So you’ve booked a Christmas markets cruise, and now you’re staring at your closet wondering what on earth to bring. I’ve been there! When we sailed the Rhine during market season, I absolutely loved seeing Strasbourg, Cologne, and Colmar all decked out in festive lights, and I learned a lot about packing along the way. When it comes to what to pack for a Christmas markets cruise, it all comes down to two things: layers you can peel off as you go in and out of the cold and warm, comfortable boots. Get those two things right and everything else is easy!
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Why Layers Matter on a Christmas Markets Cruise
It’s Christmastime, so expect winter weather. It will be cold, and you might get rain or snow. You’ll spend hours outside wandering the twinkling stalls, often after dark, with a mug of Glühwein in one hand and a gingerbread heart in the other. But you’ll also be ducking in and out of shops, cafes, and restaurants, which are usually heated. The cathedrals and churches tend to stay chilly, while your cruise cabin can feel downright toasty after hours in the cold.
That’s why I always say layers, layers, layers! Skip the bulky sweaters and wear light sweaters or cashmere under a good coat instead. You’ll want to peel off your coat the minute you sit down for lunch and put it back on when you head out to the next market.
The Best Coat for European Christmas Markets
Speaking of coats, your coat is the one piece you’ll wear every single day, so it’s worth investing in. A long puffer or parka covers your hips and thighs, which makes a big difference when the sun goes down. I love the Columbia Women’s Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket. It’s warm without feeling heavy, and it has interior pockets. And for a more affordable option, there’s the CREATMO Women’s Hooded Parka that also has plenty of pockets.
No matter what style of coat you choose, those interior pockets matter as your coat sort of becomes your purse as well. The markets get crowded, and crowds attract pickpockets. I keep my credit cards and cash zipped inside my coat where no one can reach them.
Cashmere Sweaters and Cozy Accessories
For tops, I pack a few cashmere sweaters. They’re warm without the bulk, packs flat, and it looks polished at dinner on the ship. It’s also thin enough that if you’re in a heated restaurant or shop, it doesn’t feel too hot or bulky. Two or three cashmere sweaters in colors that go with everything will carry you through the whole week.
Then add a few cashmere hats and scarves in different colors and swap them around. They take up almost no room, keep you cozy, and keep your photos from looking like you wore the same outfit all week (even if you did). Touchscreen gloves let you snap photos of the lights without freezing your fingers, and a few hand warmers in your pockets feel like pure luxury on a cold night.
And don’t be afraid to pick up extra layers along the way. One night in Cologne got so cold that our gloves weren’t cutting it, so we bought fleece-lined wool mittens right at the market. I also came home with a cute pom-pom hat. Shopping for cozy things is half the fun, and the markets are full of them.
The Best Boots for Christmas Markets
A good pair of broken-in boots is a must. You’ll walk on cobblestones that are cold, often wet, and sometimes slick with frost (or spilled Glühwein!). Warm, waterproof boots keep you happily wandering as the sun sets and the whole market starts to glow.
I recommend the Sorel Chelsea boot or the Sorel Out N About IV Chillz Waterproof Boot. Both keep your feet dry and warm and have good tread for uneven streets. (If they’re new, break them in before you go!) For socks, I love Pacas alpaca socks. They’re incredibly soft, and alpaca doesn’t contain lanolin, so they’re great if regular wool makes you itchy. (Not an affiliate link. I just love them.)
Wear Your Coat and Boots on the Plane
This is the tip I’d tell every friend … don’t pack your coat in your checked luggage! Wear it or carry it on, and wear your boots on the plane, too. Yes, they’re bulky, and no, you won’t need them on the flight. But your outer layers are the hardest things to replace when traveling abroad.
I learned this one the hard way, through we laugh about it now. On our way to Basel to start a Rhine cruise, my husband, Pete, packed his coat in his checked bag. Our connection in Atlanta was delayed, and our luggage didn’t make the flight. Delta was great about getting our bags to us, and since we’d planned an extra day in Basel, we didn’t have to worry about our luggage catching up to the ship. But Pete spent a full day in Basel in 20-degree weather without a coat. He layered up every shirt he had in his carry-on and wore my plane blanket as a poncho (he was NOT going to miss a day in Basel, no matter what he looked like). A few locals joked that he must be showing off the newest fashion trend.
It’s a funny story now, but it could have been a miserable one. If a bag goes missing, you can replace a sweater or a toiletry item in any town. But a good coat and broken-in boots are a lot harder to find on short notice. It’s also a good reason to arrive a day before your cruise starts.
What to Wear on Milder Market Days
Some market days might be warmer than you’d expect, and some are colder. Check the forecast for your ports about 10 days before your cruise, then adjust what you pack. On milder days, I love a skirt with thick tights, boots, and my coat. It’s cute, comfortable for walking, and feels a little more festive than jeans. On the coldest days, add a thermal layer under your jeans and an extra scarf. I also really love fleece-lined leggings too!
