What to Pack for Christmas Markets in Europe

Knowing what to pack for Christmas markets in Europe can be the difference between freezing your toes off and actually enjoying that mulled wine. It’s not your typical winter trip – you’ll be outside a lot, but not moving fast. Think slow strolls between markets, standing around sipping drinks, and browsing stalls in chilly (and often damp) weather.

On our first trip to the markets in Germany, I packed a fleece-lined fall jacket and figured I’d be fine. I wasn’t. The boys were warm and dry in proper coats and boots, while I was soaked and freezing within hours. I ended up buying a real winter coat just to survive the week.

Since then, we’ve visited markets in Germany, Vienna, Bratislava, and Prague, and we’re planning to visit a few more this winter. Now I’ve got a much better handle on what to bring. This Christmas market packing list covers everything you’ll need to stay warm, dry, and comfortable — especially if it’s your first time visiting as a family.

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Europe Christmas Market Packing List

Packing for Christmas markets is all about staying warm, dry, and comfortable — without overpacking. You’ll be outdoors most of the time, but you won’t be walking quickly like you might on a sightseeing trip. Layers and weather-ready outerwear are key, especially since temperatures can hover around freezing and some cities get more rain than snow.

Outerwear Essentials

A good coat is the most important thing you’ll pack — followed closely by warm boots and the right cold-weather accessories.

• Warm, insulated coat: Ideally waterproof or water-resistant, and with a hood
  A longer coat that covers your hips will help block the wind. I’ve worn both a thicker winter coat and an easier-to-pack puffer – but either way, you’ll want to make sure it’s waterproof. I love this puffer jacket from Lole, and with a sweater underneath, it’s been perfect for keeping me warm. My kids have similar lightweight puffer style coats from Mountain Warehouse, and they’ve worn them for years with no complaints.
  
• Packable rain poncho: If your coat isn’t waterproof or doesn’t have a hood, a poncho is good to have — especially in cities like Dusseldorf or Nuremberg where rain is more common than snow.
  Personal tip: It rained almost every day during our Germany trip. I wasn’t exactly stylish, but I stayed dry sipping glühwein under my hood.
  
• Waterproof boots with good grip: You’ll want something that keeps your feet warm, dry, and comfortable — not just stylish. You’ll be walking a lot and standing around at markets, sometimes for hours, and the cold can creep in fast if your boots aren’t up to it.
  
  My kids wear Bogs — they’re lightweight, waterproof, and warm, and they’ve worked great over the years. For me, I have a lightweight pair of Sorels I really like — easy to walk in, but still warm. And I just ordered this new pair of Columbia ones for this year. If you’re looking at getting new boots before your trip, look for something waterproof with good grip, and make sure to break them in a few times before hitting the Christmas markets in Europe.
  
  You’ll want something that keeps your feet warm, dry, and comfortable — not just stylish. Between walking across cobblestone streets and standing still at chilly outdoor markets, the wrong footwear can quickly make your trip feel miserable.
  
• Wool or thermal socks: All three of us wear wool socks daily when visiting the markets — they’re much warmer than cotton and stay comfortable even after hours outside. Merino wool is your best bet: it’s warm, breathable, and naturally odour-resistant (perfect when you’re wearing the same pair all day).
  
  You can find plenty of options on Amazon, just double-check that they’re made with merino wool, not just labelled “thermal” or “wool-blend.”
  
• Hat that covers your ears: I’m definitely not a hat person, but I wear one for Christmas market trips — it gets cold, especially in the evenings. A basic knit beanie works well, or my kids sometimes wear fleece-lined ear warmers instead. Either way, something that covers your ears makes a big difference once the sun goes down.
  
• Scarf or neck warmer: There’s nothing that makes you cold faster than a chilly neck. A scarf adds a surprising amount of warmth and helps block the wind — especially when you’re standing still at outdoor markets in the evening. It’s also easy to take off when you duck inside somewhere warm — plus they make a great souvenir or gift. For kids, I find a fleece neck warmer is easier – there’s no worry about it coming undone or falling off, and it keeps them pretty warm.
  
