Christmas markets are some of my favorite places to visit in winter. The atmosphere, the lights, the music (even the carols), the mulled wine (especially the smell, as I rarely drink), the handmade decorations – everything feels like stepping into a storybook.
Yes, they are crowded. Yes, some say they are cheesy or kitchy. I know. I still love them!
And yes, I do not miss a Ferris wheel if there is one!
Because I travel often during the holiday season, I’ve learned exactly what you should take with you to a Christmas market to stay warm, comfortable, and ready for anything.
As someone who gets cold very easily (my hands and legs freeze instantly), I’ve learned through trial and error how important it is to pack smart for Christmas markets. Cold toes can ruin even the most magical evening, and slippery cobblestones or unexpected crowds can turn an outing into a hassle.
And it is one thing when you are visiting a Christmas market in your hometown and there is always the next day (unless you want to attend a special concert), and a completely different thing when going to a different city and discovering you did not pack everything you need for a Christmas market.
Whether you’re visiting your first Christmas market in Europe, planning a family trip to a local holiday fair, or exploring one of the world-famous markets in Vienna, Strasbourg, Munich, Berlin, or Budapest, this detailed guide covers the best things to take to a Christmas market in Europe, plus what to do before you visit.
This article is long, practical, and full of real-world tips – exactly what I wish I had known years ago.
Before You Visit the Christmas Market: Essential Things to Do
Packing matters, but planning ahead matters even more. Christmas markets may look simple – rows of wooden stalls and twinkling lights – but they can get crowded, cold, wet, and busy. So I always take a few steps before heading out.
1. Decide When You Want to Go: Day vs. Night
Christmas markets look completely different depending on the time of day.
Daytime visits are calmer, great for photos, ideal for browsing artisan stalls, and better for families.
Night visits are magical – the lights, the glow, the warm drinks, and the holiday music feel unforgettable.
Personally, I love arriving in the afternoon and staying until it gets dark.
If you do this too, you get the best of both worlds:
- time to explore before the crowds get intense
- and the dreamy nighttime atmosphere once the lights turn on
If you can, aim for late afternoon on a weekday. Weekends get very crowded, especially after 6 PM.
If you want concerts, then prepare for crowds
2. Choose the Right Day: Look for Special Events
Many Christmas markets host:
- live concerts
- choirs
- dance performances
- themed evenings
- special stalls that appear only on certain days
- charity events
I always check the event program before I go, because I love catching live performances. They make the experience more meaningful, and they also help you choose the best day for your visit.
3. Check the Weather Forecast (Very Important!)
Christmas market packing depends heavily on the weather.
Before I leave, I always check:
- temperature
- wind forecast
- chance of snow or rain
- “feels like” temperature
- humidity (cold humidity = colder than it looks)
This helps me decide if I need:
- extra heat packs
- thicker socks
- a waterproof coat
- sole protectors
- shoe covers
- my warmest mittens
Since I get cold easily, this step is non-negotiable for me.
4. Screenshot Important Info Before You Go
You never know when your battery might die in the cold. If you are not in your hometown, it is best to be prepared so take into consideration having a printed paper of – or knowing:
- public transport schedule
- nearby taxi phone numbers
- hotel address
- special events schedule
Cold weather drains batteries fast – trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way.
5. Eat a Light Snack Before You Arrive
Christmas market food is delicious, but lines can be long. A light snack keeps you energetic and less stressed, especially if the weather is cold or the market is enormous.
What to Take With You to a Christmas Market (Complete, Practical List)
This long list covers everything I bring when I visit Christmas markets – things I’ve learned to pack after many winter trips and many nearly-frozen fingers.
I’m giving you realistic, traveler-tested, cold-weather-friendly items.
Everything here is practical, and nothing is unnecessary.
Of course, you will adapt this to your preferences and the weather you will encounter.
Use this list as a starting point and decide what you need and what you can leave at home/hotel.
So let’s start this Christmas market essentials for winter travel list
1. Warm Clothing (Layers Are Your Best Friend)
Christmas markets are usually outdoors, meaning you’ll spend hours walking or standing in open air. Even if it doesn’t seem too cold when you leave your hotel, temperatures drop quickly at night. Yes, you need warm clothing for Christmas markets!
Here’s what I always wear or pack:
Thermal Base Layer
A good thermal top keeps the heat close to your body and makes everything else easier. I rarely skip this unless temperatures are unusually warm.
Warm Sweater or Fleece
I prefer fleece because it’s lightweight and warm, but a thick sweater works beautifully too.
Insulated Winter Coat
Waterproof if possible – snow and light rain are common in winter.
Winter Hat
You lose a lot of heat through your head. A warm beanie is essential.
Scarf or Neck Gaiter
If you’re sensitive to wind (I am!), choose a windproof scarf or a thick wool one.
2. Warm Mittens or Touchscreen Gloves
This is one of the most important things for me personally.
I get cold hands quickly, so I always bring warm mittens, preferably fleece-lined or wool-lined. Mittens keep fingers warmer than gloves because they share heat.
If you want to use your phone for photos, touchscreen gloves are useful – but I often put a pair of thin touchscreen gloves inside my mittens so I stay warm and still use my phone.
3. Heat Packs (Hand Warmers and Foot Warmers)
Because I get cold so easily, this is the item I never leave home without.
