What to Wear for Christmas Markets in Europe for Beautiful Photos

How to stay warm at Christmas Markets (while still looking cute)

Europe has magical Christmas markets that draw huge crowds every December. But staying warm is probably the biggest concern you’ll have when you want to spend the whole day out merrymaking as snow falls. But don’t worry, I’ve got you! I know just what to wear for Christmas markets for the cutest photos.

What you’ll find here: What to Wear for Christmas Markets

From Nuremberg to Vienna to Prague to Budapest, I’ve travelled across Europe to visit some of the cutest and festive spots you’ll find. This is my personal fashion opinion and the packing-secrets I use to stay warm in snow blizzards to wet, rainy, and windy days as you travel across Europe.

Below you’ll find lots of examples of what to wear. When considering what will work best for you think about what colours will match best with your clothes. Red, green, white, and sparkles also give that festive feel!

ACCESSORIES:

When packing accessories for Christmas markets you’ll want the full shebang. You’re going to be spending a lot of time at the Christmas markets – especially at night when the lights are all twinkly (highly recommended). You’ll want to keep your head, hands,and neck warm. Accessories are a great way to bring colour to an outfit without taking up too much room in your luggage.

A tip for what to wear for Christmas markets is to bring at least two pairs of gloves, a scarf or two, and a range of hats just in case they gets wet from snow.

Examples are a chunky scarf, a pom pom beanie, and knit mittens.

JACKETS & COATS:

A waterproof coat is a must as many countries in Europe will have a lot of snowfall during December (that’s what makes it so magical!). If you are travelling across Europe during the Christmas season and only have one or two days scheduled in a particular town you don’t want to be waiting for the snowfall to finish in order to be able to go out and enjoy yourself. If you’re not going with a waterproof fabric, pick something that is fully lined that will protect you from the cold. I like to choose jackets and coats with a removable faux-fur trim for contrast in photos and fancy up something practical.

Examples are a puffer jacket or a parka jacket with a fur trim hood.

TOPS, DRESSES & PANTS:

I recommend some thick, tapered pants or leggings to keep you warm. This will protect you the best from wind, rain, and snow. The last thing you want to worry about is wet baggy pants or holding down your dress from freezing gusts of wind. For your top, you’ll want a lightweight skivvy (or turtleneck as some call them!).

I usually wear thermal leggings and a long sleeved thermal top underneath and finish it off with a long length chunky sweater on top for the colder days. 

Remember, you’ll want to feel comfortable in this underneath your jacket so make sure your sweaters aren’t too chonky!

Examples are Uniqlo’s Ultra Warm HEATTECH, a cable knit tunic sweater, and double-knit elastic pants.

SHOES & BOOTS:

Your choice of shoes or boots can make or break your winter dreamland holiday. You want something that is waterproof because wet, cold socks are the worst thing when you’re spending your day and night buying Christmas trinkets and drinking gluhwein. Another thing to consider is the grip on the bottom of your shoes – you don’t want a dress boot or shoe because it will be too slippery on the old cobblestones laced with icy snow.

Examples are knee high faux suede boots, faux leather military boots, patent or rubber chelsea boots, or GORE-TEX hiking shoes/boots.