I’ve been visiting European Christmas markets since 2018, when my husband and I stumbled upon the markets in Prague during a trip in late November. Between the shopping, magical decorations around town, and the chance to experience the local culture, we were hooked!
The following year, I visited the Christmas markets in London over Thanksgiving before exploring Vienna in December with some friends. Of course, it didn’t stop there!
A few years later, I couldn’t wait to explore more popular German and French markets in December 2023, including Heidelberg, Strasbourg, and Esslingen. The next year, my husband and I jetted off to Budapest, Hungary to explore the city and visit the markets.
And this winter, I’m heading back to Europe for a Christmas market river cruise – my very first one!
If you’re new to Christmas markets, or just wondering what the heck to pack, you’re in the right place. After years of visiting dozens of markets across Europe, I’ve learned what helps me stay comfortable while spending hours outside, and how to put together outfits I’m excited to wear.
Here’s what I recommend bringing, along with a few packing tips you’ll appreciate when it’s time to bring home all your Christmas market treasures. And if you’re curious about which markets are the best, check out our full guide for the best Christmas markets that we’ve visited in Europe!
What weather should you expect for European Christmas markets?
Your packing list will depend on where you’re going and when you visit. Christmas markets take place throughout Europe, including Germany, Austria, France, Czechia, and Hungary, so there isn’t one forecast that applies to every trip. Most markets are open from late November to late December, although some cities can even go into early January.
You should be prepared for chilly days, colder evenings, and the possibility of rain or snow. A snowy Christmas market sounds magical, but you could just as easily find yourself exploring on a damp, gray afternoon.
To give you an idea of what to expect, here are the average December overnight lows and daytime highs for a few popular Christmas market destinations:
| Destination | Avg Overnight Low | Avg Daytime High |
|---|---|---|
| Prague, Czechia | 26°F (−3°C) | 35°F (2°C) |
| Munich, Germany | 28°F (−2°C) | 39°F (4°C) |
| Vienna, Austria | 31°F (−1°C) | 38°F (4°C) |
| Budapest, Hungary | 31°F (−1°C) | 39°F (4°C) |
| Paris, France | 38°F (3°C) | 46°F (8°C) |
You’ll spend plenty of time standing outside while browsing stalls, waiting for food, or enjoying a mug of mulled wine. An outfit that feels warm enough during a brisk walk might feel much less comfortable once you stop moving.
Check the forecast for each destination before you leave, including the evening temperatures. You’ll likely visit the markets after dark when all the lights are on, so pack with those colder hours in mind.
What to wear to European Christmas markets
Comfort and warmth are my priorities for Christmas markets, but I still like having some variety in my outfits. For me, that usually means comfortable pants, sweaters, a warm coat, and a few different accessories.
You don’t need an entirely new outfit for every market. Start with pieces you can mix, match, and layer depending on the weather. Here are some of my outfits that I’ve worn over the years, including must-bring items.
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Comfortable pants or leggings
My go-to Christmas market outfit starts with leggings, fleece-lined leggings, or a comfortable pair of warm pants. I’ll even layer two pairs of leggings on extra-cold days!
If you prefer wearing jeans or trousers, a thin pair of thermal leggings underneath can add warmth without too much bulk. Just make sure you have enough room to move comfortably, especially around the waistband and knees.
Try everything on together before your trip so you know your layers fit comfortably. You’ll be spending hours walking, browsing, and stopping for treats, so you don’t want pants that feel too tight once you’re dressed for the weather.
Cozy sweaters and long-sleeve layers
I especially like wearing a longer tunic sweater for Christmas market attire. The extra length gives me more coverage around my hips and upper legs, which I appreciate when I’m outside for several hours.
Depending on the forecast, I’ll wear a tunic-length cotton sweater or a heavier knit sweater. I also bring several long-sleeve shirts to wear underneath, so I can adjust my layers without packing a suitcase full of bulky sweaters.
For colder evenings, I’ll add a thermal shirt for extra warmth. Choose layers that fit comfortably under your sweater and coat without feeling restrictive. It’s also helpful to be able to remove a layer when you head inside a warm café or restaurant.
A warm winter coat for exploring the markets
Your coat is one of the most important things you’ll pack. If it isn’t warm enough, you’ll have a hard time enjoying the markets, especially after dark.
Personally, I like bringing a few coat options so I have some variety in my outfits. I have dressier coats in heavier fabrics that I enjoy wearing on dry days, along with a more practical winter coat for colder or wetter weather.
My favorite heavier double-breasted trench coat is from H&M, but this one from Amazon is almost identical. I love the black color because it pairs well with everything while still looking chic.
For rain or snow, I prioritize an insulated coat with weather protection, like this affordable option from Amazon. My puffer jacket is from Old Navy, but this one from Amazon is very similar.
Keep in mind that water-resistant and waterproof aren’t the same thing: a water-resistant coat may handle a light shower, while prolonged rain calls for more protection.
A longer coat is also helpful for keeping your hips and legs covered. And if you’re trying to pack light, it’s perfectly fine to bring one warm, versatile coat. You can switch up your look with different scarves and hats!
Comfortable boots with good traction
You’ll likely do a lot of walking on a Christmas market trip, so this is the time to bring shoes you already know are comfortable. I like warm boots that I can wear for long days of exploring. During previous trips, I’ve worn waterproof Sperry boots, as well as water-resistant Chelsea boots.
