2025 European Travel Guide: Must-Visit Christmas Attractions for a 3-Day Leave and 9-Day Trip! Complete Transportation Guide and Packing List Included

The ultimate Christmas packing list for your European adventure is here! This 2025 guide to taking time off during the Christmas holidays is a must-read! Planning to take a 3-day leave for a 9-day European holiday? Kinnso has prepared the most comprehensive European travel guide along with a Christmas packing list! From selecting a business backpack to recommendations for must-see attractions, we’ll help you pack like a pro for your European journey. Master the art of taking leave and enjoy an extended 9-day Christmas getaway in Europe! Get ready with your Christmas packing list now!

(Image credits: @Prague Experience, @Shutterstock, @Victorinox)

The first step in planning your Christmas trip to Europe is understanding your holiday schedule, which will help you prepare your Christmas packing list! The most economical leave strategy for Christmas 2025 is to take three days off on December 22, 23, and 24. This allows you to enjoy a 9-day holiday from December 20 to December 28. The advantage of this leave plan is that you only need to use 3 days of annual leave while gaining 9 days of travel time, making it highly cost-effective!

In terms of budget, travel costs in Europe during the Christmas season will be slightly higher than usual, but still within an acceptable range. Flight prices are expected to be about 15-20% more expensive than in November, while accommodation costs will increase by 20-30%. However, considering the Christmas markets, special events, and festive atmosphere, this additional expense is worthwhile! A suggested budget breakdown includes: round-trip airfare of HKD 8,000-12,000, accommodation at HKD 800-1,500 per night, daily meals costing HKD 400-800, daily transportation expenses of HKD 200-400, with attraction tickets and shopping costs calculated separately.

Tips for Saving on Your Christmas Packing List:

• Book 1-2 months in advance to save 15-25%
• Choose accommodations outside the city center to save 20-30%
• Take advantage of free activities at Christmas markets to reduce entertainment costs

The European Travel Guide | The key to a successful trip to Europe lies in thorough preparation and a suitable Christmas packing list! During the Christmas season, Europe experiences colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours, but this also means an abundance of indoor activities and festive events. Whether it’s the Christmas markets in Cologne, Germany, the New Year concert previews in Vienna, Austria, or the fairy-tale snowy scenery in Prague, Czech Republic, each city offers its own unique Christmas charm. To navigate between multiple cities, selecting the right business backpack and creating a professional packing list for your Christmas trip becomes especially important.

A 9-day European itinerary is best suited for exploring 2-3 cities in depth, allowing you to experience the Christmas culture of different countries without feeling rushed or exhausted. Below are three classic European travel route suggestions, each with its own unique Christmas allure.

Germany is the birthplace of the Christmas market, boasting the richest Christmas market culture in all of Europe. The Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market is one of the largest in Germany, featuring over 160 stalls selling traditional handicrafts, Christmas decorations, and German delicacies. The Nuremberg Christmas Market is renowned as "the most beautiful Christmas market in the world," attracting 2 million visitors each year. Meanwhile, the Munich Christmas Market at Marienplatz is famous for its traditional Bavarian charm.

This route offers the advantage of convenient transportation, as Germany's railway system is well-developed, with travel times between cities typically ranging from 2 to 3 hours. Additionally, Germany's Christmas markets usually operate from late November until December 24, perfectly covering the entire Christmas holiday. It is recommended to spend 2-3 days in each city to fully immerse yourself in the local Christmas culture.

Christmas Packing List | The Christmas season in Austria is filled with the spirit of music, as the Vienna State Opera and concert halls host special Christmas performances throughout December. Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, exudes a unique charm during the festive period, especially in its historic old town. Innsbruck, nestled at the foot of the Alps, offers unforgettable Christmas scenery surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

This route is perfect for travelers who appreciate music and breathtaking mountain views. The cities in Austria are relatively small, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture. Additionally, Austria is renowned for its Christmas pastries and mulled wine, making it a paradise for food enthusiasts.

Christmas Packing List | The Christmas season in the Czech Republic feels like a fairy tale. The backdrop of the Christmas market in Prague's Old Town Square features stunning Gothic and Baroque architecture, creating a particularly enchanting atmosphere when illuminated at night. The medieval town of Český Krumlov is even more charming when blanketed in snow. Meanwhile, the spa town of Karlovy Vary offers a perfect retreat for relaxation.

This route is budget-friendly, as the cost of living in the Czech Republic is approximately 30-40% lower than in Germany and Austria. Additionally, the Czech Christmas traditions are well-preserved, allowing travelers to experience the most authentic Central European Christmas culture.

