Practical Advice on What to Pack for a Christmas Market Cruise in Europe
Updated: 5 days ago
Ask my husband, my mother, and anyone who has had to endure me whining about improper footwear or outerwear on a winter vacation in Europe - I always put form over function. I convince myself that looking cute and festive is worth the minor inconvenience of suffering in the elements, but I think I've finally figured it out.
Below I share with you a few must-have items to enjoy a Christmas market cruise with family this year - without sacrificing cuteness or suffering in the cold.
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Short on Time?Buy these top sellers for holiday cruising:
Here's what to pack for your Christmas cruise:Footwear: 3-4 pairs
Outerwear & Layers:
Cold-Weather Accessories:
Bottoms:
Dinner and Evening Wear:
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River Cruise vs. Ocean Cruise Packing Note:
If you are on a Christmas market river cruise (along the Danube or Rhine, for instance), ships are typically casual when it comes to formal nights and dining room/evening wear. Focus on smart, warm layers for the days in port.
Alternatively, if you are on a winter ocean cruise like the Northern European route that I went on, don't neglect the festive accessories and dinner wear dazzle that makes packing for a Christmas cruise so fun. You'll just need to be aware of the daily weather report for each port day, and dress accordingly.
Best Shoes and Boots for Christmas Market Cruises (Cobblestones & Cold)
Footwear: 3-4 pairs
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I want to be clear that this is THE most important thing you can pack for your trip. I have made so many mistakes in this department.
One time I went with a girlfriend to see the big New Year's events in Edinburgh, Scotland at an event called Hogmanay. It was awesome, but also downright cold and wet. I of course wanted to wear all things tartan that trip, including some cheap tartan rain boots (with a heel, oh so practical I know).
What I failed to consider was that the cold rain would fall right into my boots (they were shorties) and they got my socks soaking wet. So now I'm freezing and like a deranged animal trying to find a vendor at this festival that sells the warmest socks at the cheapest price. I was such a fool!
That said, the right footwear will make or break your Christmas market cruise vacation. Here is what I recommend:
One pair of waterproof, fur lined boots (at least around the ankle) that tie up tight around the leg. I.e., no ability for the elements to creep in like in my story above.
One pair of dressy knee length boots. These can be flat or with a heel, depending on your itinerary but they MUST be waterproof! No suede. Bonus if they have bendable leg shafts for packing.
One pair of interchangable Solely Jane shoes
This pair of shoes may possibly change your life, or at least the way your pack for travel.
Pack one solid color base (black or tan) and then choose your toppers to match your personality, your outfits, your events, etc.
They pack so small, you can pack several pairs in the space of one bundle of socks. If you like to pack lots of shoes, this is your new best bet.
Pictured: Jamaica Red top - a moody red perfect for holiday outfits
Phoenix Onyx - the perfect black to match everything
Not Pictured: Classic Comfort Sole
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One pair of flats/heels/daytime shoes that will do double duty. This extra pair of shoes is specifically for:
Going to the dining room
Going to shows and evening entertainment
Sea days
In some instances I will even pack a tossable dollar store pair of flip flops for the sea days and pool times. In the case of a Christmas cruise, I really don't anticipate wanting to be swimming much in the rougher waters and cooler temps.
On that - expect that during a winter or Christmas market ocean cruise you will encounter rougher seas, meaning rockier days on the ship. The pool may not be open in the case of rocking waters.
This works out to 2-4 pairs of shoes, depending on how much luggage you have and how much you need to be fashionable!
How to Layer for Winter Cruises: The 3-Coat Strategy
Outerwear & Layers:
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Like shoes, the right outerwear can make or break your trip. In the winter in Europe expect cold, wet days. Your feet will be warm and cozy, with the above tips, but your body needs to be comfortable too.
My first advice - LAYERS. I know, you hear this all the time - but I've overcompensated for cold weather before time and time again, and it is awful to be warm and cozy outdoors then head into a heated restaurant or building just dying to strip down. No one wants to take their coat off ducking into every store.
So, on that - here's what I recommend for your Christmas market cruise jacket combo:
First Layer: Long-sleeve shirts that wick or have a breathable material
Second Layer: Packable down jacket (doubles as a pillow in a pinch!)
Third Layer: Waterproof outer layer with fur or fleece lining. MUST have a hood!
These days, they even sell 3-in-1 jackets to take care of all of this!
Since we're packing for a cruise, I always pack one extra sweater or layer for dressy nights and sea days, or simply for wearing on the airplane. I like wearing blazers in the Christmas season for this purpose, like the one I got from Loft - a black blazer with leather arms. Festive, warm and cute! This blazer or sweater does not need to be part of your layering strategy, so wear whatever you like!
Base Layers & Tops: What to Wear Under Heavy Coats
Don't go overboard. Consider tops that can be worn 1-3 times each. I prefer air wicking styles so I can breathe under my layers, or one or two sweatery tops. Don't wear anything with a low neckline, it's cold out!
Consider tops that are longer to cover your bottom (for warmth!) or pack a couple of long sleeve daytime dresses for the occasion.
I highly recommend mock turtle neck styles - they are so cute, warm and not uncomfortable around the neck.
Essential Winter Accessories: Hats, Scarves & Hands-Free Bags
Cold-Weather Accessories:
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This is the fun part - you'll need:
1-2 warm hats that cover your ears
1-2 scarves, depending on space. This Christmas scarf is simple and perfect for this type of trip.
I recommend good old black on black on black for the outerwear and then accessorize for pops of color.
Check my guide on what to pack for Alaska and you will find many similar items that will work for your cold, winter markets cruise too.
Keep in mind you can also shop for these things abroad, and they can be fun souvenirs, so packing only one of each is perfectly reasonable.