Unfortunately, my boots took their last trip to South America this winter, so I ordered these Dr. Scholl’s Bring Vibes Chelsea bootie for this year’s Christmas market trip! These boots from Amazon are also highly-rated for warmth and comfort, so I think they’d be a great option, too.
For this kind of trip, I would prioritize:
- Waterproof protection for rain, snow, and slushy streets.
- Good traction for wet cobblestones and uneven surfaces.
- Comfortable cushioning for long walking days.
- Enough room for warm socks without making the boots feel tight.
Also, make sure to pack tall, warm socks that work with your shoes, like these boot socks from Amazon. Make sure to try on the socks with your actual boots before you leave. Wool or wool-blend socks are a useful option for cold days!
If you’re bringing new boots on your Christmas market adventure, break them in well before your trip. You don’t want your first full day at the markets to be the day you discover they rub your heels.
Hats, gloves, and scarves
Hats, gloves, and scarves are an absolute must for me! They make a big difference when I’m outside in the cold, and they’re an easy way to make a practical outfit feel more put together.
I like bringing a few options so I can switch things up throughout the trip, although I prefer sets that match, like this set from Amazon. A colorful scarf or a different hat can give the same coat a fresh look without taking up much suitcase space. Most of my scarves are from Old Navy, but this plaid one from Amazon would be perfect for winter outfits.
I also like packing a warm headband as another option for covering my ears. For gloves, I recommend choosing a pair that’s warm but still lets you comfortably hold a mug, reach into your bag, and use your phone.
You can also pick up hats, scarves, and gloves at the markets if you’d rather leave a little room in your suitcase. I’ve bought several winter hats at the Christmas markets that I absolutely love! They make fun and special souvenirs you can wear throughout your trip and bring out each winter once you’re home.
However, I would still arrive with the essentials, so you can comfortably explore before you find something you want to buy.
Crossbody, small backpack or purse
I prefer wearing a crossbody purse or small backpack for keeping my essentials together, while also leaving my hands free for shopping, snacks, and a mug of mulled wine. I’ve used both at the Christmas markets, but I usually prefer a crossbody. It’s easy to reach my phone and wallet without taking my bag off, and I like keeping everything close while browsing crowded stalls.
However, for my longer day trips, I brought a small backpack and appreciated having the extra space throughout the day. It was nice to have somewhere to put everything for a full day of exploring, including market purchases along the way. A crossbody is my go-to for an evening at the markets, while a small backpack is worth considering for longer day trips.
Christmas Market Packing Tips
Once you’ve figured out your outfits, make sure you also consider what you plan to bring home from the Christmas markets in Europe. Packing strategically and being prepared can make your entire vacation more enjoyable.
For all my travels, I always bring my Away Luggage, including the Large Checked Luggage and Bigger Carry-On. This quality luggage is on the pricier side, but it’s an investment that’s totally worthwhile. The shell is durable and the wheels roll like a dream through airports, hotels, and train stations. I’ve convinced my entire family to invest in Away Luggage after years of cheap luggage falling apart!
Here are some of my other best packing tips for the Christmas markets in Europe.
Leave room for your Christmas market shopping
Shopping is a big part of the Christmas Market experience for me. Between the ornaments, crafts, mugs, and gifts, I always find plenty of things I want to bring home!
Winter clothes can also take up a lot of room, meaning your suitcase can get heavy before you’ve bought a single souvenir. If you’re planning to shop (and you definitely should), leave some space and weight available. I’ve even checked a second suitcase with hardly anything inside so I could fill it with my treasures!
A packable duffel is another option that provides extra luggage space for returning home. This one from Eddie Bauer is a great option, along with this affordable one from Amazon Essentials.
Check your airline’s baggage allowance before deciding what to bring. An extra bag gives you more space, but you’ll still need to account for weight limits, baggage fees, and carrying everything between destinations.
Pack strips of bubble wrap for mugs and other breakables
One of the most popular treasures from the Christmas markets are the mugs! Christmas market mugs are such fun souvenirs. Many have their own unique designs while others change each year. Once you start collecting the mugs, it’s hard to stop! And once I get home, I love using them for Christmas decorations around the house.
At many markets, you’ll pay a deposit when you order a drink in a reusable mug. You can return the mug for your refund, or ask the vendor about keeping it as a souvenir.
If you plan to bring home mugs, ornaments, or other fragile items, tuck a few strips of bubble wrap or cushion wrap into your suitcase. You can also use soft clothing for extra padding.
Always keep fragile purchases toward the center of your bag, with cushioning around them, and avoid packing them where they’ll be pressed against the sides!
Bring cash for shopping and small purchases
I recommend carrying some local currency for the markets, even if you usually pay by card. It’s helpful to have cash ready when you spot an ornament you love or want to grab a quick snack without worrying about how you’ll pay.
Card acceptance varies by destination and vendor. Some smaller stalls may prefer cash or won’t accept your credit card, so having small bills and coins makes shopping easier. These are also handy for mug deposits and smaller purchases, especially when vendors might not have change for a large bill.
Pack comfortable walking shoes, too
Even if you’re bringing warm boots, don’t forget a pair of comfortable walking shoes. You might have warmer days than expected, and when it’s dry outside, you may prefer sneakers for a full day of exploring.
I was surprised by how often I wore my white Hoka sneakers during my December trip to Germany! I also like wearing them on the plane for comfort, so they’re an easy addition without taking up extra suitcase space. Boots are still useful for cold, wet days, but I appreciate having another comfortable option for walking.