Travel Guide | One of the keys to a successful European adventure lies in selecting the right travel gear. Prepare your Christmas packing list, with a focus on finding the perfect backpack. Traveling in Europe during the Christmas season comes with unique requirements: you need to pack warm clothing for the colder temperatures, ensure you have extra storage space for shopping at Christmas markets, and find an exceptionally durable backpack for frequent city-to-city transfers.

A truly high-quality backpack should provide value that extends beyond just your European travel plans. When you return from your delightful European holiday to your everyday work routine, it should seamlessly transition into a reliable business backpack! The same backpack that accompanies you through the Christmas markets in Vienna can also be your companion in the office in Central next week—this is the epitome of an efficient investment.

If you are someone who values versatility and style, the Victorinox Architecture Urban2 2-Way Carry Tote is the perfect choice for you. This bag seamlessly transitions between a tote and a backpack, adapting to your needs at any moment.

The standout feature of this backpack is its flexibility, allowing you to switch effortlessly between a tote and a backpack, making it ideal for the diverse demands of European travel.

During the day, it serves as an elegant tote, perfect for enjoying a leisurely moment at a café in Paris; when the afternoon calls for extended exploration on foot, you can easily convert it into a comfortable hands-free backpack, freeing up your hands. This is the freedom that the Architecture Urban2 2-Way Carry Tote offers.

During business meetings or formal dinners, it can be used as an elegant handbag to showcase a professional image. At the airport, train station, or during long walks, it can be converted into a backpack mode, freeing up your hands and alleviating shoulder strain. This versatility is particularly important when traveling in European cities, where cobblestone streets make pulling a suitcase inconvenient.

The technical specifications of the product are well-suited for travel needs in Europe. With a capacity of 20 liters, it can comfortably hold clothing and essentials for 1-2 days. It also features a dedicated compartment for a 15-inch laptop, ensuring safe transport for both laptops and tablets. Additionally, the waterproof zipper design of the main compartment protects valuable items from the harsh winter rain and snow in Europe.

It is particularly noteworthy for its antibacterial lining and 360-degree electronic device protection feature. While traveling in Europe, electronic devices are often needed for navigation, translation, and photography. This backpack's flexible, secure fabric offers comprehensive protection for electronic products. Meanwhile, the antibacterial lining helps maintain the hygiene of the backpack's interior during long journeys.

If you are a traveler who values meticulous organization, demands high protection for electronic devices, and prioritizes security above all else, then the Victorinox Architecture Urban2 Deluxe Backpack is the perfect choice for you. Not only is it an excellent companion for your travels, but its professional design also makes it a standout business backpack.

This backpack is designed with a strong emphasis on functionality and safety. The dual zipper with a lock feature offers an added layer of security, effectively deterring pickpockets in tourist areas across Europe. The sleeve design allows the backpack to be securely attached to the handle of a suitcase, making it especially convenient for navigating airports and train stations.

The electronic product compartment is the standout feature of this backpack, designed to separately store headphones, Apple Pencil, and other electronic accessories. When traveling in Europe, the frequent use of various electronic devices makes organized storage essential for enhancing travel efficiency.

The ergonomic design of the backpack has been meticulously considered, with a weight of 1.4 kilograms making it relatively light compared to other backpacks of similar capacity. The design of the straps and back panel effectively distributes weight, ensuring comfort even during prolonged wear. This is particularly important for city tours in Europe, where many attractions require extensive walking.

Packing for a Christmas trip to Europe requires careful consideration of the unpredictable weather and various event needs. During the Christmas season, average temperatures in Europe range between 0-10 degrees Celsius, but there can be significant temperature differences between indoors and outdoors, necessitating a layered dressing strategy.

Base Layer for Warmth
 For the inner layer, choose moisture-wicking and breathable materials; merino wool or high-quality synthetic fabrics are recommended. Pack 2-3 long-sleeve thermal tops and thermal bottoms to adjust according to the temperature. For socks, opt for merino wool, which provides warmth without retaining odors.

Mid Layer for Insulation
 The mid layer can include wool sweaters, fleece sweatshirts, or lightweight down jackets. This layer focuses on insulation and adaptability, allowing you to remove your outer layer when indoors while still staying warm. It’s advisable to pack 2-3 mid-layer pieces of varying thicknesses to accommodate different temperature conditions.

Outer Layer for Protection
 The outer layer should have windproof and waterproof features; a high-quality winter coat or down jacket is recommended. European winters often bring light rain or snow, making waterproof capabilities essential. Dark colors are suggested for practicality and versatility.

Attire for Formal Occasions
 Many restaurants, theaters, and churches in Europe have dress codes, so it's important to prepare a set of formal attire. Men can pack a suit jacket and shirt, while women can bring a little black dress and a coat. Footwear should include a pair of formal shoes and comfortable walking shoes.

