Quick Answer
Pack for damp cold, long walks on cobblestones and a warm ship. That means a waterproof insulated coat, warm waterproof walking boots with grip, thin layers rather than bulky sweaters, a hat, gloves and scarf, and smart-casual clothes for evenings on board. Bring some euros in small bills for the markets, a European plug adapter and a small crossbody bag. Leave the formal wear, the heavy suitcase and the umbrella that will not survive wind at home.
I am Melissa Yetter, an independent luxury river cruise advisor. I have sailed a Christmas Markets itinerary myself on the Danube and stood in enough December market squares to have opinions about socks. This packing FAQ supports my complete Christmas Market river cruise planning guide, and it applies equally to Rhine and Danube sailings.
What the Weather Is Actually Like
December along the Rhine and Danube is typically in the 30s and low 40s Fahrenheit by day, colder after dark, with frequent damp and occasional rain or light snow. The cold is a wet cold that finds its way through cotton. Markets are outdoors and you will be standing still in them for an hour or more at a time, often in the evening. Meanwhile the ship is kept warm, so you will go from 35 degrees outside to 72 degrees inside several times a day. Layers are the answer to all of this.
The Packing List
Outerwear
- One waterproof, insulated coat that covers your hips. This is the most important item you bring.
- A packable down or fleece mid-layer to wear under the coat on the coldest evenings and alone on the ship.
- Warm hat that covers your ears, a scarf and insulated gloves. Touchscreen-compatible gloves are useful for photos.
Footwear
- Waterproof walking boots or shoes with good grip, already broken in. Cobblestones are uneven and can be icy in the evening.
- Wool or wool-blend socks; two or three pairs is enough with laundry on board.
- One pair of comfortable indoor shoes for the ship.
Clothing
- Thin thermal base layers, tops and bottoms, for the coldest days and evening market visits.
- Three or four long-sleeve tops or lightweight sweaters that layer.
- Two pairs of warm trousers or jeans; fleece-lined leggings are popular with many of my clients.
- Smart-casual evening clothes for dinner: slacks or a skirt with a nice top or sweater, or a casual dress. River cruises do not have formal nights.
Accessories and Practical Items
- A small crossbody bag or zip pocket for market shopping; crowds attract pickpockets.
- Euros in small bills and coins. Many market stalls are cash-only, and Switzerland uses francs. Cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants but not always at stalls.
- A European two-pin plug adapter. Ships have a limited number of outlets; a small multi-port USB charger helps.
- Hand warmers for evening markets.
- Lip balm and hand cream; the cold and the ship's heating dry skin out quickly.
- A reusable shopping bag for market purchases.
- Any medications, plus a small supply of cold remedies.
Optional but Appreciated
- A compact, wind-resistant umbrella.
- Swimsuit if your ship has a pool or whirlpool.
- A festive sweater or accessory for the ship's Christmas events; some lines encourage it.
What to Wear on Board
River cruise evenings are smart casual. Most travelers change out of their market layers into something comfortable and presentable for dinner. Lines such as AmaWaterways, Viking and Avalon have no formal nights; the luxury lines, Tauck, Scenic, Uniworld and Riverside, are slightly more polished but still relaxed. A jacket for men is never required. If your dates include Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve, a festive or slightly dressier outfit is nice but optional.
How Much to Pack
River cruise cabins are compact and closet space is limited. One medium checked suitcase and a carry-on per person is comfortable. Most ships offer laundry service at reasonable cost, which lets you pack for four or five days and repeat. If you are adding a pre- or post-cruise stay in Amsterdam, Basel, Prague or Vienna, pack with the hotel days in mind too.
Market Shopping: Room to Bring Things Home
Ornaments, wooden crafts, glühwein mugs and gingerbread all come home. Leave space in your suitcase or pack a lightweight folding duffel. Wrap fragile items in your knitwear. Many market stalls will wrap ornaments for travel if you ask.
What to Leave at Home
- Formal wear. There are no formal nights.
- Heavy cotton hoodies. They soak up damp and dry slowly.
- Fashion boots without grip.
- Large purses and backpacks for the markets; keep valuables small and in front.
- Hair dryer. Ships provide one.
A Word on Cash, Cards and Tipping
Most market stalls in Germany and Austria prefer cash; some take cards. Restaurants and shops in cities accept cards widely. Gratuities for the ship's crew are handled differently by each line, included on the luxury lines and suggested on others, and can usually be charged to your onboard account. Bring some small euro notes for local guides and coach drivers.
For how the cabin itself affects what you need, see best cabin for a Christmas market river cruise. For which markets you will be packing for, see best Rhine Christmas markets by river cruise.
Keep Planning
This article is one part of my complete European Christmas Market river cruise planning guide, which covers Rhine vs. Danube, cruise lines, ships, cabins and timing in one place.
When you are ready to compare specific sailings, request a river cruise consultation or read more about how I work as a river cruise advisor. The cruise line pays my commission, so my planning help typically costs you nothing extra.
Frequently Asked Questions
The packing questions I hear most often before a December sailing.