What Men Should Pack for a Christmas Markets Cruise
Guys, the same rules apply: layers and good boots. A wool or cashmere quarter-zip or crewneck over a long-sleeve tee works for both the markets and dinner on the ship. Pair it with dark jeans or chinos (fleece-lined if you run cold), waterproof leather or Chelsea boots, and a warm coat with an interior pocket. Keep your wallet in that inside pocket rather than your back pocket, and toss a beanie and scarf in your bag. You’ll be warm, comfortable, and dressed right for everything.
What to Wear on the Ship
River cruises are relaxed. During the day, what you wear to the markets works on board, too. For dinner, think smart casual: a cashmere sweater with nice jeans or a skirt, or slacks and a button-down for the guys. Pack a pair of comfortable flats or loafers so you can give your boots a rest in the evenings.
One more thing I love for the ship: an insulated coffee mug. It keeps your hot beverages toasty whenever you fill it with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate from the ship’s coffee station.
What Bag to Bring to the Christmas Markets
One big tip I can give you is to leave large bags or big backpacks on the ship. The larger markets, like Strasbourg, have security checkpoints and check bags at the entrances, and a big bag is one more thing to keep an eye on in the crowds.
My other must-have is a crossbody phone strap. It’s so easy to fumble your phone with gloves on, or have it slip out of a bulky coat pocket without noticing. With a strap, your phone hangs right where you can grab it for photos of the lights, and it can’t go missing.
How to Pack Christmas Market Souvenirs and Mugs
Because you’re visiting Christmas markets, trust me when I say you’ll want to shop. The stalls are full of handmade ornaments, candles, wooden toys, and treats. Tuck a packable tote into your coat pocket so as you make purchases your hands can stay free for taking pictures or sipping Glühwein. (You’ll also need this sort of tote if you pop into any grocery store in Europe)
The best souvenirs are also the most fragile: handmade ornaments and the collectible Glühwein mugs. Bring a few padded bottle sleeves or bubble wrap pouches, and when available, ask vendors to wrap what you buy. Most are happy to! I’ve also stuffed mugs with socks and tucked them inside my boots in my suitcase. And the most delicate ornaments ride home in my carry-on. If you know you’ll shop a lot, pack a foldable duffel for the trip home.
Christmas Market Tips Before You Go
When you order Glühwein, it comes in a mug with a deposit. Return the mug for your money back or keep it as a souvenir, since each market has its own design. (We brought back home so many that they’re our annual Christmas mugs now!) Pick up some euros at an ATM, too, because many smaller stalls still prefer cash. Here are answers to a few more questions you may have:
Do I need snow boots for the Christmas markets?
Not usually. Warm, waterproof boots with good tread are enough for most market towns. Check the forecast about 10 days out, and pack heavier boots only if snow is predicted.
What should I wear to dinner on a river cruise?
Smart casual. Nice jeans or a skirt with a sweater works for women, and slacks or dark jeans with a sweater or button-down works for men.
Do I need cash at the Christmas markets?
Yes, bring some euros in small bills and coins. Many smaller stalls still prefer cash, and you’ll need it for the Glühwein mug deposit.
Can I bring a backpack to the Christmas markets?
Technically, yes, but it’s best to leave it on the ship. Larger markets like Strasbourg have security checkpoints and check large bags at the entrances.
Can I pack my winter coat in my checked bag?
No. Wear your coat and boots on the plane or carry them on. If your checked bag is delayed, you’ll still have the layers that are hardest to replace.
What to Pack for a Christmas Markets Cruise: The Checklist
Need a quick packing list? I’ve got you! Here’s what I’d bring…
- Long coat with interior pockets
- 2 to 3 cashmere sweaters
- Long-sleeve layers and a thermal layer
- Jeans, plus a skirt and thick tights for milder days
- Smart casual outfits for dinner on the ship
- Comfortable flats or loafers for evenings on board
- A few hats and scarves
- Touchscreen gloves and hand warmers
- Waterproof, insulated boots
- Alpaca or wool socks
- Packable canvas tote
- Padded sleeves or bubble wrap pouches
- Insulated travel mug
- Toiletries
- Warm socks
- Underwear and Pajamas
Plan Your Christmas Market Cruise
If this is your first time on a river cruise, check out 7 Essential Tips For Your First River Cruise as well as River Cruise Balcony Types Explained. The best part about taking a river cruise is the ships often dock within walking distance of the old towns, so you wake up to a new Christmas market almost every day without repacking!
And if you’d like help booking a Christmas markets cruise, I also work as a Fora Travel Advisor. Tell me where you’re dreaming of sailing here on my contact form