• Gloves or mittens: I always wear wool or fleece-lined mittens — gloves just don’t keep my hands warm enough, and they don’t leave room for hand warmers either. Touchscreen gloves are handy if your hands can handle the cold, especially for taking photos at the markets, but I’d rather stay warm and take my mitts off for a second if I need to.
  
• Hand warmers: I carry these religiously (cold hands, poor circulation), even though my boys think it’s hilarious. You can get disposable ones just about anywhere, but I’ve started using rechargeable hand warmers instead — they’re more sustainable and easy to travel with. Some versions need to be boiled to reset, but I use a pair that charges via USB, and they’ve been great.

Layers You’ll Actually Wear

Layers are key when visiting Christmas markets — you’ll be outdoors a lot, but also heading into shops, cafés, and public transit where it’s warmer. The trick is to dress so you can add or remove layers as needed without having to carry around half your suitcase.

• Thermal base layers: A good base layer makes a big difference. I bring 3–4 pairs since I wear one every day — and they’re easy to hand-wash in the sink if needed. Look for merino wool or other breathable materials that keep you warm without feeling bulky. My boys wear base layer leggings under their pants and rarely complain about the cold.
  
• Sweaters or fleece mid-layers
  Over your base layer, add a warm sweater or fleece — something cozy enough to wear all day without feeling bulky or overheating indoors. I usually go for a half-zip fleece, hoodie, or a simple pullover. Two to three is plenty to rotate through the week, especially if you’re layering them over a clean base each day.
  
• Jeans or lined pants
  We usually pack 2–3 pairs of pants for each of us. Jeans work well for most days, and when my kids were younger, they wore lined or fleece-backed pants. As they’ve gotten older, those are harder to find — but they wear base layer leggings under their pants every day, and that works just as well to keep them warm.

I tend to pack more base layers and fewer top layers — since those are the ones you’re sweating in and wearing all day. They take up less space too, and wash easily if needed.

Tech Essentials for Christmas Market Travel

You don’t need a lot of gear, but a few small things can make exploring the markets way easier — especially when it comes to staying connected and capturing the experience.

• Portable charger
  Cold weather drains batteries fast, especially when you’re using your phone for photos, navigation, or translation apps. A small power bank is a must — just make sure it goes in your carry-on if you’re flying (you can’t pack it in checked luggage).
  
• Plug adapter
  Most of continental Europe uses Type C or F plugs. I use this one that has multiple outlets, plus USB and USB-C ports, which makes it easy to charge everything at once — especially when we’re staying in apartments or hotels with limited plugs.
  
• Phone or camera for photos
  Your phone’s night mode usually works well for the market lights and atmosphere. If you bring a camera, make sure to pack a strap and keep it in a bag that stays close — markets can get busy. I also carry a small tripod for family photos and better night shots.
  
• eSIM or international data
  If your phone supports eSIM, Airalo is my go-to. I’ve used it before and found it super easy to set up ahead of time — and easy to top up if needed while you’re travelling.

Winter Wellness Essentials

In addition to the usual things you’d pack, there are a few small extras that make a big difference when you’re spending hours outside in the cold. These are the things that help you stay comfortable, warm, and not scrambling to find a pharmacy when you need one.

• Lip balm (with SPF)
  The mix of cold wind, hot drinks, and dry indoor air can really dry out your lips — I keep one in my coat pocket at all times.
  
• Hand cream
  Between cold air and constant hand-washing or sanitizer, your hands will thank you for a little extra moisture. I pack a travel-sized one that lives in my bag.
  
• Tissues
  We always travel with a full box of Kleenex — one of my kids has allergies, and we go through tissues fast. Even if you don’t, your nose will probably run just from the cold. Toss a small pack in every coat pocket.
  
• Hand sanitizer or wipes
  You’ll be snacking with your hands at the markets — pretzels, crepes, sausages — and sometimes napkins are hit or miss. Sanitizer or a few wipes go a long way.
  
• Basic over-the-counter meds
  Bring your go-to fever, pain, or cold meds from home. One year, my son spiked a high fever on our first night at the Christmas markets in Vienna, and we were staying in an apartment — no front desk, no help, and I hadn’t packed any Tylenol. Thankfully, a friend (who lived in Germany years ago) messaged to tell me to go to the Apotheke — the local pharmacy — and they helped us right away. Still, I’ve never travelled without the basics since.

