What to Wear to a Christmas Market

Fairy lights, wooden stalls and something warm in a mug: Christmas markets are one of the joys of December. Knowing what to wear to a Christmas market comes down to one thing most of us forget, which is that you spend hours standing still in the cold.

What to wear to a Christmas market: dress for standing still

Walking keeps you warm. Queuing for a hot drink, browsing a stall of decorations or chatting in a square does not. Standing still on cold ground is when the chill creeps up through your feet and in at your neck, so dress warmer than you would for a brisk walk of the same length.

That makes the coat the centre of the outfit. Longer is better here: a coat that reaches your thighs or knees keeps your hips and the backs of your legs warm while you stand. A long quilted parka with a fluffy trimmed hood is about as cosy as it gets on a frosty evening, and the hood is welcome if the drizzle arrives. For something more playful, an oversized faux fur coat with a big hood suits the festive mood beautifully. See the full range of coats and jackets, and try them on over your thickest knit.

Under the coat, layers beat one heavy jumper. A fine long-sleeved top, then a warm knit, gives you room to open the coat when you step into a crowded tent or a warm pub. Our guide on how to layer for British weather explains why two thin layers outdo one thick one.

Coats and jackets to start with

A few pieces that fit what you have just read.

Long Quilted Parka with Fluffy Trimmed HoodOversized Faux Fur Coat with Big HoodHooded Padded Jacket with Faux Fur Panels

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Warm feet on cold cobbles

Cold feet end more market trips than anything else. Many markets sit on cobbles or stone squares that hold the cold and can turn slippery with rain or frost, so your boots need warmth and grip.

Choose an ankle boot with a thicker sole and enough room for a warm sock without pinching, because a tight boot makes cold toes colder. Lined ankle boots with a buckle strap are a good pick, and you will find more cosy pairs in our boots collection. Thin thermal tights or leggings under your trousers make a surprising difference too.

Hands free, hat on

At a market, your hands are busy: a mug in one, a paper bag of something sweet in the other, and a purse somewhere. A small bag worn across the body keeps everything safe and leaves your hands free. A crossbody phone strap with a zipped pouch holds a phone and a card, which is often all you need. In a crowd, keep the zip at the front.

Gloves that you can keep on while holding a mug are worth looking for, and a hat makes more difference than any extra layer on your body. A scarf wrapped high closes the gap that lets the cold in. A knitted shrug is a nice alternative to a scarf: it warms your shoulders under an open coat. Our accessories have plenty to choose from.

Christmas market outfits that carry on to dinner

Most market evenings end somewhere warm, so plan for the second half. The trick is an outfit that looks good once the coat comes off.

For a relaxed evening, a cosy zip-up hoodie or a longline zip hoodie with a soft fleecy lining under a long coat is comfortable for hours of strolling, and it is easy to unzip indoors. For a smarter dinner, swap the hoodie for a roll neck jumper or a knitted dress with thick tights, and add a pair of earrings that catch the fairy lights.

Colour suits the season. A jewel-toned knit or a red scarf against a neutral coat looks festive without trying too hard, and it brightens every photo under the lights.

A quick checklist before you leave the house

• A coat that covers your hips, buttoned or zipped to the neck.
• Two thin layers under it rather than one heavy jumper.
• Warm socks, plus thin tights or leggings under trousers.
• Boots you have already walked in for a full day.
• Hat, scarf and gloves, all of them, even if it feels mild at home.
• A small crossbody bag, with a folded tote inside for gifts.

Markets also get busy after dark, so give yourself time to wander rather than rush. You will enjoy it more, and you will notice the cold less when you are not dashing for the last train.

If you have a busy winter calendar, our guide to what to wear on Bonfire Night covers another long evening outdoors.

Next, from our hoodies

Something from a neighbouring rail, for the same moment.

Cable-Texture Zip-Up Hoodie with Drawstring HoodLongline Zip Hoodie with Soft Fleecy LiningFair Isle Knit Hoodie with Ribbed Cuffs

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