Frankfurt and Cologne in December offer two incredible winter experiences — glittering Christmas markets, romantic old-town vibes, and riverside walks dusted with snow. But along with the charm comes the chill, so packing the right winter travel gear is a must.
Expect cold weather, festive nights, and plenty of time outdoors exploring cathedrals, shopping streets, and sipping Glühwein under twinkling lights. Smart layering, weather-resistant shoes, and cold-weather accessories will help you enjoy every moment.
📝 Note: This article is all about what to pack for Frankfurt & Cologne 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 🌦️
December weather in both Frankfurt and Cologne is cold, with possible snow or icy rain. Daytime is chilly, and nights are freezing.
- 🌡️ Average high: 4–6°C / 39–43°F – bundle up!
- ❄️ Average low: -1–2°C / 30–35°F – layers are crucial
- 🌧️ Light rain or snow is likely, especially in Cologne
- 💨 Wind adds an extra chill — windproof gear helps
What to Pack for Frankfurt & Cologne 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 – 🧳 sturdy with wheels for winter streets
- Checked bag – 🛄 more room for boots, coats, and shopping
- Duffle bag – 🎽 for flexible day trips or train travel
- Daypack – 🎒 roomy enough for water, layers, and souvenirs
- Packing cubes – 📦 maximize space for thick clothes
- Shoe bags – 👞 keep snowy shoes separate
- Toiletry bag – 🧼 leak-proof and organized
- Document organizer – 📁 travel and ID storage
- Foldable tote – 🛍️ great for Christmas market finds
- Laundry kit – 🧺 for quick refreshes
- Luggage scale – ⚖️ coats and boots add weight
- Lock – 🔒 secure your luggage
- Money belt – 💰 hide cash/passport discreetly
- Quick-dry towel – 🧻 for hostels or spa days
- Neck pillow – 😴 cozy train or plane rides
- Sleep mask – 🛌 better rest during travel
👗 Clothes
- Thermal layers (2–3 sets) – 🔥 essential base for warmth
- Wool sweaters (2–4) – 🧶 warm & perfect for markets
- Long-sleeve shirts (3–5) – 👕 ideal under layers
- Thick winter coat – 🧥 insulated & waterproof recommended
- Fleece or wool cardigan – 🧵 extra indoor warmth
- Jeans and lined trousers (2–3) – 👖 thick fabrics only
- Fleece-lined leggings – 🩳 perfect under skirts or jeans
- Skirt + tights – 👗 winter-style with boots
- Thermal pajamas – 🛏️ for chilly hotel rooms
- Swimsuit – 🩱 for thermal spas (yes, Germany loves them!)
- Cover-up – 🧖♀️ spa use or hotel wellness areas
- Underwear (7+) – 👙 warm and breathable
- Bras (3–4) – 🧺 everyday & active options
- Wool socks (7+) – 🧦 thick and cozy
- Tights/fleece leggings – 🧤 add warmth under anything
💆 Skincare
- Cream cleanser – 🧴 protects dry winter skin
- Hydrating toner – 💧 balances skin after cold wind
- Thick moisturizer – 🧴 for face and hands
- SPF – ☀️ still needed even in overcast skies
- Makeup remover – 🧽 gentle cleansing
- Exfoliator – 🛁 keep skin smooth once a week
- Eye cream – 👁️ reduce puffiness & dryness
- Hydration mist – 💦 revive skin midday
- Sheet masks – 😷 soothe after long cold days
- Lip balm – 💋 winter must-have
- Spot treatment – 🎯 just in case
💄 Makeup
- Hydrating foundation – 💄 prevent dryness
- Concealer – 👁️ brighten up cold-season circles
- Setting powder – 🌬️ reduce shine indoors
- Blush – 🌺 natural rosy glow
- Highlighter – ✨ for festive shimmer
- Bronzer – 🌞 add some warmth
- Eyeshadow palette – 🎨 jewel tones & neutrals
- Eyeliner – ✒️ smudge-proof preferred
- Mascara – 👁️ waterproof and long-wear
- Brow gel – 🧴 tidy brows in any weather
- Lipsticks/glosses – 💄 bold or natural for festive days
- Setting spray – ❄️ keep makeup on through cold
- Brushes – 🖌️ compact travel set
💇 Hair Care
- Brush/comb – 💇♀️ compact and detangling
- Hair ties & clips – 🧷 secure under hats
- Shampoo/conditioner – 🧴 moisturizing formulas
- Dry shampoo – 🌬️ extend time between washes
- Heat protectant – 🔥 before hot tools
- Frizz serum – 💧 help with hat hair & dryness
- Mini hairdryer – 💨 not always in hotels
- Styling tools – 💁♀️ straightener or curler, travel-size
- Accessories – 🎀 clips, headbands, or festive pins
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Insulated waterproof boots – 🥾 must-have for snow or slush
- Sneakers – 👟 only if dry weather is expected
- Dress boots/shoes – 👠 for evening outings
- Thick wool hat – 🧢 keep your head toasty
- Scarf – 🧣 large and warm for style + insulation
- Gloves (touchscreen) – 🧤 functional and cozy
- Earmuffs or fleece headband – 🎧 protect ears stylishly
- Sunglasses – 🕶️ low sun glare in winter
- Minimal jewelry – 💍 festive but simple
- Watch – ⌚ helpful in outdoor markets
- Anti-theft bag – 👜 markets = crowds
- Umbrella – ☔ light snow or drizzle possible
📑 Documents & Essentials
- Passport + backup copies – 🛂 always essential
- Visa (if needed) – 📄 for non-EU travelers
- ID card – 🪪 for entry to some venues
- Travel insurance – 🏥 print + app backup
- Transport tickets – 🎟️ DB Bahn, FlixTrain, etc.
