Packing lists

What to pack for the German Christmas markets

December in Germany is cold, gray and damp, and the Christmas markets are why it is worth it. Afternoons hover just above freezing, nights drop below, and it is dark by mid-afternoon. Snow is possible, especially in the south, but cold drizzle is more common.

So the list is built for standing outdoors for hours in the evening, on cobbles, with a hot drink in your hand. The cold creeps up from the ground, so warm, waterproof boots and thermal layers matter more than a heavy coat. Pack gloves you can hold a mug in, and leave room for gifts.

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The weather

Daytime high
38°F
3°C in Munich and Nuremberg. Berlin is similar.
Overnight low
27°F
−3°C. Evenings at the markets feel colder.
Wet days
~14
Mostly drizzle and light rain, with occasional snow.
Daylight
8 h
Sunset around 4:15pm. The markets glow after dark.

The capsule

A week, one traveler, Claret palette. Gray and ivory with a warm burgundy knit, made for long evenings outdoors. A capsule is a few clothes in one palette (a base color, a neutral and an accent) that all go together. The full list below adds what sits outside it.

Claret palette · 10 pieces · 18 outfits

Layers

  • Long down coatLong down coat
  • Long cardiganLong cardigan

Tops

  • Cable-knit sweaterCable-knit sweater
  • Merino turtleneckMerino turtleneck
  • Mock-neck knitMock-neck knit

Bottoms

  • Dark jeansDark jeans
  • Wool pantsWool pants
  • Thermal leggings, under everythingThermal leggings, under everything

Shoes

  • Waterproof ankle bootsWaterproof ankle boots
  • Insulated bootsInsulated boots

Three days from this capsule

Christmas market at dusk
Cobbled old town
Snowy day in the south

Shown for one traveler. Packlier packs a capsule like this for each person on the trip.

The full list

Clothes

  • Warm coat that covers your hips
  • Two warm sweaters
  • Two or three lighter tops for heated trains and restaurants
  • Thermal leggings or long underwear
  • Jeans and warmer pants
  • Wool socks, one pair a day
  • Something nicer for a concert or a dinner

Shoes

  • Warm, waterproof boots with a thick sole
  • Comfortable shoes for museums and trains

Cold and wet

  • Hat, gloves and scarf
  • Hand warmers
  • Compact umbrella
  • Foldable tote for gifts

Documents and tech

  • Passport
  • Travel insurance details
  • Euros in cash, including coins
  • Card for hotels, trains and larger shops
  • Rail tickets or pass, booked ahead
  • Type C/F plug adapter (230V)
  • Power bank

Toiletries

  • Rich moisturizer and lip balm
  • Hand cream
  • Any prescriptions, in your carry-on

Gear worth the space

  • Waterproof winter boots

    Insulated, with a grippy sole for wet cobbles and a shaft high enough to keep out slush.

  • Merino base layers

    The difference between a pleasant evening outdoors and going back to the hotel at 7pm.

  • Gloves with grip

    You will be holding a hot mug, a sausage and your phone. Thin gloves with grippy palms under warmer mittens work best.

  • Hand warmers

    Small, cheap and good for hours. Tuck them in your pockets or your boots on the coldest nights.

Sunset around 4:15pm, cold rising off the cobbles, a mug in your gloved hand. Packlier packs your December for it.

Tell it where, when, why, which bag and which palette, and it packs the capsule, checks it against the bag and adds everything that is not clothing. Launching this year on Android, with iOS to follow.

One email at launch, nothing else.