What to Wear to Christmas Markets: The Ultimate Packing List

Not sure what to wear to Christmas Markets in Europe? You’re not alone! 

Dressing for outdoor winter markets can be surprisingly tricky! One minute it’s drizzling, the next it’s snowing, and you’re constantly on your feet from morning till night. You want to be warm, comfortable, and festive all at the same time—but you also don’t want to overpack. I know the struggle.

I spent two weeks on a grand Christmas market tour, visiting over 15 markets across Brussels, Luxembourg, France, Germany, and Switzerland—and I did it all with just a backpack. I experienced everything from damp fog and steady rain to some snow, and I learned exactly what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to layering, footwear, and staying cozy without sacrificing style.

In this post, I’m sharing my ultimate packing list for European Christmas Markets—from base layers to boots, accessories to extras. You’ll walk away with a complete, tested wardrobe strategy that’ll help you pack smarter, stay warm, and look cute in all your holiday photos. 

What to Wear to Christmas Markets in Europe

Since the markets are all outdoors during the winter, you’ll need to be ready for just about anything—sunshine, rain, fog, and sometimes snow. 

On my two-week Christmas market trip through Europe, I experienced every kind of weather, sometimes all in one day. One thing that’s guaranteed, It’ll be cold. And since you’ll likely be out from morning until night, you’ll want to dress in layers that are warm, weatherproof, and photo-friendly. 

Here’s everything I wore (and highly recommend) for surviving—and thriving—on your European Christmas market adventure.

👉 If you’re dreaming of visiting but not sure where to start, check out my full guide on how to plan your first Christmas market trip for everything you need to know—from picking the best time to go to sample itineraries for first-timers.

Outer Layers

Your outer layer is the first thing to figure out when packing for Christmas markets—it’s what you’ll be wearing in every photo (since you’ll hardly take it off). And since the markets are outside and the weather can change quickly, you’ll need a coat that’s both functional and festive.

Pack one that’s warm, waterproof, and cute enough to show up in all your holiday memories.

Columbia Payton Pass Insulated Jacket

I needed a new coat for my Christmas market trip, and after tons of research, I chose the Columbia Payton Pass Insulated Jacket—and it did not disappoint. It’s fully waterproof, has Omni-Heat thermal-reflective lining, and kept me cozy the entire trip—even during cold, damp nights. I never felt chilled once! 

Plus, I picked the chalk color, which looked amazing with pops of red and green from my holiday accessories. If you want one coat that does it all and still looks good in photos, this is it.

Colorful Wool Coat

If you’re planning to mix up your looks for photos, I recommend bringing a colorful plaid or checkered wool coat in classic Christmas tones. A statement coat instantly adds festive flair to your photos and you’ll keep warm in wool. 

I’ve found my favorites on ThreadUp for a steal of a deal! 

Base Layers

Base layers are a must for staying warm at the Christmas markets. Since you’ll be outside most of the day and into the night—you need a solid foundation that traps heat without adding bulk. 

The best part is that high-quality base layers like merino wool can be worn multiple times without smelling, which makes them perfect for packing light.

SmartWool Top – I’ve owned a Smartwool base layer top since high school and it’s still my favorite. It’s soft, breathable, incredibly warm, and somehow never gets smelly. I never leave for a winter trip without it.

SmartWool Bottoms – My favorite Smartwool bottoms were lifesavers during my trip. I wore them under jeans, leggings, and fleece tights for extra insulation. They’re snug, super warm, and layer beautifully without bunching.

Merino Tech Set – My husband recently got a Merino Tech base layer set, and now he’s obsessed. It’s a more affordable alternative to Smartwool, but still delivers on warmth and comfort—perfect if you’re layering up on a budget.

Sweaters

Pack a few lightweight but ultra-warm sweaters to keep cozy and stylish while exploring the markets. 

I love cashmere and merino wool because they’re super soft, naturally insulating, and easy to layer over base layers without feeling bulky. 

I usually find my cashmere sweaters secondhand on ThredUp to save money, but if secondhand isn’t your thing, I’ve linked a few of my favorite new ones below.

Cashmere Sweater – super soft, warm, and layers like a dream.

Super Soft Merino Wool Sweater –  a winter staple that’s lightweight but seriously warm. It’s easy to pack, and holds up beautifully throughout long, chilly days in Europe.

Cashmere Turtleneck – It’s incredibly soft, and the high neckline looks beautiful layered under a coat or wool jacket.

Merino Wool Turtleneck – a great layering piece that keeps your neck warm without needing a scarf—and it looks great with skirts or jeans.

Sweater Dress – perfect for market nights when you want to be a little more dressed up without sacrificing warmth. It pairs beautifully with fleece tights and boots—and it’s so cozy, you’ll forget you’re even wearing a dress.

