Other Posts You Might Find Helpful:

• A First Timer’s Guide To European Christmas Markets 

• What To Eat And Drink At European Christmas Markets

• Krampus Runs: Strangest The Holiday Tradition You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

 

 

The Basics

 

You Can Download Our Complete Packing List Here: European Christmas Market Packing List  

 

Base Layer

• • Thermal Top

  • Long Underwear or Insulated Leggings Under Regular Pants

Comfy Clothes- For Lounging Around, and Long Travel DaysSweatshirt

• • Joggers

Extras

• • Rechargeable Hand Warmers

  • Hygiene Kit ( Brush, Deodorant, Lotions, Etc.)

  • Bubble Wrap or Padding For Breakable Purchases

  • Camera, Chargers, And Batteries

  • Extra SD Cards

 

Tips For Packing: 

 

Think In Layers

Packing for the Christmas Markets is all about layers. The weather in Europe in December can be highly unpredictable. You might think you’re going to be standing around all day in the snow and instead spend your time getting pelted with icy rain, or the other way around, versatility is so, so important when thinking about what to pack on a trip to the Christmas Markets. 

 

Comfy Shoes Are Key

You’re going to be on your feet a lot. The one thing Christmas Markets aren’t known for is the plethora of public seating options, so do yourself a favor and when thinking about footwear, keep comfort at the top of your priority list. You’ll want to look for shoes, that keep your piggies warm and dry, pair them with a set of merino wool socks and you’ll be set. 

 

Less Is More

Repeat after me, “I do not need to pack 5 sweaters for a week-long trip”. It’s tempting, we know, but realistically on a Christmas Market trip most of the time, the only layer anyone will see is what’s on the outside. If you want to mix up your look, the best idea is to bring a few choices in jackets ( you only need one super heavy coat) but packable lightweight down options (like these) are also great add-ons for warmer days, and they can be layered under your heavy coat for super cold days. And let’s not forget the ultimate winter outfit hack, hats and scarves, switching up accessories gives you the freedom of turning one sweater into multiple outfits. 

 

Wear Your Bulkiest Layers On The Plane

If the image of Joey from friends boarding a plane wearing all his layers instantly pops into your mind, don’t worry you’re not alone, us too friend, us too. Seriously though, there’s some method to that madness- by wearing your bulkiest items onto the plane you’re saving a ton of space in your actual luggage, and that super warm winter coat can do double duty as a blanket. 

 

Keep Your Hands Free

You’ll want to carry some type of bag to the markets with you, to put your purchases in, a camera, and a place to stash some extra or unwanted layers. The less bulky the bag, the better. Whether it’s a crossbody, a backpack, or a tote bag, whatever style works best for you, make sure it allows you to keep your hands free. Trust us, you’re going to want those hands for hugging a warm glass of Gluhwein, holding a pipping hot treat, or just browsing through the stalls. 

 

If you’re wondering what exactly to take to the markets with you check out this post: A First Timer’s Guide To European Christmas Markets 

 

 

The Details

 

Luggage

 

There are a few times in life when being team, “carry on” only is ideal, and this is one of them. Most European Christmas Market itineraries include a trip to more than one city and market, and we all know the easiest way to get from city to city in Europe is by train. The absolute last thing you want to do when city hopping in Europe is to have to lug a big oversized suitcase through the snow and on and off trains; Take our word for it, we’ve done it and its not fun. 

 

The other obvious reason to travel carry on only, is simply the time of year. Travel during the holidays can be hectic to put it delicately. And when things get hectic, bags tend to get lost. It would be unimaginable to show up to the snowy winter destination of your dreams only to find out that all your warm and cozy layers didn’t make it. Not cool, or very cool depending on how you look at it. 

 

If you’re planning on doing a lot of carry-on travel splurging for a well-made bag that will last you thousands of miles is well worth it.

 

Here are some of our faves: 

 

Packable Tote Bag

Packing in a carry-on is a challenge, especially if you’re trying to leave room for all the extra goodies you pick up along the way, that’s where this sleek, stylish, and packable tote comes in handy. 

 

We always pack a small, “extra” bag with us no matter where we roam in the world because having an extra bag on hand when you need one is always a good idea. We’ve carried days’ worth of groceries onto long haul trains in these, beach towels and essentials for boat days, it’s the one item we’ve never regretted making space for in our luggage. 

 

Packable Bags We Love:

Patagonia Black Hole Ultralight Tote

Bagail Travel Tote

Compression Packing Cubes & Vacuum Bags 

Who doesn’t love well-organized luggage? Compression packing cubes are a great way to keep all your items organized and compartmentalized, but here’s the thing, when it comes to winter packing, vacuum bags reign supreme. They are capable of compressing even the bulkiest of items into almost unrecognizable flat packages taking up almost zero luggage space. Traveling in winter without using these is just silly. 

