Must-have Paris Packing List for Christmas & New Year
Packing for Paris at Christmas or New Year? This practical Paris winter packing list covers clothing, shoes, accessories and essentials for families, couples, and solo travelers.
Paris at Christmas is magical.
Twinkling lights along the Champs-Élysées, festive markets, seasonal treats, and the cosy glow of cafés make it one of the most enchanting winter destinations in Europe for the holiday season.
But Paris in December and early January is cold, often damp, and days are short. So, you need to pack smart or you may find winter in Paris is bitter and miserable, rather than romantic and atmospheric!
This Paris winter packing list covers clothing, accessories, shoes, tech, toiletries, and tips for families, adults, and solo travellers alike.
Documents & Travel Essentials
Make sure you have all your travel basics in order:
- Passport (check expiry!), Visa, Travel permits and any specific documentation that may apply to you (if you are not sure, check with your local embassy or official Government sources
- Copies of important documents (paper + digital)
- Travel insurance details
- Credit/debit cards + some cash (euros)
- Booking confirmations (accommodation, tours, tickets)
- Health cards / insurance info
- Emergency contacts
Tip: Keep all documents together in a small travel organizer for easy access. If traveling as a family, designate one adult to take care of all of them so you avoid scenarios where each parent though the other one was in charge and the documents get left behind!
Winter Clothing for Paris
Paris winters are cold and often damp, so layers are key.
Everyday Clothing
- Warm tops for layering (long sleeves, turtlenecks)
- Sweaters / fleece layers
- Thermal or base layers if you get cold easily
- Pants / jeans / comfortable skirts or leggings
- Pajamas
- Socks and underwear
Seasonal tip: Add a waterproof, warm coat — rainy days are frequent. Gloves, scarves, and hats are essential, especially for children. Snow is a rare event in Paris: I do not recommend packing for snow UNLESS the weather forecast calls for it a couple of days before your trip.
Nicer Outfit
One smart outfit for dinner or the theatre if you are planning something special for the festivities, for instance dinner in a fancy restaurant
Shoes
- Comfortable walking shoes (water-resistant if possible)
- Boots for colder, wetter days
- Optional: dress shoes for evenings
Tip: Paris is a walking city — cobblestones and long streets make comfy shoes a must so if it is best to avoid heels (or bring a change of shoes)
Accessories & Day Bags
I like to sightsee as light as possible, so I usually carry:
- Cross-body bag for essentials
- Umbrella (compact)
- Gloves, scarf, hat
- Bay bag you can attach to the stroller if traveling with a baby or toddler
Toiletries & Health Essentials
- Basic toiletries (travel-size if preferred)
- Moisturizer & lip balm (cold air can dry skin)
- Hand sanitizer, tissues, wet wipes
- Prescription medications
- Family first-aid kit
- Fever meds or basic medicine for children, if applicable
Good to know: medications tend to have different commercial names than back home. If you do not bring your own or need more, check what the active principle is, so you can find the local equivalent even if commercialised as a different brand. Antibiotics are prescription only.
Tech & Travel Gear
- Phone and charger
- Plug adapter (European sockets)
- Converter – should you travel from a country with a lower voltage system (Like the US)
- Power bank
- Camera (or phone camera accessories)
- Tablet or e-reader for kids or downtime
- Headphones
Entertainment & Extras for Families
If going to Paris with kids, you may want a few extras:
- Small toys or travel games for children – my boy spend ages with his toy cars (simple and effective!)
- Coloring books, pencils
- Downloaded shows, movies, or audiobooks
- Notebook or travel journal
- Snacks for the plane
Good to know: the approach to kids’ snacks may be different from what you are used to back home so you may not find the same brands and flavors. In Paris, you will find a lot of fresh foods (fruit, bread, cheese, yogurt etc), pastries, biscuits and packaged snacks. Package snacks are often age-less, so you will find them in the general aisles of the supermarket, not in the baby one.
Seasonal Extras for Christmas & New Year
- Festive clothing or accessories if you want to join in the holiday spirit
- Gloves, thermal socks, or hand warmers
- Small backpack for gifts or extra layers
Final Paris Packing Tips
- Dress in layers: indoor spaces are heated, but streets are cold
- Comfortable shoes are essential: you’ll walk more than you think
- Waterproof outerwear: rain and occasional snow are possible
- Pack light, pack smart: laundry is available in most accommodations
Paris at Christmas and New Year is magical — with the right packing, you can enjoy the festive streets, museums, markets, and family-friendly attractions in comfort.
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