23 European Christmas Market Packing Tips in Carry-On Only

Here are 13 tips to help you pack for a Christmas Market in Europe with carry-on luggage. I will show you the capsule wardrobe of travel outfits I packed in a carry-on only with other items to pack. #christmasmarkets #travelessentials #traveltips

What I packed for Christmas Market:

Helpful Videos:

Chapters:
00:00 European Christmas Market tips
:20 Pack the correct size carry-on
:33 Pack bag with durable wheels
:54 Check weather at Christmas Market
1:10 Pack water-resistant shoes
1:48 Pack gloves for weather
2:16 Pack comfortable shoes
2:31 Pack thin layers
3:31 Pack thermal base layer
4:56 Wear heavy items in airplane
6:52 Pack 2 pair of shoes
7:36 Pack 1 pair of pants
9:40 Travel outfit tops
10:07 Pack a converter
11:06 Pack neck pillow
12:07 Pack in compression cubes
13:02 Download movies on phone
14:01 Pack crossbody bag
15:45 Pack water-repellent jacket
16:48 Travel hack for coat
17:47 Pack bag for souvenirs
18:10 Travel essentials to pack

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[TravelTipsbyLaurie]

What I packed for Christmas Market:




Freebies for my viewers:

[jackybraun]

I live in Germany and Christmas markets are just a way of life. What you need are plenty of wet wipes for sticky fingers and plenty of small change. Most stands will only use cash. A deposit will be charged for crockery and glass, so you could need to have up to €10 ready for a hot chocolate or glühwein but the deposit will be refunded when you bring the cup or glass back. (Most towns have a ban on disposable containers, so plastic spoons and dishes aren't a thing. Any food you can hold in your hand will simply be wrapped in a paper napkin.)

The cups and glasses are nice souvenirs. You aren't supposed to take them away with you, but people do. The deposit is usually €2-3 so they're a cheap keepsake. You'll need to have a plastic bag (bin liner) handy, as they will have the last drops of sticky mulled wine, egg nog etc still in them. Also, bear in mind how much you can fit in your case for the return journey.

I have never experienced rain or even very cold temperatures at Christmas markets, so I don't think its necessary to overdo the layers of sweaters. Snow is nice, if you can get it.

Those plaid trousers mark you out as an American tourist straight away. Best stick to jeans. Make sure you have really deep pockets in the jeans to stow everything in and try and avoid taking any bag at all. It gets very complicated with a sausage in one hand and a mulled wine in the other and nowhere (clean) to put anything down.

In the pockets you only need to have:

tiny coin purse with lots of change. If possible, divide the money into two in different pockets. Credit card in one purse just in case.
Tram ticket to get you back to hotel
Hotel room key card - if you like, ask if you can leave this at the hotel reception, like in the old days with real mechanical keys.
Wet wipes
A foldable tote bag and a thin plastic bag if you want to keep your cup
Hand cream in a tiny tube or tin
Your phone - don't forget to take pictures!


You don't even necessarily need tissues - all the stands have paper serviettes you can pick up if your nose starts running

Christmas markets have opening hours and in smaller towns, limited opening days. Check these before expecting to have your morning coffee there on a weekday.

Best time to avoid crowds (and pickpockets) is about 4 pm. It's already starting to get dark so you have the atmosphere but the office workers haven't come out yet. There will be tourists, families and pensioners, of course, but you do still need some gatherings of people to create the actual atmosphere.

The bigger markets can be confusing so pick a meeting point on arrival so you can split up or meet there if you lose each other. You can go and look at the lovely hand-made gifts while your partner enjoys a second Bratwurst or a beer, and meet up at arranged time and place later. Prevents arguments!.

There will be stalls with little Christmas gifts to browse, candles and Christmas decorations, but, in Germany at least, the main focus is on food and drink.

(I was at a fantastic Christmas market in San Jose, CA, a few years ago, but it was almost impossible to find a decent snack to eat there!)

