Berlin in December is magical — think festive Christmas markets, cozy cafes, and twinkling lights across the city. But it’s also cold, crisp, and occasionally snowy, so packing the right gear is essential for staying warm while exploring.
Whether you’re wandering through the Brandenburg Gate or sipping mulled wine at a Weihnachtsmarkt, you’ll need layered clothing, waterproof essentials, and reliable cold-weather accessories. Don’t let the chill catch you off guard — winter fashion meets function here.
📝 Note: This article is all about what to pack for Berlin in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!
Weather & Travel Context 🌦️
Berlin winters are cold and grey, but full of charm. You’ll want thermal layers and waterproof shoes to brave the frosty streets.
- ❄️ Average high: 4°C / 39°F – chilly even during the day
- 🌡️ Average low: -1°C / 30°F – freezing temps at night
- 🌫️ Snow and sleet are possible, with cloudy skies
- 💨 Cold wind – bring windproof outerwear
What to Pack for Berlin in December
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- Carry-on suitcase – 🧳 durable with spinner wheels for icy sidewalks
- Checked bag – 🛄 great if bringing heavy coats and boots
- Duffle bag – 🎒 for short trips or laundry
- Daypack – 🐻 insulated and water-resistant is ideal
- Packing cubes – 📦 keep bulky winter wear organized
- Shoe bags – 👟 for snow-dampened boots
- Toiletry bag – 🧼 leak-proof with room for skincare
- Document organizer – 📁 travel papers and IDs
- Foldable tote – 🛍️ useful for market shopping
- Laundry kit – 🧺 for winter layering cycles
- Luggage scale – ⚖️ bulky gear adds weight
- Lock – 🔒 secure checked luggage
- Money belt – 💰 extra security for cash/passport
- Microfiber towel – 🏖️ for hostels or workouts
- Neck pillow – 😴 for cozy train rides
- Sleep mask – 🛌 for bright hostel rooms
👗 Clothes
- Thermal tops & bottoms (2–3 sets) – 🔥 base layers for every day
- Wool sweaters (2–4) – 🧶 warm and breathable
- Long-sleeve tops (3–5) – 👕 great for layering
- Insulated winter coat – 🧥 windproof and waterproof
- Blazer or cardigan – 🧵 for indoor events or dining
- Jeans/wool trousers (2–3) – 👖 warm and versatile
- Thick leggings – 🩳 layer under dresses or pants
- Warm dress/skirt – 👗 pair with tights and boots
- Thermal pajamas – 🛏️ extra cozy in cold accommodations
- Swimsuit – 👙 spa or hotel pool optional
- Cover-up – 🧖♀️ for saunas or spa days
- Underwear (7+) – 👙 warm and breathable
- Bras (3–4) – 🧺 everyday and sport
- Wool socks (7+) – 🧦 crucial for warm feet
- Fleece tights – 🧤 for added insulation
💆 Skincare
- Gentle cleanser – 🧴 avoid dryness
- Hydrating toner – 💧 helps balance
- Rich moisturizer – 🧴 protect from wind chill
- SPF moisturizer – 🌤️ yes, even in grey skies
- Makeup remover – 🧽 gentle on sensitive skin
- Exfoliator – 🛁 once or twice weekly
- Eye cream – 👁️ to prevent puffiness
- Hydration mist – 💨 revives winter skin
- Sheet masks – 😷 pamper post-cold days
- Lip balm – 💋 essential to prevent chapping
- Spot treatment – 🎯 in case of breakouts
💄 Makeup
- Foundation – 💄 moisturizing formula
- Concealer – 👁️ brighten dark circles
- Setting powder – 💨 matte finish
- Blush – 🌺 winter flush
- Highlighter – ✨ for a glow boost
- Bronzer – 🌞 adds warmth
- Eyeshadow palette – 🎨 earthy or festive tones
- Eyeliner – ✒️ waterproof is best
- Mascara – 👁️ smudge-proof preferred
- Brow pencil/gel – 🧴 defined brows
- Lip products – 💄 mix of balms and tints
- Setting spray – ❄️ for long days out
- Brush kit – 🖌️ travel size
💇 Hair Care
- Brush/comb – 💇♀️ tangle-free styling
- Hair ties/clips – 🧷 secure styles in wind
- Shampoo/conditioner – 🧴 moisturizing formulas
- Dry shampoo – 🌬️ extend time between washes
- Heat protectant – 🔥 if using hot tools
- Styling cream – 🧴 combat static
- Mini dryer – 💨 check hotel first
- Travel straightener/curler – 💁♀️ dual voltage
- Serum – 💧 reduce winter frizz
- Hair accessories – 🎀 festive or practical
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Waterproof boots – 🥾 warm & treaded for icy streets
- Insulated sneakers – 👟 for light walks
- Dress boots – 👠 for nights out
- Thermal insoles – 🧦 extra foot warmth
- Wool hat – 🧢 trap heat
- Gloves (touchscreen) – 🧤 keep using your phone
- Thick scarf – 🧣 stylish and insulating
- Earmuffs or headband – 🎧 protect ears
- Sunglasses – 🕶️ for bright winter glare
