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We spent 12 days going from Christmas market to Christmas market by train, from London to Prague, in late November and early December. It was cold and sometimes wet, with snow at Neuschwanstein and rain in the cities. Here’s what we’d tell anyone packing for the same trip.
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What to wear: waterproof everything
You’ll spend hours standing outside at the markets, often in the evening when it’s coldest. The key is warm and waterproof, because cold plus wet is what makes you miserable.
- A heavy, waterproof winter coat. Warm isn’t enough. Snow and rain will soak through a coat that isn’t waterproof. For men, a long waterproof parka with a removable hood; for women, a long hooded down coat that keeps you warm through long evenings outside.
- Waterproof gloves. You’ll be holding hot mugs and snacks, and wet gloves get cold fast. These waterproof ski-style gloves come in men’s and women’s sizes.
- A warm hat that covers your ears. This waterproof, fleece-lined beanie comes in men’s and women’s sizes, so it keeps your ears warm and dry in rain or snow.
- Waterproof boots for snow, slush and cobblestones: insulated duck boots for women and insulated waterproof snow boots for men.
- A scarf, which also dresses up every photo.
For kids: Chantelle’s niece and nephew wore the same winter gear they wear skiing (snow suits or snow pants, warm jackets, gloves and hats), and it was perfect. They rode around the markets in the family’s own wagon, which didn’t have a cover, and often both napped in it. If you bring a wagon or stroller, consider a rain cover for wet days.
The empty-suitcase trick for souvenirs
Every market sells glühwein in a souvenir mug, and every city’s design is different. We collected mugs everywhere we went, plus other souvenirs, so we brought an extra carry-on-size suitcase that was completely empty just for the trip home.
How we got the mugs home without breaking them:
- Carry them around the markets until you’re back at the hotel.
- Ask the shop to wrap them. Many stalls will wrap mugs and ornaments for you.
- Wrap them again in sweaters and clothes in the suitcase.
If you don’t have a spare, an expandable hardshell carry-on works well: bring it nearly empty on the way there, then expand it for the trip home.
Train travel tips
We traveled between every country by train, and it was easy, even with ten of us. A few things to know:
- Trains leave exactly on the minute. They keep a very tight schedule, so get to the platform early.
- Bathrooms usually aren’t free in stations and public places. Carry coins and be ready to pay a little for bathrooms and snacks.
- Use the luggage lockers. Many train stations have lockers where you can lock up your bags for hours while you go explore, which is great on travel days.
- Bring the right plug adapters. The UK uses different outlets than mainland Europe. A universal travel adapter covers both.
- Keep a small bag handy with snacks, water, chargers and coins, so you’re not digging through your suitcase on the train.
Phone data
We used our phone plan’s included international data (T-Mobile) the whole trip. If your plan doesn’t include it, an Airalo eSIM gives you data across Europe from the moment you land.
Our Christmas market packing checklist
Waterproof coat · waterproof gloves · warm hat · scarf · waterproof boots · warm layers · kids’ snow gear · wagon or stroller (and rain cover) · an empty carry-on for souvenirs · coins for bathrooms · plug adapters · phone charger and power bank · a small day bag.
Planning the trip? Start with our full London-to-Prague train itinerary and why Vienna’s Rathausplatz was our favorite market.
Frequently asked questions
What should you wear to Christmas markets in Europe?
A warm, waterproof coat, waterproof gloves, a hat that covers your ears, a scarf and waterproof boots. You'll stand outside for hours in the evening, and cold plus wet is what makes you miserable.
Is it cold at the European Christmas markets?
It was cold on our trip in late November and early December, with rain in the cities and snow at Neuschwanstein. Plan for cold and wet.
How do you get Christmas market mugs home without breaking them?
We packed an empty carry-on just for souvenirs, asked the stalls to wrap the mugs, then wrapped them again in sweaters inside the suitcase.
What should kids wear to Christmas markets?
The kids on our trip wore the same gear they wear skiing: snow suits or snow pants, warm jackets, gloves and hats. It was perfect.
Do you need cash at European Christmas markets?
Bring some cash and coins. Not every stall takes cards, and public bathrooms in train stations usually aren't free.