Pants/Bottoms

When I packed for the Christmas markets in Europe kept it simple. I only brought one pair of jeans, a pair of fleece-lined leggings, one pair of fleece lined tights and a wool skirt.  Then I rotated and layered as needed. 

Comfort, warmth, and easy outfit mixing are key—especially when you’re re-wearing pieces for two weeks straight.

Pair of jeans – My go-to jeans are from Zara. Their denim is thick, durable, and holds up beautifully over time. Plus, they pair well with everything from boots to oversized sweaters.

Fleece lined leggings with pockets – warm, cozy, and the pockets are a lifesaver for keeping your phone or lip balm handy. They feel like loungewear but look totally put together.

Pro Tip: I only packed one pair of black fleece-lined leggings and wished I had brought one more color to mix up my outfits a little more. When you wear the same coat every day, it can start to look like you’re wearing the same outfit in every photo.

Fleece lined tights – a great extra to throw in your bag. They take up almost no space, add a surprising amount of warmth, and layer beautifully under dresses, skirts and even jeans for xtra warmth.

Pro Tip: I layered mine over my Smartwool thermal bottoms on a particularly cold day under a sweater dress—and it was a game-changer. I was warm and comfortable the entire evening. I know it sounds bulky and uncomfortable but it was not at all! 

Wool Tweed Skirt – I love bringing a skirt to mix up my winter wardrobe. It adds a polished touch and looks great in photos, but still works with fleece leggings and base layers, so you don’t have to trade style for warmth.

Footwear

Footwear is everything when it comes to Christmas markets in Europe. You’ll be walking for hours on cobblestones, in the rain, or maybe even snow—so your shoes need to be comfortable, warm, and waterproof. Trust me, nothing will ruin your day faster than cold, wet feet or sore arches.

Waterproof Sorel boots – the only pair of shoes I packed for my entire Christmas market tour—and they were perfect. They’re lightweight, waterproof, and incredibly comfortable, even after a full day of walking. Paired with my favorite Smartwool socks, my feet stayed toasty warm and dry the whole time. I seriously can’t recommend these boots enough.

Wool Socks – I packed a few pairs of black Smartwool socks, and they were perfect for my capsule wardrobe. They’re warm, breathable, and super soft, plus they don’t hold odor even after multiple wears. My feet stayed dry and cozy all day.

Accessories

Accessories can totally elevate your Christmas market outfits while also serving a functional purpose. These little finishing touches will add personality to your winter look and help you stay cozy through long days outdoors.

Beanie – Pack at least one good beanie, or two if you want to switch things up. They’re an easy way to add a pop of color to your wardrobe. I brought a cream-colored one that looked great in photos and matched all my outfits.

Cashmere Christmas Scarf – one of my favorite winter travel accessories. It’s super soft and warm, and I love tucking it into my coat for extra insulation. I picked mine in a deep red for a classic, Christmassy pop of color.

Cashmere lined Touchscreen gloves – They kept my hands warm without ever needing to take them off to snap a picture.

Folding Sunglasses – Even in winter, sunglasses are a must, especially on bright, snowy days. I’ve been obsessed with these folding sunglasses for years because they’re compact, stylish, and perfect when you’re trying to keep your packing ultra-minimal.

Other Things To Pack for Christmas Markets

Beyond your daily outfits, there are a few extra items that will make your Christmas market trip even more enjoyable. These cozy comforts help you unwind and warm up after long, chilly days spent exploring.

Cozy Items

Packing a few comfort-focused pieces makes all the difference, especially when you’re back at your hotel, ready to relax after hours of walking in the cold. 

Silk pajamas – my go-to for winter travel. They’re super soft, pack down to nothing, and don’t wrinkle easily. I treated myself to a Christmassy red pair for this trip and loved how festive they felt after long days at the markets.

Bombas Slippers – I got these slippers for Christmas one year and immediately fell in love. They’re soft, cozy, and pack easily. Perfect for slipping into after a full day in boots, and I bring them with me on every trip now.

Toiletries

Even in the winter there are a few toiletry essentials you don’t want to forget. 

Sunscreen – Yes, you still need sunscreen in winter! The sun can reflect off snow or shine brighter than expected, especially in open plazas. My favorite is Supergoop!.

Chapstick – Cold weather + wind = chapped lips, fast. Keep a good chapstick handy in your coat pocket at all times!

Hand Sanitizer – Between grabbing food, handling mugs, and navigating crowds, hand sanitizer is a must at Christmas markets.

Tissues – another small item that goes a long way. Whether it’s a sniffly nose or a public restroom with no toilet paper, you’ll be glad you packed a few travel packs.

Electronics/Gadgets

When you’re on the go all day and capturing every festive moment having the right tech tools makes all the difference. These are the gadgets I never travel without for Christmas market season.