I usually bring:
- hand warmers (for inside mittens)
- foot warmers (for inside boots)
- a larger heat pack for my back or stomach if it’s freezing outside
They’re cheap, lightweight, and they make winter outings so much more comfortable.
4. Protection for Your Boots
Still wondering what you need for visiting Christmas markets in winter? Let’s get to the boots!
Winter markets often have:
- snow
- slush
- icy patches
- salty sidewalks
- puddles
If you wear good-quality leather boots, salt can ruin them.
I always treat my boots with waterproof spray before visiting Christmas markets.
And on snowy or icy days, I bring boot grips/ice cleats that slip on and give extra traction. They’re life-savers on icy cobblestones (especially in places like Prague, Munich, Oslo, or Salzburg).
5. Comfortable, Insulated Footwear
You’ll be walking and standing a lot, so choose:
- insulated boots
- waterproof boots
- fleece-lined sneakers (if it’s dry)
Avoid heeled boots – cobblestones + cold = not fun.
If you get cold feet like I do, double up with thermal socks or heat packs.
6. A Small Bag (Choose Based on Your Plans)
Here, it is a matter of personal preferences. I prefer a small bag at a local Christmas market, but when I travel, I usually have a backpack. So, my recommendations are for either occasions – and different styles and preferences.
A Small Crossbody Bag
Ideal if:
- you’re not planning on buying much
- you want to keep your hands free
- you want something light
A Small Purse
Perfect for quick visits at local Christmas markets.
An Anti-Theft Backpack
Use this when:
- you plan to shop for gifts or ornaments (if I find beautiful stuff, I buy them )
- you need space for a camera, water, and layers
- you’re visiting a very crowded market
I usually bring a small crossbody bag if I’m mostly exploring, and an anti-theft backpack if I know I’m buying ornaments or handmade gifts.
7. Power Bank (Cold Weather Drains Batteries!)
Phones drain incredibly fast in cold air – and if you need it to take pictures or you rely on it, take into consideration having a power bank with you
A power bank is essential, especially if you’re taking photos, watching performances, or navigating with Google Maps.
When in a different city, I always bring:
- a small pocket-size power bank
- and a charging cable
This ensures I can stay until the lights turn on without worrying about my phone dying.
8. Tissues & Wet Wipes
Winter noses, sticky food, hot chocolate or sticky sugar – tissues are always useful.
Wet wipes help if you enjoy pastries like chimney cake, gingerbread, or roasted nuts.
9. Lip Balm and Hand Cream
Winter markets + cold wind = dry lips and dry hands.
I apply lip balm constantly in winter – obviously, I learned this after going one year without. It was very windy, and my lips would dry. That night and the next day… it was awful!
I prefer to use hand cream at the hotel, especially as I use mittens (after also having my hands freeze one Christmas market visit), but I know some people prefer to have hand cream for such visits too.
10. Reusable Water Bottle
Yes, you’ll drink mulled wine, hot chocolate, or punch – but staying hydrated is important, especially in cold weather.
A lightweight bottle is enough.
This is something I saw some people bring and praise it. I do not – even though it would save me from some lines while buying water.
11. A Small Flashlight (Optional but Helpful)
Some markets and nearby streets are dimly lit. A tiny flashlight can help you avoid ice or slippery patches.
This is another tip I got from someone.
I admit I use my phone – as mentioned, I prefer to have a power bank so… I have light AND I carry less things.
12. Basic Safety Essentials
I always bring:
- a copy of my ID
- travel insurance info saved on my phone
- a tiny first-aid kit (band-aids + painkiller)
- any necessary medication
Keep these somewhere safe inside your bag.
13. A Foldable Tote Bag (If You Shop)
I don’t recommend carrying many bags at Christmas markets, but a single lightweight tote bag is extremely useful if you end up buying:
- ornaments
- small gifts
- candles
- sweets
- crafts
- souvenirs
and you do not have a backpack or any other purse/bag.
You can keep it inside your pocket and only take it out when needed.
14. Camera for Photos
Christmas markets are incredibly photogenic and if you want to take more professional photos, you will need a camera.
I used to bring one with me, years ago – right now I admit I prefer to just have my phone with me. I am not a professional photographer – that is why you will often see stock photos here on the blog – so my phone is enough.
If you bring a camera:
- pack an extra battery
- pack a lens cloth
- store it safely inside your anti-theft backpack
Bonus Tips for Visiting Christmas Markets
Over the years, I’ve collected a few habits that make Christmas market visits even better.
Lines for the best foods can get long after 6 PM.
Many places accept cards, but not all.
Small bills or coins are helpful for snacks and drinks.
- Watch out for slippery spots
Especially on cobblestones, wooden bridges, or near fountains.
Sometimes the best experiences happen when you follow the music, the smell of roasted chestnuts, or a crowd gathering around a local choir.
What to Take With You to a Christmas Market
Visiting a Christmas market is pure magic – the lights, the scents, the atmosphere. But being cold, unprepared, or uncomfortable can take away some of that joy. That’s why having the right things with you makes such a big difference.
As someone who gets cold very easily, I know how important the right gloves, heat packs, insulated boots, and layers can be. I’ve learned to check the weather before I go, arrive in the afternoon, stay for the lights, and always pack just enough to stay warm and happy.
Whether you’re visiting a Christmas market in Europe or anywhere else in the winter, this packing guide will help you enjoy the experience from start to finish.
Photo sources – except Bucharest photo (mine): 1, 2, 3
