Most people underestimate how cold it feels after two hours at an outdoor stall. A good packing list prevents that. Plan for standing, walking on wet cobbles, and moving between cold streets and warm cafés.
Clothing
- Thermal base layer, especially for evenings.
- A warm mid-layer such as fleece or wool.
- A windproof, ideally waterproof, outer jacket.
- Warm socks, plus a spare pair.
- Hat, gloves and scarf.
Shoes
Choose insulated, waterproof shoes or boots with a good grip. Wet cobbles and cold stone floors are harder on your feet than any other part of the trip.
Small Items Worth Bringing
- A small crossbody bag you can keep in front of you.
- Cash for smaller stalls.
- A portable phone charger; cold drains batteries quickly.
- Hand warmers, lip balm and moisturiser.
- A reusable bag for food and small purchases.
What to Skip
Skip heavy backpacks, fragile souvenirs you'd need to carry through crowds, and anything you'd hate to get stained with mulled wine.
Planning the route as well? Read our Europe Christmas markets guide, and download offline maps first: how to use Google Maps offline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to a Christmas market?
Layers: a thermal base, warm mid-layer and a windproof jacket, plus insulated, waterproof shoes.
Do I need a hat and gloves?
Yes. You will be standing outside for hours, even in less extreme weather.
Should I bring cash?
Yes, smaller stalls may not take cards.
What bag should I carry?
A small crossbody bag you can keep in front of you in crowds.
Are comfortable shoes more important than looks?
Usually yes, because cobbled streets and long standing make cold and discomfort the main problem.
Should I bring a power bank?
Yes, cold weather drains phone batteries faster.