Cell Phone Tripod – a game-changer, especially if you’re traveling solo. I recommend one with a bluetooth remote, so you can get great photos without asking strangers or rushing to beat a timer.

Travel Camera – My favorite travel camera is compact, lightweight, and takes incredible photos, even in low light. It’s perfect for capturing those golden twinkle-lit market scenes or decorated city streets without lugging around bulky gear.

Universal Travel Adapter – essential when hopping between countries in Europe. It’s a small item that makes sure all your devices stay charged no matter what the outlet looks like.

Travel Converter – You’ll also need a travel converter if you’re bringing electronics that aren’t dual-voltage (like some curling irons or chargers). It ensures your devices work properly without frying them.

Power bank – an absolute must for long market days. I’ve tried a bunch over the years, always searching for one that’s compact but powerful—and I finally found the one. It fits easily in my purse, charges my phone multiple times, and best of all, it’s cordless and works with all my devices. 

Miscellaneous Items

These are the little extras that might not be on every packing list—but trust me, they make your Christmas market experience more enjoyable.

Packable day pack – I absolutely love my packable day pack! It folds down super small and takes up almost no space in my carry-on. Once I’m at the markets, it’s perfect for carrying gifts, snacks, or extra layers. If you’re anything like me, it’s also how I managed to bring home my growing collection of glühwein mugs!

Cross Body Purse – a smart and secure option for Europe. I like having my important belongings attached to me, especially in busy markets or train stations.

Rechargeable hand warmers – one of my favorite market hacks. Your hands will get cold from taking photos or holding drinks, and these little gadgets are so worth packing.

Birdie Alarm – My mom gifted me a Birdie alarm for Christmas one year, and now I always bring it on my solo trips. It’s gives me extra peace of mind while exploring crowded places on my own.

Heatless Curler – Instead of packing a curling iron, I bring a heatless curler. I just pop it in before bed, sleep in it, and wake up with curls that hold all day. It saves time, effort, and space in my bag—win-win!

Complete Europe Christmas Market Packing List

Want a printable version of everything I’ve mentioned in this post—in one easy-to-check-off list? I’ve created a FREE Christmas Market Packing Checklist to help you stay organized and pack exactly what you’ll need for your festive European adventure!

Packing Tips for European Christmas Markets

Once you know what to bring, it’s all about how to pack it all—especially if you’re trying to travel light. These are my go-to packing strategies to help you stay warm, comfortable, and effortlessly stylish throughout your trip.

Dress for comfort

Christmas markets mean long days on your feet, so comfort has to come first. Prioritize warm layers, waterproof boots, and cozy fabrics over trendy outfits that won’t hold up in real weather. That said, if you can find pieces that are both cute and functional, you’ve nailed it.

Pack layerable items

Layering is your best friend in Europe’s unpredictable winter weather. From chilly mornings to damp afternoons and frosty nights, being able to peel off or pile on layers is key. Make sure each piece you pack works with others to keep you comfortable no matter the conditions.

Pack lightweight really warm pieces

The trick to staying warm without overstuffing your bag is to pack lightweight, high-performance pieces. Merino wool, cashmere, and fleece-lined items offer a lot of warmth without taking up space. These layers keep you toasty and leave room in your luggage for souvenir mugs.

Create a capsule wardrobe

For my Christmas market trip, I packed a capsule wardrobe so that everything matched, and I could mix and match outfits without overpacking. With this method, I fit everything for two weeks into just a backpack—including my outerwear and boots. It saved me space, stress, and made getting dressed each morning a breeze.

Use vacuum seal compression cubes

Vacuum seal compression cubes were a game-changer for me, especially when it came to bulky sweaters. I couldn’t believe how much extra space I saved. If you’re traveling with just a carry-on or backpack, these are a must!

👉 Want even more really helpful tips? Don’t miss my post on 35 Christmas Market Tips Every First-Timer Should Know—from what to expect to what not to do!

More Christmas Market Guides You’ll Love

Planning a European Christmas market trip and want a little extra help? I’ve got you covered with city-specific guides:

• Is Brussels Worth Visiting? Why This Underrated City Surprised Me
• One Day in Brussels: The Perfect Winter Itinerary
• 7 Best Day Trips From Brussels You’ll Absolutely Love
• Best Brussels Hotels Near Christmas Markets For A Magical Stay
• Complete Guide to Bruges Christmas Market (2025)
• Is Strasbourg Worth Visiting? What You Need to Know

That’s a Wrap

I hope this guide has taken the guesswork out of what to wear to Christmas markets and helped you feel more prepared (and excited!) for your winter adventure. 

Don’t forget to grab my FREE European Christmas Market Guide—it’s packed with even more tips, planning tools, and inspiration to help you make the most of your festive travels.