Also keep in mind that your accessories don't need to match everything. They only need to pair well together with your outerwear. The second you go inside, the scarf, hat and gloves are coming off! I used to think my outfits all needed to match my accessories, but that's what jewelry is for!
For jewelry in Christmas market season I keep it simple and follow these general rules:
Will earrings pinch me under my hat if pinned down?
No bracelets - they'll get lost with all the glove removal
No dangle earrings (unless on the cruise for dinner) - they get stuck in your scarf
Bring:
A few pairs of Christmas or seasonal earrings
A few Christmas or seasonal necklaces
I also personally love to wear headbands. They pack small, so for me I'll pack a few in seasonal colors. They're great for ship wear or warmer days that don't require a hat.
Lastly, I like to bring a practical purse. Last Christmas I carried around a fuzzy olive fanny pack like this sherpa bag and it was cute and functional. Other years I have brought my wool tartan purse, or they even make cute puffer jacket style purses. Any of these are great, but just keep in mind the struggle of having a purse on with load of layers too!
Need Inspo for your Christmas Market Cruise Ports?Here's my other articles to help! You'll find tips on where the ship will be docked, how to get around ports (including transportation and tours), things to do, and more. 💡 Looking to extend your trip further into Europe? You can get the same Christmas market vibes in Spain! Read my complete guide on visiting Zaragoza in winter for holiday lights and festive plazas. |
Pants, Thermals & Leggings That Actually Block the Cold
Bottoms:
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I used to think that standard fleece-lined leggings were the way to go, but honestly - they're not. The wind rips right through them, you may as well be wearing shorts. Instead, I started buying the heavy-duty sub zero temperature fleece lined leggings that look like pantyhose, and they look tremendous with winter dresses. I wore these all throughout Christmas Markets in Quebec City, and they were a godsend.
As a matter of fact, I stayed really warm on that Quebec trip with these handy packing tips, not all that dissimilar from what you'll need in Europe.
In addition to your tights and dresses, I pack one pair of blue and one pair of black jeans. Both versatile, pick your thickest pairs of jeans. These are great for nice nights out or day time slogging around. Jeans can take awhile to dry though, so plan ahead.
A Note on Socks and Underwear:
This is not the time to pack your thin cut off socks or lacy netherwear. Pack for the cold.
What to Wear to Dinner: Cruise Evening Outfits & Formal Nights
Dinner and Evening Wear:
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For a cruise, part of the fun is dressing up every night for dinner. Do this by simply packing 2 nicer dresses, one pair of dress pants, and then 2 tops dedicated for dinner. There are formal nights and casual days, so mix and match your daywear with your dress pants for easy combos.
Also, never underestimate the double-duty greatness of a good sweater dress!
I like to pack for Christmas trips with a color scheme in mind, so usually lots of off-red (think maroon) and olive greens. This dress was my formal night dress, and it looked great with my knee high boots that I wore during the daytime.
The shawl in the photo was my daytime scarf but it also has buttons on it to become a sweater or shawl. Pretty cool right?! Everything needs to be double duty! You can find something similar on Amazon at this link.
Don't forget - red lips and a small red handbag go a long way for evenings. Pack your favorite red lipstick (or buy mine from Revlon)!
Determine What to Pack for a Cruise with These Expert Tips |
Cold Weather Essentials
It's very difficult to get medicine abroad similar to what you may be familiar with at home, so it is important to pack at least a few doses of DayQuil or NyQuil (or your preferred drugs of choice).
Another slightly related cold-fighting item you can bring is a box of hand warmers. I mention them in my Alaska packing list, which is fairly similar in temps.
Shake the bag and they'll be warm for 8 hours. Put them in your pocket or inside your gloves when you are not wearing them. Buy yours on Amazon now.
These simple little items were a major win for my Alaska and Quebec trips.
Also, it may go without saying, but a good suitcase is key in the winter months. Soft-sided suitcases can fall over in a snow bank or icy wet puddle and pretty much ruin your vacation before things even get going.
A hard shell suitcase is a good bet, especially one with 360 wheels to help maneuver over tough terrain.
The Recap: 1 Week Christmas Cruise Shopping ListClothes and AccessoriesEverything Else
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FAQs: Packing for a Christmas Market Cruise
How cold is it on a European Christmas market cruise?
Expect daytime temps between 30-45 degrees (F), with blustery winds making warm socks and outerwear essential.
Do you need snow boots for European Christmas markets?
More than anything, we encountered rain. Suit up for wet weather, instead of white Christmas weather.
How should I dress for dinner on a European Christmas cruise?
Shed the thick winter wear onboard the ship but remember the windows and outdoor passageways are cold. I always carried a shawl with me and tried to keep my evening wear long/covering my legs.
How do I bring home fragile ornaments and Glühwein mugs?
Christmas market mugs and glass ornaments pack safely when wrapped inside your bulky socks, scarves, hats and laundry inside your carry-on luggage. If you plan to bring home local wine from France or stroopwafel liqueurs from Rotterdam, for instance, I use and recommend a dedicated wine suitcase to prevent breaks in checked baggage. You can browse products at VinGardeValise for more information.
Do you have tips on what to pack for a a cruise in general?
Do you have any advice on cruising with kids?
Check out my Kid's Travel Journal - Scavenger Hunt Cruise!
This special edition kid's cruise journal includes scavenger hunt challenges and checklists, educational activities and fun creative thinking exercises. Scavenger Hunt Cruise acts as a scrapbook of memories while also teaching children fundamentals about cruising like basic sailing language, safety, navigating a ship, port information and more. Buy yours on Amazon now!
❄ or 🌴? Looking for sunshine instead of snow flurries? Trade your down jacket for a swimsuit with my guide to spending Christmas on a Caribbean cruise in Curacao instead!
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