If you’ve ever dreamed of spending Christmas in Europe – cobblestone streets glowing with fairy lights, the smell of mulled wine in the air, snowflakes falling on café rooftops – then you’re in for something magical.
But if you’re like me before my first December trip, you might be staring at your suitcase, wondering how to pack without bringing your entire closet. I learned the hard way, dragging a heavy bag through snowy train stations in Germany and realising I wore the same few things every day. So now, after a few winters exploring Europe, here’s my personal guide on how to pack light, stay warm, and still look good.
The secret is layers. Instead of packing one giant coat, go for thin, warm pieces that you can wear together. My go-to base layer is the Uniqlo Heattech thermal top – it’s light, soft, and keeps you warm without bulk. On top of that, I add a fleece or a cozy sweater (the Patagonia Better Sweater is amazing), and finish with a waterproof jacket like The North Face McMurdo Parka or Columbia Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket. That combination worked perfectly when I was wandering through the Christmas markets in Prague and later taking a river cruise in Budapest.
Accessories are where you’ll really feel the difference. A warm wool beanie and a good cashmere scarf go a long way. For gloves, I love The North Face Etip gloves because they’re touchscreen-friendly — you can take photos without freezing your fingers.
I learned that lesson in Vienna when I lost my gloves and had to buy a new pair from a Christmas market stall (super cute but not so warm!). And don’t forget merino wool socks — brands like Smartwool or Icebreaker are perfect for keeping your feet dry and cosy all day.
Shoes are one of the most important parts of winter packing. If you’re exploring cities like Lucerne or Salzburg, you’ll be walking on icy, uneven streets. My best advice is to bring waterproof boots with good grip.
I swear by Timberland Courmayeur Valley boots – stylish enough for city walks but sturdy for the snow. If you’re heading to mountain areas like Zermatt or Innsbruck, you might even want a pair of snow boots like Sorel Joan of Arctic. And make sure they’re broken in before your trip – blisters and cobblestones do not mix!
Your skin will also need some love in the cold. I always carry Nivea Soft Moisturizing Cream, Burt’s Bees lip balm, and Neutrogena hand cream. The dry air can be brutal, especially when you move between freezing outdoor air and heated hotel rooms. Sunglasses are another underrated essential — I learned in Switzerland that snow glare can be blinding.
A simple pair of Ray-Bans works perfectly and looks great in photos, too.
When it comes to packing, less is more. I now travel with just a carry-on suitcase (the Away Bigger Carry-On is my favourite – sturdy and lightweight). I stick to neutral colours like beige, black, and grey so everything matches, and I roll my clothes instead of folding to save space.
A small travel tote like the Longchamp Le Pliage is perfect for day trips or shopping at Christmas markets. And don’t forget your universal plug adapter, Anker PowerCore portable charger, and travel insurance.
When travelling abroad, having reliable travel insurance gives you peace of mind, especially during winter trips when flight delays and weather surprises are common. I personally recommend EKTA Insurance.
Get your EKTA Insurance policy here
It’s fast to set up online, affordable, and covers everything from medical emergencies to lost luggage and trip cancellations. I’ve used EKTA on several of my recent trips, and what I really like is how simple it is to extend or adjust your policy directly from their website while you’re traveling. Whether you’re exploring Europe’s Christmas markets or heading to the mountains for skiing, EKTA is a smart and hassle-free choice to keep you protected wherever you go.
If you want to make your winter holiday even smoother, plan to stay in centrally located hotels so you can walk everywhere. In Vienna, I loved Hotel Sacher Wien – elegant, cozy, and right across from the Opera House.
In Prague, the Mosaic House Design Hotel is modern, warm, and within walking distance of the main Christmas market. And if you’re heading to Lucerne, the Hotel des Balances sits right on the river with views that look like a Christmas card.
The beauty of travelling in Europe during winter is how magical everything feels. You don’t need a big wardrobe or fancy outfits – just the right essentials. Once you’re warm, dry, and comfortable, you’ll enjoy every second, from sipping hot chocolate at Café Sperl in Vienna to watching the snow fall over Lake Geneva.
So if you’re packing for your first winter trip, take my advice: choose comfort over quantity, layer smart, and don’t forget the little things that keep you cozy. Because when you’re standing under twinkling Christmas lights in a European square, the last thing you’ll want to think about is cold feet or heavy luggage. Trust me, with the right gear and a little planning, you’ll be ready for the perfect winter adventure.
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