 

Shop For Them Here:

Vacuum Bags For Travel

Compression Packing Cubes

 

Cross Body Bag or Backpack 

We love our packable tote bags, but sometimes you need something a little more. When it comes to choosing a bag to carry to the markets, you want it to be waterproof or in the very least water resistant not too bulky- when the markets get crowded a big bag is not your friend, and allow you to keep your hands free. We’ve recently fallen in love with crossbody sling bags for exactly those reasons and so many more.

 

Shop For Them Here:

Wandrd Rogue Camera Sling Bag

Lululemon Festival Bag

 

Clothing

 

Insulated Warm Winter Coat

Insulated, down, windproof, and water resistant, are all the things that the perfect winter coat should be. There’s no reason to ever be cold no matter how many hours you spend at the markets, your jacket is your first line of defense so picking the right one is absolutely essential. If you’re looking to make a statement bright festive colors are always a winner, functional can be fashionable. 

 

Shop Our Picks Here:

Men’s Patagonia Winter Jackets

Women’s North Face Parka

 

Waterproof Rain Shell

December weather in Europe can be nutty. One minute it’s dumping snow and the next thing you know you’re knee-deep in rain. Tossing a lightweight waterproof shell into your luggage won’t cost you a lot of space in your bag and in the long run, might save you from a mild case of hypothermia. 

 

Shop Our Picks Here:

Men’s Helly Hansen Rain Shell

Women’s North Face Rain Shell

 

Warm Winter Hats, Headbands, And Scarves

Hats, headbands, and scarves can do wonders for switching up your look, don’t take up a ton of space in your suitcase, and ultimately are key to keeping your appendages from falling off. The most important thing to keep in mind is that your ears stay covered and protected from the brutal winter winds and that they keep you warm- the thicker and fuzzier the better. 

 

Shop Our Picks Here:

Men’s Beanies

Women’s Beanies

Women’s Winter Headbands

 

Gloves

If you’re a cold-natured person then you already know that there is nothing worse than cold fingers, which is exactly why packing a good pair of gloves should be high on your priority list. Bulky gloves are great, but they make holding a mug of mulled wine or snapping photos needlessly difficult. You want warm but functional. 

 

Shop Our Picks Here:

Men’s Gloves

Women’s Gloves

 

Rechargeable Hand Warmers

You know those little shakeable packet hand warmers that last like 5 minutes before you have to throw them out because they stop producing heat? Meet the 2.0 version. These small, powerful, and rechargeable hand warmers should be on every winter traveler’s packing list. Just slip one in each of your pockets and switch them on when you’re ready for some extra coziness. 

 

Shop For Them Here:

Rechargeable Hand Warmers

 

Comfy Waterproof Shoes Or Boots 

The right shoes will make or break your Christmas Market experience, if we’ve said it once we’ve said it a million times. The perfect winter boot or shoe is warm dry and comfortable. 

 

Shop Our Picks Here:

Men’s Boots

Women’s Boots

 

Merino Wool Socks

A good pair of socks is everything. Merino is the absolute best material for winter socks because not only do they keep you warm, but they also wick moisture away from your feet keeping them dry. They’re a little pricey but a good pair will last you a long time. 

 

Shop Our Picks Here:

Men’s Socks

Women’s Socks

 

Warm Sweater or Fleece

Staying warm in cold weather is all about trapping warm layers of air from your body using clothing as a barrier. A warm sweater or comfy fleece does this job perfectly. Plus on a warmer weather market day or a long day on the train, paired with a cute hat it can double as a stand-alone outfit. 

 

Shop Our Picks

Men’s Mid Layer

Women’s Mid Layer

 

Fleece Lined Leggings

Fleece-lined leggings are the absolute best item to pack when traveling to cold weather locations. They’re fairly lightweight and easy to pack and can be worn on their own or under another pair of pants for an extra layer of warmth.

 

Check Them Out Here

Fleece Lined Leggings

 

Waterproof Pants

Waterproof pants are a great addition to a winter travel wardrobe for the obvious reason, they’re waterproof. The dryer you are the warmer you are. Slide a pair of these over a pair of thermal pants or fleece-lined leggings and you’ll be warm and cozy. 

 

Shop Our Picks

Men’s Rain Pants

Women’s Rain Pants

 

Comfy Clothes For Lounging 

Christmas Market touring means long hours on your feet in the elements, when you get to your hotel, the craving for a hot shower and cozy clothes will hit you hard. It’s hard to beat the feeling of slipping into the perfect pair of sweats when you need it the most. 

 

Shop Our Picks

Men’s Lounge Wear

Women’s Lounge Wear

One quick note before you go!

The links provided in this blog post are affiliate links. If you end up purchasing some of the gear listed, we get a very small portion of the sales, with no extra cost to you. Thank you as always for supporting us and our wild life!