Practical Advice on What to Pack for a Christmas Market Cruise in Europe
Updated: Nov 15
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When a Floridian heads to a cold weather destination (hint: that's me) the idea of packing for 30 degree weather (when it is currently 90 degrees) is really tough.
The first thing I want to do is buy cute scarves and accessories, and I pull out every red and green item for the holiday season out of my closet that I own.
I search blogs for wintry chic outfits to wear and museum and daydream about what an adorable little snow bunny I'm going to look like in my furry boots and thermal tights.
And yet, I never stop to think about function.
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 is worth the minor inconvenience of suffering in the elements, but I think I've finally figured it out.
You've seen that I am able to pack three weeks into an underseat bag using classic tricks like tossing old socks and underwear along the way, and that using tools like packing cubes or even interchangeable shoes like Solely Jane's (more on these below) can drastically improve packing space.
But now, let me 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.
But First...
Where are you headed? I've got details on many Christmas Market Cruise Ports including:
Le Havre Cruise Port (and then check out this guide to Christmas Markets in Paris)
I've done tons of Christmas cruises, but the ports above are the most recent and most relevant to the packing list below. Be sure to right click and open in a new tab to study up before your cruise!
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.
Now, let's figure out what to pack. Skip to the end for the packing list, or read on for details.
Always Pack...The Right Footwear
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.
Use code ALWAYSPACKTISSUES for 10% off!
Pictured: Jamaica Red top - a moody red perfect for holiday outfits
Phoenix Onyx - the perfect black to match everything
Not Pictured: Classic Comfort Sole
OR
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
Able to go to the pool, spa or hot tub (are you really going to wear your winter boots to the pool?)
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 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!
Always Pack...The Right Outerwear
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!
Always Pack...Cute and Cozy Accessories...But Not Too Many!
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!
Always Pack...The Right Amount of Re-wearable Tops
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.
Always Pack...Warm Bottoms
I used to think that 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. I pack 1-2 pairs of these with a fun pattern to pair with dresses, but they are not my main item.
I also saw this cool advertisement for fleece lined leggings that look like pantyhose, and they look tremendous with winter dresses.
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.
Always Pack...Socks and Underwear That Have Some Gusto
This is not the time to pack your thin cut off socks or lacy netherwear. Pack for the cold.
Always Pack...Something Dressy
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.
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.
Always Pack...A Good Suitcase
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.
I am particularly a fan of the VinGardeValise.com wine suitcases, not only because they can pack a ton of clothing, shoes, and accessories, but because I am able to customize the inside with inserts that securely protect my wine and liquor purchases. And there are always wine and liquor purchases.
Especially on a Christmas market cruise, I brought home nice wine from France, Stroopwafel Liqueur from Rotterdam, and I'm always stocking up on a good gin when I find one.
All of these fit securely in my wine suitcase, and the ship is typically ok with you bringing a couple of bottles of wine on board to begin with anyway, so it's a no brainer (check your ship rules about bringing alcohol on board).
If you want to browse these products check the website out at VinGardeValise.com and use my discount code ALWAYS20 to get you 20% off. They make for awesome presents too.
Always Pack...(Drumroll)...Tissues! (And Cold Fighting Meds)
I had to...but seriously, Always Pack Tissues. Lots of them. You can get an 8-pack of tissues at the Dollar Tree or stock up on Amazon in advance.
These days if you are burning through tissues you may also want to consider bringing cold medicine or even COVID tests.
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).
You can read more on getting medicine abroad here: Sick Abroad: How to Get Medicine and Other Pharmacy Items in Europe
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 trip.
Lastly, The Packing List:
What To Pack For a One Week Christmas Market Cruise in Europe
Waterproof boots
Dressy boots (optional)
Sea day and evening shoes (double duty)
Packable down jacket
Waterproof jacket with hood
Blazer or sweater
Scarf
Gloves
Hat
Jewelry
Day time purse
4 Layering Tops
2 Daytime Dresses
1 Pair Blue Jeans
1 Pair Black Jeans
2 Pairs Fleece Lined Leggings
2 Dinner Blouses
2 Formal Dresses
Bathingsuit for ship
Socks and underwear
Tissues
Meds
A Good Suitcase
Hand Warmers
Enjoy your trip and save room for souvenirs!