- Accommodation details – 🏨 print + saved
- Credit cards + cash – 💶 especially for market stalls
- Emergency contacts – 📱 digital & written
- Maps & offline apps – 🗺️ for directions without roaming
- Notebook/pen – 🖊️ journaling or plans
- Wallet – 👛 compact and secure
- Valuables – 💎 keep minimal and locked
🚑 First Aid
- Band-aids – 🩹 for winter blisters
- Cold/flu meds – 🤒 high chance of catching a chill
- Painkillers – 💊 for headaches or soreness
- Tweezers – ✂️ multipurpose tool
- Thermometer – 🌡️ travel-size
- Antiseptic wipes – 🧽 always useful
- Gauze + tape – 🩼 emergency situations
- Mini scissors – ✂️ travel-approved
- Q-tips – 💠 for small clean-ups
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- Prescriptions – 💊 clearly labeled
- Allergy meds – 🌾 for hotel bedding or new foods
- Feminine hygiene – 🩸 pads/tampons/cup
- Sanitizer – ✋ winter = flu season
- Wipes – 🧻 multipurpose must-have
- Toothbrush/paste – 🪥 travel size
- Floss – 🧵 always useful
- Deodorant – 🧼 solid or cream preferred
- Razor – 🪒 with cover
- Nail kit – 💅 small and efficient
- Perfume – 🌸 rollerball or mini spray
- Eye drops – 👁️ wind = dry eyes
- Contacts + solution – 👓 bring extras
- Tissues – 🧻 essential in the cold
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Phone – 📱 with roaming or eSIM
- Charger – 🔌 and backup cable
- Camera – 📷 Cologne Cathedral at night is worth it
- Power bank – 🔋 especially for Christmas market nights
- Plug adapter (Type F) – 🔌 required for Germany
- Headphones – 🎧 for trains or travel
- Offline apps – 🗺️ DB Navigator, Google Maps, etc.
- E-reader – 📚 warm nights with books
- Backup storage/cloud – 💾 for photos
- Waterproof phone case – 📱 protect during rain or snow
🎧 Entertainment
- Books – 📖 for quiet nights or travel
- Podcasts/music – 🎶 festive playlists
- Movies/shows – 📺 downloaded on tablet
- Journal – 📓 for documenting holiday memories
- Games/cards – 🃏 for cozy evenings
- Magazines – 🗞️ perfect for train rides
🎁 Extras
- Snacks – 🍫 chocolate, trail mix, or fruit bars
- Reusable water bottle – 🚰 keeps you hydrated in dry air
- Reusable shopping bag – 🛍️ perfect for market goodies
- Travel detergent – 🧼 for a mid-trip laundry session
- Sewing kit – 🧵 for minor fixes
- Whistle – 📣 solo traveler safety item
- Lint roller – 👔 helpful with wool coats
- Travel blanket – 🛌 for trains or extra warmth
- Shoe deodorizer – 👃 for snow-wet shoes
- Melatonin – 🌙 to help with jet lag
🌍 Travel Tips
- Layer up – 🧥 thermal + sweater + coat = warm & flexible
- Use local trains – 🚆 easy connections between cities
- Check Christmas market hours – 🎄 they vary per city
- Bring cash for markets – 💶 not all accept cards
- Take photos of your bags – 📸 in case of loss
- Confirm all bookings – 🧾 and store offline
- Tell your bank you’re traveling – 🏦 avoid card holds
🛂 Visa Tips
- Check Schengen visa status – 🌍 plan ahead
- Apply early – 📝 allow at least 3–4 weeks
- Bring extra passport photos – 📷 backup for documents
- Proof of onward travel – ✈️ may be requested
- Customs rules – 📦 know what you can bring in
- Printed copies of documents – 🖨️ just in case
⭐ Must-Haves
- Passport & visa – 🛂 non-negotiables
- Travel insurance – 🏥 essential in winter
- Phone + adapter – 📱 stay powered
- Cash + cards – 💳 for flexibility
- Health kit – 🚑 winter = flu season
- Thermal wear – 🔥 base layer is everything
- Offline map/apps – 🗺️ travel smarter
- Reusable bottle – 🚰 eco-friendly & convenient
- Daypack – 🎒 essential for long outdoor days
- Booking confirmations – 🧾 print + save
👍 Good-to-Have
- Steamer – 👔 for wrinkle-free outfits
- Sleep mask + earplugs – 💤 for better rest
- Luggage tags – 🏷️ for fast ID
- SIM/eSIM – 📡 for cheaper data
- Travel blanket – 🛏️ adds warmth
- Extra gloves or socks – 🧤 🧦 always useful
- Foldable tote – 🛍️ extra shopping room
