How to Stay Warm at European Christmas Markets 

Each year I go to the European Christmas markets. It’s become my Thanksgiving tradition for myself, as I love to spend that holiday traveling abroad rather than traveling domestically when it’s mayhem in the United States. Going to Europe during American Thanksgiving is rather inexpensive and easy since most people are interested in spending it with their families in the states. I’m a traveler that goes to places during shoulder season or lower volume times. So it’s a perfect match for what I desire and what is available at these Christmas markets.

Through the years I’ve perfected the items that keep me the most comfortable at the markets. Coming from a climate that’s warm, the first market was not my best in terms of preparedness. But I’ve tweaked my recommendation to help myself and others stay their warmest during their visit to what I call the most magical time of the year.

Heidelberg Market

There are some years where the weather is quite mild and I’ve overpacked by a little bit, but I’d rather be more prepared than less prepared. Other years I’ve had snow dumping nonstop and couldn’t catch a break from it. You can try to predict, but weather and Mother Nature are quite unpredictable. Something to note is that I travel with carry on bags only, so everything I recommend is going to be extremely practical and useful when you’re headed to the markets.

I’m generally not an overpacker, and sometimes I think I may be a bit of an underpacker. When you travel solo and are the only one hauling your bags, less is more. Nonetheless, all of these items and ideas are going to come in handy and you’re going to be able to enjoy the markets to the fullest. They can get quite cold, especially at night, and I’m glad to be able to share my expertise with you.

What to Wear & Layering Tips for the European Christmas Markets

I’ve written a great blog on what to wear at the European Christmas markets, which will give you a very clear guide as to what to take with you in your suitcase. Some of the highlights are wool or cashmere socks, hand warmers, fleece lined leggings, a base layer shirt, a warm hat, a scarf, and more. In the blog, I outline specifics of how I used each item, and the ones I’ve linked above are top notch and tried-and-true. Definitely consider the materials that you’re packing, as not all are created equally. I learned that one the hard way when I brought cotton socks the first time. Now I own many other options that keep my feet nice and toasty, like wool and cashmere. I also written a blog on the best winter boots for European Christmas Markets here.

Food and Drinks

There are dozens and dozens of options of what to eat and drink at the European Christmas markets. Some markets are more robust than others, so take advantage of the food that the vendors serve. They’re inexpensive and from the region or area that you are, so you get authentic regional food. I’ve branched out quite a bit from what I’m used to eating, and I’ve never regretted it. Try anything from warm Nutella crepes to hot mulled wine to salmon fish sandwiches loaded with onions (yes, I did!). These are warm and toasty and will leave your stomach feeling satisfied, and you might even be a little tipsy. The mugs you get with the wine (or hot chocolate) are worth the purchase. They’re my favorite souvenir.

Accommodations

In my experience, it’s completely worth staying in a hotel that is near some of the main markets. When you stay too far out and you want to go back for a break to get out of the weather, it’s a hassle. I’ve done both, and I now always opt for the hotels that are closer to the main part of town for this reason. Sometimes a gal needs a nap after all that shopping and eating.

You can usually find reasonable prices if you book early enough. If you wait, like I occasionally do, you’ll either pay a premium or have to stay further out. Optimally, you get to stay near and duck out of the weather for some warmth during the day so you can go back to the markets recharged and energetic for the magic of the evenings. Markets during the day are definitely not the same vibe as the night. Both are worth attending.

Find a Cozy Cafe or Eatery

Maybe you don’t need a full nap or rest to recharge, and a little cozy spot to get you out of the cold will do perfectly. My recommendation is to map out a few places before you head out for the day (or even before you leave for your trip) and save them on Google Maps. This is my hack for making my life easier when I travel. When I’m out and about, I can open the map, with or without wifi, and see which places I’ve saved for myself.

Grabbing a nice hot chocolate or coffee and a pastry is a delightful and perfect way of how to stay warm at the European Christmas markets. If you happen to go to a coffee shop, grabbing a bag of the local coffee is something that I also love doing to take back with me and have for later at home. It’s a great way to remember your trip and enjoy your souvenir.

Visit Attractions

When I go to the European Christmas markets, I always go to some of the attractions around the city where I am. My typical stay in any one city is about two days, so I can only attend the markets for so much of that time without getting bored. Some of my favorite things to do are museums and churches, as I always find very unique ones where I am. Some of the coolest museums I’ve been to have been in the cities where I go to the Christmas markets.

The Nuremberg trials museum is one of my favorites, and visiting the Lindt museum in Cologne was also a delight for me, as I love Lindt chocolate. Also in Nuremberg was the toy museum, which is extra special to me since I grew up with my dad owning a toy store. The churches in Europe are unlike any in the United States so I love hitting those when I want to get out of the cold. It’s easy because many of the markets are in the church square.

Nuremberg Market

Following these simple tips to staying warm at the European Christmas markets will be a lifesaver for your energy and your comfort. Take it from a Christmas market aficionado, I am well prepared when heading to these markets now. I imagine that there are others like me that go all the time, and most people go for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so I want you to be as comfortable as you can be. Be sure to do your research and plan your activities that you’d like to see ahead of time, put them into your maps app, and get all the accessories you need for this trip to be the best one you’ve ever taken. The markets are truly magical, and I know you’re going to love every second of them if you do it right. Merry merry!

If you liked this blog, you might also like my roundup of the German Christmas markets I've attended as well as what to wear at the European Christmas markets.

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