What to Pack for the European Christmas Markets

The European Christmas markets have become a favorite pastime of mine, and I’ve gone for several years now. I cannot be kept away! When you are looking at what to pack for the European Christmas markets, it’s going to be a bit different than if you were packing for a trip to Europe that didn’t involve the markets. I’ve done both types of trips in the winter, and I do assure you that they require different packing lists. One of my trips was a 2-in-1 (market trip and regular trip to Paris), and it was maddening to have to pack for both because the requirements are not the same. Alas, I’m going to give you very specific things to pack when you’re heading to the Christmas markets in Europe. It will help you not overpack nor under pack. I like a goldilocks amount of items, so that’s what this will be.

Christmas Market in Geneva, Switzerland 

Christmas Market in Salzburg, Austria

Layers

Your secret sauce is going to be layering. This can look like many things, and I have tried out many things and ways to wear my layers. You’ll be able to endure the chilly or cold weather much better than the people around you who choose not to do it this way. I’ll give you specifics of options that you can buy all year long from companies I know and trust.

•  Base Layers: you can choose whichever type best fits your needs. I have both types and depending on how cold it is, I pack accordingly.
  • short sleeve base layer
  • long sleeve base layer
•  Mid Layers - this is where you can be more creative and wear some cute sweaters, or maybe your best ugly Christmas sweater. Here are a few options:
  • Christmas sweater
  • Classic cashmere (a favorite of mine)
  • Cotton cable crew sweater
•  Bottoms - I’m a jeans girl, but I also have some other options that will work for you if you like to wear leggings as well.
  • Jeans are very subjective. I have many brands and I’m sure you own your own favorites
  • Fleece lined leggings are great if you want to only wear those with a sweater over them
  • Some middle of the road pants are linked here. These are good for just about anything

Outerwear

When it comes to outerwear, you can be a bit flexible with this. You can be dressier if you desire, or you can be a bit more rugged if that’s your style. I’ve done both, and my only tip is that you get a coat that is warm and easy enough to pack. I have a few suggestions I’ll share here so you can see how I dress and other people dress at these markets. If you want to read my blog dedicated to all the winter coat brands I love, click here.

•  Packable puffer jacket - one of my favorite newer additions to the markets. It changed my life because it was the perfect extra layer. This is the one I have and I love it.
• Heavier winter coat - I’d recommend a wool or responsible down coat. Here are my favorites:
  • Wool cocoon coat
  • Alpaca wool coat
  • Responsible down coat

Shoes

One of my favorite topics, I love a good pair of shoes or boots for the European Christmas markets. And wow, do I have experience in what you need. I’m very excited to share my list, and know that it does not involve heels. No one is looking at you that hard, so be reasonable with what you pack. I promise you this much.

•  Waterproof boots are going to be the only way to go for the European Christmas markets. I wrote an entire blog on them, and I’ll link it here. I’ll also list the ones I specifically have and have used at the markets.
  • Blondo Hallie boot (in bone color). A new favorite
  • VIVAIA Tyler boot. Keeps you warm and cozy with a mere cotton sock
  • Cariuma Therma high boot
  • La Canadienne Derrick (best seller)

Essential Warm Accessories

It’s essential to have the essentials, and when your outers are cold, it’s not a great place to be. I have a succinct list of items that you will want to pack with you to keep your head, neck, and hands warm. You may have some of these items, and some you may want to invest in before you go. For an even deeper dive, check out my blog on what to wear at the European Christmas markets.

•  Scarf
• Gloves
• Toasty Hat
• Hand Warmers
• Wool socks or cashmere socks
• Neck Gaiter

Bags

This is going to be a bag list from A to Z. I’ll start with the most obvious, like suitcases and packing cubes and move on to ones you might not have thought about taking. You’ll be fully prepared for the entire trip with the bags I’m going to recommend. Bags are one of my favorite topics, and you can find a larger writeup in this blog.

•  Suitcase - I try to do carry on only, but it’s hard in the winter. Here are a couple of my favorites. I do many combinations of these depending on what I pack and how much I take
  • Away bigger flex carry on (link gives you $40 off)
  • Away medium flex (checked bag - link gives you $40 off)
  • Calpak backpack
  • Cuyana Travel Bag
•  Packing cubes - any will do but here is one that I like
• Crossbody anti-theft (also can be a backpack)
• Reusable shopping tote - for all you purchases
• Foldable bag - I take this one and check it at the end of the trip. I put all my dirty clothes in it and use my hard suitcase for anything I purchase that may be breakable

Toiletries & Skin Essentials

Your skin is bound to get cracked and have minor issues depending on the cold. My hands look like they are turned into jerky the minute the weather goes below 50 degrees. It’s wild. My lips are in constant need of moisturizing. So, let’s just make sure you have what you need to not look like a raisin during your magical holiday.

• Lip balm
• Hand moisturizer 
• Body moisturizer
• Tissues
• Band-Aids
• Sunscreen
• Face moisturizer for day and night

Tech Things

It’s doubtful that you’ll forget most of your tech things, but I just want to remind you in case you’re rushing and don’t remember something. I’m here to help, not to leave you hanging. I’ve left many tech things behind and have had to purchase items when I’m in Europe, which is not ideal. Let’s save that money for the actual markets.

• Portable charger
• Plug adapter
• iPad or Kindle for entertainment
• Luggage tracker (or general tracker of things)

Collector Mug from Heidelberg Christmas Market

This is a very comprehensive list of items I personally take to the European Christmas markets, and I think you’re going to find a lot of ease if you take this list and run with it for your trip. You can always add or subtract to it, but this is going to get you very far on your holiday. You’re going to be the star of the show if you have this list and go by it - you’ll be a pro by this point. I’m so very excited for you to experience these Christmas markets, and I hope you love them as much as I do. They are an annual tradition for me now, and each year I learn a little more than I did before. Happy travels, and happy Christmas markets!

If you liked this blog, you may also like the one I wrote about what to wear at the European Christmas markets or the one about my recount of the German Christmas markets I went to and what I loved about them. 

Subscribe to my amusing, informational, and fun newsletter that comes out every other Friday by clicking here.

Some of the links may go to my affiliate account. If you purchase from one, you're helping me grow my business. Thank you!