European Christmas Market Packing Guide:

If you are lucky to spend the holidays in Europe, you might be wondering what you should pack. Here’s a guide on what to pack to stay stylish and warm during your visit to European Christmas markets. So, layer up, embrace the holiday spirit, and get ready to explore the enchanting world of European Christmas markets!

The festivities start in late November to early December. You can expect the weather to be cold, so you’ll want to wear layers and bring cozy accessories.

To save space in your carry-on luggage you’ll want to wear your bulky items on the plane (coat, chunky sweaters, boots) and pack strategically. I didn’t check my bags on this thirteen-day trip. But if you plan on doing lots of shopping you might want to consider bringing a larger bag so you’ll have room for souvenirs. I purchased small souvenirs and a nativity and it all fit in my roller bag. I did buy a cuckoo clock but I had it shipped home.

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Luggage: Travelpro Luggage has been a flight attendant favorite for years. I've had my Travelpro luggage for about 12 years, and it has survived some serious wear and tear. This is the Crew Versapack Softside Expandable 8 Spinner Wheel Luggage.

Backpack: I’m loving my LOVEVOOK Laptop Backpack. It’s the perfect blend of style, functionality, and durability at a reasonable price! It has a luggage strap and lots of pockets and comes in so many beautiful colors. This is the backpack I took on our Christmas market vacation.

my list of must-have travel backpacks from Amazon

Coat: Bundle up with an insulated waterproof coat. We got snow at the Christmas Markets but you could also get wind, rain, and ice. This is the coat I wore from 32 Degrees, it kept me warm!

You might want to consider taking a heated vest. I flew with a flight attendant who had one on a NYC layover and he said it worked great.

Thermals: Layers are the most important thing to pack when visiting Christmas Markets in Europe. Consider taking a thermal top and leggings. These are Thermajane Long Johns Thermal Underwear.

Tops: I packed six tops, and wore each top twice. If you plan on bringing a carryon bag you’ll want to bring lightweight sweaters. I packed three lightweight sweaters, and 3 tops. Love this striped sweater!

Embrace the holiday spirit and consider bringing a Christmas-themed sweater and accessories, go for festive colors and patterns!

Cable Knit Long Sleeve Turtleneck

Merino Wool Sweater- Lightweight knitted pullover. Comes in so many beautiful colors.

Cardigan: I brought a cardigan for extra warmth.

Bottoms: I packed three pairs of jeans and wore sweatpants on our flight.

Waterproof Boots: Ankle boots are my pick for visiting the German Christmas Markets since they’re easier to pack than knee-high boots. Bring waterproof boots that are comfortable for walking on cobblestone streets. I packed two pairs of ankle boots but I only needed one pair. I wore these waterproof fur-lined boots from Shibeverj the entire time. I was tempted to bring my running shoes but it was too cold and wet to wear them, I’m glad I left them at home.

Pajamas: I recommend packing long-sleeved Pajamas.

Accessories: Winter accessories are a must for visiting the German Christmas Markets, especially for strolling around the Christmas markets at night. I recommend packing a hat, scarf and gloves.

1-3 Winter Hats/Beanies: Bring stylish hats to keep your head warm. You won’t really see your clothes in your pictures but you will see your hat and scarf.😆 This is why I packed three hats. Love my Furtalk Beanie

Wool Beret Hat

Plaid Beanie

Scarf: Love this plaid scarf! If you don’t want to pack a scarf you’ll have the opportunity to buy them at the markets or find shops near the markets that sell them.

Waterproof gloves: Bring touch-screen compatible gloves since you will take lots of pictures. If your gloves aren’t waterproof bring two pairs in case one gets wet. Head waterproof gloves.

Lined leather gloves by Pratt and Hart

Socks: There is nothing worse than having cold feet and for Christmas markets, you’ll be spending a lot of time outside. Make sure you bring warm socks! These are Smartwool socks.

I loved my Colombia socks! The girls on our trip packed a few different brands and some socks worked better than others. We ended up wearing our favorite warmer socks more than once.

Undergarments: Don’t forget to pack bras and underwear

Purse: You’ll want to bring a crossbody purse or sling bag: I usually travel with a crossbody purse but on this trip, I took a sling bag by Mroede and loved it!

Foot & hand warmers: You’ll be happy you brought them!

Travel Umbrella: I always travel with an umbrella. This was nice to have when we got lots of snow in Nuremberg. This umbrella is the Anntrue Windproof Travel Umbrella.

Camera and Accessories: Don’t forget your camera! I used my smartphone for all of my videos and photos,

Portable Charger: Keep your devices charged for capturing memories and navigating. I purchased this from the TG90 Store. I like how small and lightweight it is.

European Charger: From the Vintar Store on Amazon. I like that the prongs fold for easy packing.

Charging cords, Airpods: Don’t forget your Charging cords, I like this electronic cable organizer case from iMangoo.

Travel documents:

Passport: If you already have a passport make sure it hasn’t expired. You’ll need at least six months of validity remaining on your passport whenever you travel abroad. Children’s passports are only valid for five years. Check to see if visas are required. This family passport holder is from the Boacay Store on Amazon.