You will be able to find flyers or see posters around town which will announce any programme events such as a brass band playing carols or a kindergarten group doing a sweet little display. Look out for "Turmblasen" - this is a German custom of playing brass instruments from the top of a local tower (often a medieval town gate or maybe a church tower).

Enjoy the bustle, the noise and the smells and try lots foodie treats! If the mulled wine goes to your head, don't worry : nowadays many drinks are offered as a non-alcoholic alternative.

[missinthecastle]

I visited German Christmas Markets in college! The Gluhwein really warmed you up and those candied almonds!

[SandraSC]

Take the white jacket to an alternation shop or seamstress and have backpack straps added to the inside. Take the other jacket and show what you need added.

[mbrolfe]

I remember going to a Navy SEALS talk and his comment was “cotton kills.” Cotton holds water and will chill your body; better to have wool or wool blend socks which are also less likely to stink at the end of the day. Similarly a silk or merino wool inner layer will keep you more comfortable and wick away moisture as you are walking around or running to catch the train. Also most puffer coats will fold into their own pockets and close the envelope with a zipper.

[karengrose]

Love this video! Can't wait!! two weeks from Friday we leave, and I am ordering a few of my must-haves tonight!!! Bought my daughter the jammies! Laurie you are the BEST!

[gwencampbell]

I've got a pair of reading glasses specifically for travel that fold down flat into a case the size of a credit card. Frees up so much space in my crossbody

[gemmabarker]

Pack a pocket foldaway reusable shopping bag for the edible treats you buy at the market (eat them before/while packing to travel home). I wear “magic” (stretchy wool one size fits all) gloves with the special finger ends that can still work a phone (camera), sometimes under a larger waterproof pair. Earmuffs/blanket scarf worn tall if you want warm ears but not hat hair. Peaked hood on your jacket/coat or a baseball cap to avoid rain specs. Never an umbrella; it’s too crowded. Great tips, and a bit of inspiration, as ever!

[whitelynnandrea]

Well this is certainly a timely video! My husband and I are going on an eight day river cruise through Europe this December, with lots of stops at Christmas markets. Great tips! Thank you!

[krismyers]

Going to the Christmas markets in France, at the end of November! So excited!

[didianebritson]

I was an Active Duty Army Nurse RN, and was blessed to call Heidelberg Germany home for 3 1/2 years. The Christmas Markets are magical!!!

[robinps]

A Christmas Market trip is definitely on my Bucket List! It’s just deciding which one to do first.
I’ve learned from others that you should pack sheets of bubblewrap for the goodies you might be bringing home. Some of things, like ornaments, might be breakable.
Have fun Laurie! ✈️ 🎄 🍷

[lindamgauthier]

Going on a Romantic Danube and a Taste of the Christmas Markets cruise the week of Thanksgiving. This video was just what I was looking for. Love all of your videos.

[jillcostello]

REI makes a great merino wool layer set. It is the bomb.

[deedeemeares-elliott]

We did a Viking River Cruise that was the Christmas Market trip. All you tips are good whatever way you see the markets!!

[aliScot]

Oo, this is right on time, Laurie! My sister and I are going to Poland for the Christmas markets in December 😊❄️🌨️🎁🥂🎄🎅🤶🦌🛷

[janicew]

I have a short neck BUT I love this neck pillow. It keeps my neck straight and I don't get a stiff neck from head falling forward. As always, great tips.

[sandimcdougall]

I am going on my third Christmas Market cruise with Viking December 1-12 on the Seine. I’ve done the Rhine & Danube markets before & can’t wait. Love the video as we can always learn from your videos Laurie. I’m purchasing compression cubes for my hubby’s large clothes. Thank you.

[loriwhipple]

Thanks for all the great ideas! I too am going to Brussels for the Christmas markets. I’m so excited!

[mistyknapp]

Rick Steve(s) is an expert leader on traveling overseas. He’s got great information on traveling, if you’re a female. Also, his bags are another great suggestion.