Visiting Vienna in December is a magical experienceāthink twinkling Christmas markets, elegant architecture, classical concerts, and cozy cafĆ©s. But along with the charm comes real winter weather, so smart packing is a must.
You’ll need to prepare for cold temperatures, snow, and long days spent walking on cobblestones. Style matters in Vienna, so aim for polished winter looks with warm, quality layers. Whether youāre gliding through a market in Stephansplatz or attending a concert at the Musikverein, pack to stay warm and chic.
šNote: This article is all about the Vienna packing list for 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 š¦ļø
- Average temperature: -2 to 5Ā°C / 28ā41Ā°F āļø
- Snow is possible; cold wind and damp air are common
- Short daylight hours; nights come early
- Christmas season = lots of outdoor time š
What to Pack for Vienna in December
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Hereās 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
š§³ 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
- Hard-shell suitcase ā Durable for snow, slush, and transit š§³
- Carry-on ā For quick trips or holiday gifts š
- Packing cubes ā Separate thermals, casual, and formal wear š§©
- Shoe bags ā Wet boots = messy bags š¢
- Toiletry case ā Winter skincare + TSA-friendly š¼
- Document holder ā Keep ID, itinerary, concert tickets š
- Daypack ā For Christmas market shopping + warm layers š
- Compression bag ā Save space for sweaters š¦
- Laundry pouch ā Store damp socks or scarves š§ŗ
- Neck pillow ā For flights or train naps š¤
- Sleep mask ā Bright hotel mornings š“
- Luggage scale ā Useful if you’re buying ornaments āļø
š Clothes
- Thermal tops (3ā4) ā Layering lifesavers āļø
- Sweaters (3ā4) ā Wool or fleece for warmth š§¶
- Blouse or shirt ā Dress up with a blazer š
- Blazer/cardigan ā Layer or wear for evening š¼
- Jeans or wool trousers (2ā3) ā Stylish and insulating š
- Thermal leggings ā Under skirts or pants š§¦
- Midi skirt/dress ā For dinners or concerts š
- Winter coat ā Insulated, warm, and waterproof š§„
- Packable down jacket ā Optional for layering šŖ¶
- Warm pajamas ā For cold hotel nights š
- Underwear + bras ā Warm and cozy š
- Wool socks ā Cold cobblestones = cold toes š§¦
š Skincare
- Cream cleanser ā Gentle on cold-stressed skin š§¼
- Hydrating toner ā Restore balance š§
- Rich moisturizer ā Day and night barrier āļø
- SPF ā Winter sun can still burn āļø
- Lip balm ā Chapped lips prevention š
- Eye cream ā Tired travel eyes šļø
- Face mist ā Refresh between glĆ¼hwein stops š¦
- Makeup remover ā Melt it all off š§½
- Exfoliator ā 1ā2x weekly refresh š§
- Sheet mask ā Pamper post-market nights š
š Makeup
- Foundation ā Hydrating formula š
- Concealer ā For dark circles or redness šÆ
- Powder ā Matte finish that doesnāt dry š§
- Blush ā Bring warmth to pale skin šø
- Highlighter ā Winter glow š«
- Neutral/bold eyeshadow ā Holiday sparkle šØ
- Eyeliner ā Long-lasting, no smudge āļø
- Waterproof mascara ā Snow-safe šļø
- Bold lip color ā Red or berry for festive flair š
- Brush kit ā Packable set šļø
- Setting spray ā Lock it in šØ
š Hair Care
- Hairbrush ā Static control needed šØ
- Hair ties ā Under hats or scarves š§µ
- Shampoo/conditioner ā Hydrating set š§“
- Dry shampoo ā Extend time between washes šØ
- Hair serum ā Frizz from wind and hats ā”
- Mini dryer ā Hotel dryers can be weak šāāļø
- Flat iron/curling wand ā Holiday-ready hair āØ
- Headbands or clips ā Sleek looks + layering š
š Shoes & Accessories
- Waterproof boots ā Snow and slush approved š„¾
- Stylish sneakers ā For warmer days š
- Loafers or flats ā Concert or dinner shoes š
- Wool hat ā Keep heat in š§¢
- Scarf (2) ā One cozy, one chic š§£
- Insulated gloves ā Phone-friendly š§¤
- Thermal tights ā Under dresses or skirts š§¦
- Statement jewelry ā Holidays call for sparkle š
- Crossbody purse ā Anti-theft & hands-free š
- Umbrella ā Vienna can be rainy too ā
š Documents & Essentials
- Passport + ID š
- Health insurance + travel insurance š§¾
- Flight + train tickets š«š
- Event tickets ā Christmas concerts, opera š¼
- Credit card + some euros š³š¶
- Hotel confirmations ā Print and digital š
- Maps + guidebook ā Offline for walking šŗļø
- Emergency contacts ā Saved and printed š
š First Aid
- Band-aids ā New boots = blisters š©¹
- Painkillers ā Long days, sore feet š¤
- Cold meds ā Flu season is real š¤§
- Throat lozenges ā Market nights = chilly air š¬
- Thermometer ā Travel size š”ļø
- Tweezers, cotton, antiseptic š§½
š§¼ Health & Hygiene
- Prescriptions ā Full supply š
- Hand sanitizer ā Always essential š
- Tissues ā Cold air = runny nose š§»
- Deodorant ā Winter layering must šø
- Toothbrush/paste + floss šŖ„š¦·
- Razor ā Smooth for spa visits šŖ
- Feminine products ā Bring your brand š©ø
- Perfume ā Mini festive scent š
š± Tech & Electronics
- Phone + charger š±
- Power bank ā Long walking days ā”
- Universal adapter ā Austria uses type F plugs š
- Camera ā Christmas lights + cityscapes šø
- Offline map app ā Vienna is super walkable šŗļø
- SIM/eSIM ā For non-EU travelers š¶
š§ Entertainment
- Books or Kindle ā For cozy cafĆ© breaks š
- Music/podcasts ā City soundtrack š§
- Journal ā Document your fairytale trip š
- Travel games ā For group fun š
š Extras
- Reusable water bottle ā Hydrate despite the cold š§
- Shopping tote ā Holiday markets = many finds šļø
- Mini detergent ā Spot-cleaning sweaters š§¼
- Sewing kit ā Emergency fixes š§µ
- Hand warmers ā Life saver in long lines āļø
š Travel Tips
- Layer clothes for indoor/outdoor contrast šš§„
- Wear sturdy shoes for cobblestone streets š¢
- Book concert/opera tickets in advance šļø
š Visa Tips
- Schengen visa ā Required for non-EU travelers š
- Passport validity ā Must be valid for 6 months š
- Return flight + accommodation proof āļøšØ
ā Must-Haves
- Warm coat š§„
- Thermal layers āļø
- Waterproof boots š„¾
- Scarf, gloves, hat combo š§£š§¤š§¢
- Travel insurance & documents š§¾
š Good-to-Have
- Opera outfit š¼
- Reusable shopping bag šļø
- Hand warmers š„
- Mini steamer š
- Thermal flask ā For glĆ¼hwein refills ā
