillow

Packing for a winter trip to Europe is all about staying warm, comfortable, and stylish with a few smart layers and cozy essentials. If you found this helpful, leave a comment below—or tell me, what’s one thing you never travel without?

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