- Minimal jewelry – 💍 keep it simple
- Watch – ⌚ check time with gloves on
- Purse/day bag – 👜 anti-theft ideal for markets
- Compact umbrella – ☔ snow or drizzle
📑 Documents & Essentials
- Passport + copies – 🛂 always essential
- Visa (if needed) – 📄 confirm before travel
- ID/driver’s license – 🪪 for rentals and entry
- Insurance details – 🏥 printed + app version
- Flight/train tickets – 🎟️ digital + printed
- Itinerary – 🗓️ keep on paper and phone
- Cash + cards – 💶 mix of euro and cards
- Emergency contacts – 📱 accessible offline
- City maps or app – 🗺️ offline-ready
- Receipts – 🧾 for tax or claims
- Notebook/pen – 🖊️ jot down memories
- Wallet – 👛 secure and slim
- Valuables – 💎 store safely at hotel
🚑 First Aid
- Band-aids – 🩹 blisters from boots
- Antiseptic wipes – 🧼 handy for cuts
- Gauze + tape – 🩼 emergency use
- Pads/tampons – 🩸 always useful
- Tweezers – ✂️ multi-purpose
- Thermometer – 🌡️ for cold symptoms
- Mini scissors – ✂️ travel approved
- Q-tips – 💠 in a case
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- Prescription meds – 💊 clearly labeled
- Cold medicine – 🤒 just in case
- Allergy relief – 🌾 antihistamines
- Motion sickness pills – 🛳️ for trains/planes
- Multivitamins – 💊 immune support
- Feminine hygiene – 🧻 travel set
- Hand sanitizer – ✋ must-have for markets
- Wipes – 🧽 for on-the-go clean
- Bug spray – 🦟 not needed in winter
- Contraceptives – 🩺 stay prepared
- Eye drops – 👁️ relief from wind
- Contact lenses/solution – 👓 bring backups
- Mirror – 🪞 compact version
- Toothbrush/toothpaste – 🪥 travel case
- Floss – 🧵 dental hygiene
- Deodorant – 🧼 solid or roll-on
- Razor – 🪒 with cap
- Nail kit – 💅 file and clipper
- Perfume – 🌹 solid or mini spray
- Tissues – 🧻 must for winter noses
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Phone – 📱 unlocked or with EU SIM
- Laptop/tablet – 💻 for work or films
- Camera – 📷 for Christmas shots
- Chargers – 🔌 for all electronics
- Power bank – 🔋 for long walks
- USB cords – 🔗 neatly organized
- Adapter (type F) – ⚡ essential for Germany
- Hard drive/cloud backup – 💾 extra storage
- Offline apps/maps – 🗺️ save data
- Travel SIM/eSIM – 🌐 better data prices
- E-reader – 📚 cozy nights in
- Noise-canceling headphones – 🎧 block travel noise
- Waterproof phone pouch – 📱 in case of snow
🎧 Entertainment
- Books – 📖 classics or thrillers
- Podcasts – 🎧 downloaded ahead
- Music playlists – 🎶 your winter vibe
- Movies/TV shows – 📺 for cozy evenings
- Journal – 📓 capture the holiday magic
- Card games – 🃏 great for cafés
- Crosswords/magazines – 🗞️ relaxing travel time
🎁 Extras
- Snacks – 🍫 energy bars, nuts, chocolate
- Reusable water bottle – 🚰 stay hydrated in heated air
- Shopping bag – 🛍️ eco-friendly for markets
- Travel detergent – 🧴 sink laundry saver
- Sewing kit – 🧵 for emergencies
- Safety whistle – 📣 solo travel backup
- Lint roller – 👔 for wool coats
- Footrest – 🦶 flight comfort
- Shoe deodorizer – 👃 useful after snowy streets
- Sleep aid/melatonin – 🌙 adjust to jet lag
🌍 Travel Tips
- Layer for warmth – 🧥 Berlin is colder than it looks
- Double-check bookings – 🧾 print confirmations
- Save local maps offline – 🗺️ for roaming-free navigation
- Bring cash for markets – 💶 many don’t take cards
- Travel with your essentials – 👜 in carry-on always
- Photograph your bags – 📸 easy claims if lost
- Tell your bank you’re abroad – 🏦 prevent card blocks
🛂 Visa Tips
- Check Schengen visa rules – 🌍 if non-EU
- Print all visa documents – 🖨️ carry backup copies
- Bring passport photos – 📷 for backup
- Return ticket confirmation – 🎟️ some checks possible
- Declare goods if needed – 📦 duty-free limits
- Double-check entry stamps – 📅 Schengen time limits apply
⭐ Must-Haves
- Passport + copies – 🛂 no travel without it
- Insurance – 🏥 for medical peace of mind
- Cash & cards – 💳 both needed
- Phone + EU adapter – 📱 stay powered
- Day bag – 🎒 carry daily items
- Offline apps/maps – 🗺️ very useful
- Health supplies – 🧴 for flu season
- Confirmed bookings – 📄 keep organized
- Water bottle – 🚰 refill stations are common
- Thermal layers – 🔥 don’t skip these!
👍 Good-to-Have
- Steamer – 👔 remove suitcase wrinkles
- Blanket scarf – 🧣 extra warmth
- Extra gloves – 🧤 for snowy days
- Sleep mask & earplugs – 🛌 for hostels or flights
- Luggage tags – 🏷️ help ID your bags
- SIM or eSIM – 📡 avoid roaming costs
- Reusable tote – 🛍️ for gifts and shopping