Packing for Souvenirs

If you’re visiting more than one market, chances are you’ll come home with a few extras — mugs, ornaments, snacks, or that one scarf you didn’t plan on but couldn’t resist. It adds up quickly, especially if you’re picking up gifts.

Here’s what we bring to make packing souvenirs easier:

• Reusable tote bag
  Not all stalls offer bags (and some charge for them), so a lightweight foldable tote is perfect for carrying snacks, ornaments, or that sixth mug you didn’t mean to buy….not that I’m speaking from experience or anything.
  
• Foldable duffel bag or packable suitcase
  If you’re flying carry-on on the way there, bring a packable bag to use on the way home. That way, you’ve got extra space if you end up buying more than planned — which you probably will.
  
• Ziploc bags or resealable bags
  Great for wrapping snacks, containing messy things, or separating sticky items like half-eaten gingerbread.
  
• Bubble wrap or soft socks
  I’ve used socks and sweatshirts to protect mugs more than once. You can also bring a small sheet of bubble wrap from home if you know you’re planning to bring back something fragile.

Tip: You can often find bubble wrap at post offices or stationery shops in Europe if you need more while you’re travelling, but socks and thick sweaters will work well too!

Packing Tips for Families

Packing for Christmas markets with kids isn’t wildly different, but a few smart choices make the whole experience a lot smoother.

• Base layers every day
  Thermal tops and leggings are a must — my boys wear theirs daily, under jeans or fleece pants, and stay warm even when we’re out for hours. You don’t need snow pants unless you’re heading somewhere much colder or snowier than the typical city market.
  
• Good boots matter
  Dry feet are key. We’ve always had good luck with Bogs — light enough for walking, warm enough for long days, and no complaints from the kids.
  
• Layers help
  Kids overheat quickly, especially when bundled up. Having a few light layers instead of one bulky coat makes it easier when you go into a restaurant or shop.
  
• Optional: blanket or stroller cover
  If you’re travelling with younger kids, bring a foldable blanket or a stroller rain cover. It’s not something you want to carry all day, but it comes in handy for evening shows or chilly bench breaks.
  
• A few snacks never hurt
  Even though you’ll be surrounded by market food, having something familiar (and less sugary) on hand can help if the kids get hungry while you’re in between markets or waiting in a long line. We usually pack a few bars or pretzels in the day bag.

Packing for Specific Destinations

What to pack doesn’t change a lot from city to city, but here are a few notes based on what we’ve experienced — plus links to help with trip planning.

• Prague in December
  Cold, often dry, and usually crisp — Prague in December feels like a snow globe, even when there’s no snow. It’s one of the chillier cities we’ve visited, especially in the evenings. Warm base layers and a good coat are key.
  
• Vienna in December
  We had more rain than snow here, so a waterproof coat and hood came in handy. The markets are fairly spread out, so expect a lot of walking. Comfortable boots and warm accessories are a must.
  
• German Christmas Markets
  It might’ve just been our luck, but it rained almost every day we were there. Pack for wet weather — waterproof boots, a coat with a hood, and an extra pair of socks. Some markets are compact, others spread out across the city, but you’ll be outdoors for hours either way.

Final Thoughts on Packing for Christmas Markets in Europe

Packing smart means you’ll spend less time worrying about the weather — and more time enjoying the food, lights, and festive atmosphere. With the right layers, a warm coat, and comfortable boots, you’ll be ready for anything, from rainy evenings in Germany to crisp market strolls in Prague.

Knowing what to pack for Christmas markets in Europe really does make all the difference — especially when you’re outside for hours in the cold. With this list, you’ll be ready to explore, stay warm, and maybe even save room for one more mug.

Planning your own Christmas market trip this year? Start with some of our favourite markets, including the Prague Christmas markets, the festive and family-friendly Christmas markets in Vienna, and the smaller but just as charming Christmas markets in Bratislava. If you’re looking for variety, the best Christmas markets in Germany offer everything from fairytale towns to massive city-wide celebrations. And if you’re still finalizing your itinerary, check back soon for more market guides, tips, and printable checklists to help you plan your trip.