Winter City Break Packing List

Rely on layers, not bulk. Thin merino or synthetic thermals under jeans or trousers add a surprising amount of warmth without changing how you look, and a packable down jacket fits under a wool coat on the coldest days. Choose one coat in a dark, neutral color that goes with everything, since it will appear in every photo.

Indoors, heating is often strong, so you’ll be peeling off layers in museums, trains and restaurants. Many museums ask you to check large bags and sometimes coats, so a small crossbody bag for essentials keeps you moving.

Pack waterproof boots with rubber soles that grip on wet cobblestones and icy pavements, and break them in before the trip. Old-town streets in Prague, Vienna or Munich can be slick in December, and you’ll walk far more than you do at home. A second, smarter pair for dinners or a concert means you’re not wearing boots everywhere.

Wool socks matter as much as the boots. Bring enough to change midday if your feet get wet, and add an extra pair for long evenings at outdoor Christmas markets. Our Vienna and Prague guides cover what to see once you’re warm.

In northern Europe, daylight is brief around the winter solstice; in London, the sun sets around 4 p.m. in December. Plan outdoor sightseeing for the middle of the day and pack for the evening chill, when temperatures fall quickly. Reflective details on a bag or coat help on dark, busy streets.

Dry indoor heat and cold wind are hard on skin, so add a rich moisturizer, lip balm and hand cream. Our December travel picks suggest cities that shine in winter, and our European city break packing list covers warmer seasons.