What to Wear to a Christmas Market: Warm Outfits for Cold Nights

Christmas markets are pure magic, but they also mean hours on your feet outdoors in the cold, usually after dark. Knowing what to wear to a Christmas market comes down to warmth from head to toe, shoes that can handle cobblestones and an outfit that leaves your hands free for a hot drink and a few gifts.

How cold is it at a Christmas market?

Most markets open in late November and run through much of December, and the busiest hours are in the evening, when the lights come on and the temperature drops. In much of Central Europe, and in northern cities from the Midwest to New England, December evenings often hover around freezing, and some nights fall well below it.

The bigger issue is that you are barely moving. You stroll a few steps, stop at a stall, wait in line for food, then stand again with a drink in your hand. Your body makes far less heat than it does on a brisk walk, and cold stone underfoot draws warmth out through thin soles. Plan for the evening to feel several degrees colder than the forecast says.

What to wear to a Christmas market: the layering plan

Think of your outfit in four parts, and build in more insulation than you would for the same temperature on a normal day out:

• Base layer: a thermal or merino long-sleeve top. On very cold nights, add thermal leggings under jeans or trousers.
• Middle layer: a wool sweater, a turtleneck or a fleece. Pick something you are happy to show, because you will open your coat in heated shops and cafes.
• Outer layer: a warm coat or jacket that blocks wind. Length helps: a coat that covers your hips keeps your core warmer while you stand around.
• Extras: a hat that covers your ears, a big scarf and gloves. These small pieces make the biggest difference after the first hour.

Love your leather jacket but worried it will not be warm enough? On the coldest nights, a roomy wool topcoat can go over it. Our guide to wearing a coat over a leather jacket shows how to size the two layers so neither feels tight.

Which coat or jacket is best for a Christmas market?

Genuine leather is a strong choice for an evening among the stalls because it stops the wind that makes standing still so uncomfortable. It also shrugs off the odd snowflake, and it looks right against the warm glow of the lights. The question is how much of you it covers.

• Long coat: the warmest option for hours of standing, because it covers your thighs and keeps wind off your legs.
• Mid-length car coat: nearly as warm, and easier to wear on trains, in cars and on crowded steps.
• Bomber with a shearling collar: shorter, but the collar seals the gap at your neck. Pair it with a thick knit and thermal leggings.

Three pieces that suit a long, cold evening at the market:

Women's Brown Lambskin Long Leather CoatMen's Black Leather Mid-Length Car CoatWomen's Distressed Brown Leather Bomber Jacket with Shearling Collar

The long lambskin coat and the car coat cover more of you for hours on your feet, while the bomber's shearling collar does the work of a scarf on a breezy night. Warm brown also looks beautiful under string lights.

What shoes should you wear to a Christmas market?

Footwear makes or breaks the night. Many European markets fill old cobblestone squares, and markets closer to home often sit in plazas and parks where packed snow and spilled drinks make the ground slick.

• Waterproof boots with a lug or rubber sole give you grip on wet stone and keep slush out.
• Insulated or shearling-lined boots are best on nights below freezing. Otherwise, wear regular boots with thick wool socks, making sure there is room for the socks, since tight boots feel colder.
• Low, wide heels are fine if you want some height. Stilettos catch between cobblestones.
• Broken-in pairs only. Between the market, the walk there and a few side streets, you can easily cover several miles in an evening.

How do you keep your hands free for mulled wine and shopping?

At some point you will be holding a hot mug, a paper cone of roasted nuts and a gift bag at the same time. A little planning helps:

• Wear a crossbody bag at the front. It keeps your wallet and phone within reach, and it is easier to keep an eye on in a crowd than a tote or a backpack.
• Use your pockets. Deep coat pockets hold gloves, cards and a phone, so you are not juggling them.
• Choose touchscreen gloves, or thin gloves under mittens, so you can pay and take photos without baring your hands.
• Know the mug system. Many European markets serve hot drinks in ceramic mugs with a small deposit added to the price. Return the mug to get the deposit back, or keep it as a souvenir.

Mulled wine and leather are not friends, so keep a napkin handy. If you splash your coat, blot it straight away with a dry cloth rather than rubbing. Our guide to removing stains from a leather jacket covers what to do once you are back home.

Christmas market outfit ideas for daytime and evening

Markets feel different in daylight and after dark, and the evening is always colder. These outfit formulas cover both:

• Women, daytime: a cream turtleneck, dark straight jeans, a long brown leather coat, waterproof ankle boots, a plaid scarf and a small crossbody bag.
• Women, evening: a knit sweater dress, fleece-lined tights, knee-high boots with a low heel, a bomber with a shearling collar, a beanie and gloves.
• Men, daytime: a flannel shirt under a merino crewneck, dark jeans, a leather jacket, lug-sole boots and a wool scarf.
• Men, evening: a thermal top under a turtleneck, wool trousers, a black car coat, waterproof boots, a knit hat and leather gloves.

Heading abroad for the markets? Wear your bulkiest coat and boots on the journey and pack layers rather than extra outerwear. Our guide to choosing a leather jacket for travel has tips on wearing and packing leather on the road.

What should you wear if it rains or snows at the market?

Light, dry snow brushes off leather easily. Rain needs a little more care: carry a compact umbrella, and choose a hat you do not mind getting damp. When you get back, hang your coat on a wide hanger and let it dry at room temperature, away from radiators, then wipe any slush or salt marks from the hem and your boots. Our guide to leather jacket winter care explains how to deal with snow, road salt and indoor heat.

How do you look good in Christmas market photos?

Market lights are warm and golden, and they flatter rich colors: brown leather, burgundy, camel, forest green and cream. An all-black outfit can lose its detail at night, so bring a lighter scarf or a cream knit up near your face. Matte textures photograph without glare, and a hat that covers your ears keeps you comfortable while you wait for the right shot.

FAQ

Can you wear a leather jacket to a Christmas market?

Yes. Choose a lined jacket or one with a shearling collar, layer a warm sweater underneath and add a scarf, hat and gloves. On nights well below freezing, a long coat or a coat worn over your jacket is more comfortable for hours of standing.

Should I wear a hat to a Christmas market?

Yes. You lose a lot of comfort through cold ears, and a knit beanie or a hat with ear coverage keeps you happy for much longer. It also stands in for a hood if light snow starts to fall.

What should you not wear to a Christmas market?

Skip thin-soled sneakers, stiletto heels, brand-new shoes, a large bag you have to carry by hand, and a light-colored coat you would hate to splash with mulled wine.

Is a long coat or a short jacket better for a Christmas market?

A long coat is warmer because it covers your hips and thighs while you stand still. A shorter jacket works if you add thermal leggings, a thick knit and a big scarf, and it is easier to move in through busy crowds.

Once you know what to wear to a Christmas market, the rest is easy: stay warm, keep your feet dry and leave your hands free for the good stuff. Explore our leather coats for a long, warm layer that looks just right under the lights.