Europe in December is magical: think snowy squares, Christmas markets, cozy cafés, and twinkling lights. But it also brings cold weather, rain, and varied climates depending on where you go. Whether you’re skiing in Switzerland, exploring Rome, or shopping in Vienna, packing efficiently and warmly is key.
Most of Europe experiences cold to freezing weather in December, so layering is everything. You’ll need insulated outerwear, water-resistant footwear, and accessories that keep you warm without sacrificing style.
📝 Note: This article is all about what to pack for Europe 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 🌦️
- Western Europe (France, Germany, UK): 2–8°C / 36–46°F
- Southern Europe (Italy, Spain, Portugal): 6–14°C / 43–57°F
- Eastern Europe (Poland, Hungary, Czechia): -2–6°C / 28–43°F
- Alps: -5–1°C / 23–34°F with snow likely
What to Pack for Europe 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
- Rolling suitcase – 🧳 Easy to navigate cobblestones.
- Daypack or crossbody bag – 🎒 Secure and compact for sightseeing.
- Packing cubes – 📦 Helps organize layers by region.
- Shoe bag – 👟 Keeps dirt off clothing.
- Toiletry kit – 🪥 For cold-weather skincare.
- Document holder – 📁 For passport, tickets, insurance.
- Laundry bag – 🧺 For used thermals and socks.
- Luggage lock – 🔒 For safety in hostels and trains.
- Neck pillow – ✈️ For flights and train naps.
- Sleep mask – 😴 Jet lag helper for short winter days.
👗 Clothes
- Thermal tops (2–3) – ❄️ Keeps your core warm under layers.
- Knit sweaters (2–3) – 🧶 Perfect for chilly indoor/outdoor balance.
- Long-sleeve shirts (3–4) – 👕 Base layering made simple.
- Puffer jacket or wool coat – 🧥 Essential for most regions.
- Rain jacket – 🌧️ Especially for Western and Northern Europe.
- Scarf, gloves, beanie – 🧣🧤🧢 Your warmth trio.
- Jeans and trousers (2–3) – 👖 Neutral, durable, warm.
- Dresses or skirts (1–2) – 👗 Layer with fleece-lined tights.
- Fleece-lined tights/leggings – 🧤 Great under pants or skirts.
- Pajamas – 💤 Thermal for cold apartments/hotels.
- Undergarments (7+) – 👙 Quick-dry fabrics for hand-washing.
- Wool socks (5–7) – 🧦 Cold-weather essential.
💆 Skincare
- Hydrating cleanser – 🧼 Combat winter dryness.
- Moisturizer – 🧴 Rich cream for cold air.
- Lip balm – 💋 Apply constantly!
- SPF – 🌤️ Needed even in cloudy cities.
- Eye cream – 👁️ Keeps eyes fresh after long flights.
💄 Makeup
- BB Cream or foundation – 🧴 Hydrating formula preferred.
- Concealer – 🔍 Jet lag fixer-upper.
- Blush – 🌸 Bring warmth to your face.
- Highlighter – ✨ Glows in winter light.
- Bold lipstick – 💄 Perfect for European nights.
- Waterproof mascara – 💧 Rain/snow-friendly.
💇 Hair Care
- Anti-frizz shampoo/conditioner – 🧴 Manage static & humidity.
- Dry shampoo – 🌬️ Extend styles.
- Brush/comb – 💇 Anti-static preferred.
- Hair ties – 🌀 Always useful.
- Mini styling tools – 🔌 Compact for carry-on.
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Waterproof boots – 👢 For rain and snow days.
- Sneakers – 👟 Great for sightseeing on dry days.
- Flats – 👠 Optional for nicer dinners.
- Crossbody bag – 👜 Practical for crowded cities.
- Umbrella – ☔ Wind-resistant and compact.
- Sunglasses – 🕶️ For bright snow glare.
📑 Documents & Essentials
- Passport – 🛂 Must-have.
- Visa (if applicable) – 📝 Check Schengen rules.
- Travel insurance – 🏥 Highly recommended.
- Credit/debit cards – 💳 With no foreign transaction fees.
- Cash – 💶 Some areas still prefer it.
- Local SIM/eSIM – 📶 For easy connectivity.
- Offline maps + Google Translate – 🗺️ Useful in remote areas.
🚑 First Aid
- Band-aids – 🩹 For walking blisters.
- Cold medicine – 🤧 Winter = sniffles.
- Pain relievers – 💊 Headache & jet lag fixes.
- Motion sickness pills – 🚍 For mountain roads/trains.
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- Toothbrush + paste – 🪥 Travel size preferred.
- Deodorant – 🌸 Solid or spray.
- Razor – 🪒 Only if needed.
- Feminine products – 🩸 Bring preferred brands.
- Tissues – 🤧 For public restrooms + colds.
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Phone + charger – 📱 Essentials.
- Power bank – 🔋 Keep devices alive on travel days.
- Universal adapter – 🔌 Europe has different plug types.
- Headphones – 🎧 For flights + walking tours.
🎧 Entertainment
- Books or Kindle – 📚 Ideal for train rides.
- Offline maps and guides – 🗺️ Handy without Wi-Fi.
- Notebook/journal – 📓 Capture your travels.
🎁 Extras
- Reusable water bottle – 💧 Save money & stay hydrated.
- Snacks – 🍫 Perfect for travel days.
- Shopping tote – 🛍️ For markets and eco-friendliness.
- Mini detergent – 🧼 For washing thermals.
🌍 Travel Tips
- Layer up – 🧥 Weather shifts quickly between regions.
- Photo your luggage – 📸 Just in case it’s lost.
- Download travel apps – 📲 Currency, translation, routes.
🛂 Visa Tips
- Research early – 🛂 Especially for multi-country trips.
- Print copies – 🖨️ Always have backups.
- Proof of return ticket – 🎫 May be required at customs.
⭐ Must-Haves
- Passport – 🛂 Required for all border crossings.
- Travel insurance – 🏥 Peace of mind.
- Phone with charger + adapter – 📱 Stay connected.
- Day bag – 👜 Daily city essentials.
- Waterproof boots + coat – 👢🧥 Europe essentials in winter.
👍 Good-to-Have
- SIM card – 📶 Local connectivity saves money.
- Reusable utensils – 🍴 For markets and food courts.
- Travel blanket – 🛌 For chilly trains or flights.