In addition to clothing, packing for a Christmas trip to Europe requires consideration of various practical items. Here’s a tested and proven list of essentials:

Electronic Devices
 Europe uses Type C and Type F plugs, so be sure to bring a universal power adapter. It's advisable to choose a power bank with a capacity of at least 20,000mAh, as battery consumption is higher during the winter months. A camera and charger are must-haves, and it's wise to carry an extra memory card as a backup.

Personal Care Items
 The air in Europe during winter can be quite dry, making moisturizing lotion and lip balm essential. Even in winter, sunscreen is necessary, especially in snowy mountain areas. Make sure to bring an adequate supply of personal medications, including cold medicine, pain relievers, and gastrointestinal remedies.

Travel Documents
 A passport and visa are fundamental requirements, and it’s recommended to create electronic backups stored in the cloud. Print backup copies of your travel insurance policy, flight confirmation, and hotel reservation details. It's advisable to carry 2-3 credit cards from different banks just in case.

Practical Accessories
 A foldable umbrella is very useful during the winter in Europe; opt for a lightweight yet sturdy model. An insulated water bottle can be used to enjoy hot drinks at Christmas markets, making it both eco-friendly and practical. A small flashlight is particularly handy in Nordic regions where daylight hours are short during winter.

For storage techniques, it is recommended to use compression bags to reduce volume and to group similar items together in the same storage bag. Shoes can be utilized to store socks and underwear, maximizing space efficiency. Valuable items and important documents should be dispersed and not kept in the same location.

The Christmas markets are the heart and soul of the festive season in Europe, with each market boasting its own unique charm and must-buy items. Understanding the distinct features of various Christmas markets can help you better plan your shopping itinerary and budget allocation.

Germany's Christmas markets are renowned for their handcrafted goods and traditional toys. The nutcracker dolls from Nuremberg are a must-buy souvenir, known for their exceptional craftsmanship. Handmade leather goods and wooden carvings from the Cologne Christmas market are also very popular. Additionally, beer mugs and traditional Bavarian attire from Munich are sought-after items.

Christmas Packing List: The culinary delights at Germany's Christmas markets are not to be missed. Mulled wine (Glühwein) is a must-try beverage, with each market offering its unique recipe. German sausages, roasted chestnuts, and gingerbread are classic choices. Be sure to try Feuerzangenbowle, a distinctive drink made by placing a sugar loaf over mulled wine and igniting it with rum.

The Christmas markets in Vienna are renowned for their exquisite offerings, with crystal ornaments and handmade chocolates being among the most sought-after items. Salzburg's Mozart chocolate balls are a must-buy souvenir, beautifully packaged and perfect for gifting. Additionally, the wool products and ski gear in Innsbruck are also worth considering.

Christmas Packing List: Austria is particularly famous for its festive pastries, with Stollen and Lebkuchen being traditional Christmas treats. Mulled wine, known as Glögg in Austria, is typically infused with cinnamon and cloves, giving it a sweeter and more aromatic flavor compared to its German counterpart.

 The Christmas markets in Prague are renowned for their Bohemian crystal and handcrafted beer mugs, which are approximately 30% cheaper than those found in other European countries. The wooden toys and handmade leather goods from the Czech Republic are also distinctive. A must-try hot beverage is Medovina, a traditional honey wine that offers a unique flavor experience.

Christmas Packing List: Czech Christmas cuisine features hearty and affordable dishes such as roasted pork knuckle, sauerkraut, and dumplings. Trdelník, a spiral-shaped sweet bread coated with sugar and cinnamon, is a popular snack at the Christmas markets.

Europe boasts an advanced transportation system, but during the Christmas season, it is essential to pay special attention to scheduling and booking strategies. Understanding the characteristics of various transportation options can assist you in effectively planning your itinerary and Christmas packing list.

When traveling from Hong Kong to Europe during the Christmas season, it is advisable to book flights in advance and choose reputable airlines. For domestic transportation within Europe, there are three main options: flights, trains, and buses, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Domestic flights in Europe are fast, but travelers should consider the time required for airport transfers, making them suitable for longer distances between cities. Low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet offer affordable fares, but they have stricter baggage restrictions.

 The railway system in Europe is one of the most popular modes of transportation, especially the high-speed trains in Germany, Austria, and France. The Eurail Pass is an excellent option for international travelers, allowing unlimited train travel within a specified time frame.

Major high-speed trains in Europe include the ICE (Germany), TGV (France), and AVE (Spain), all of which require advance seat reservations. Regional trains typically do not require reservations, but it is advisable to arrive early at the platform during the Christmas season.

Major cities in Europe boast well-developed public transportation systems, including subways, buses, and trams. Most cities offer daily or weekly ticket options, which are more economical than purchasing single tickets.

The Christmas vacation strategy will make your 2025 trip to Europe particularly exciting! From Germany's traditional Christmas markets to Austria's musical capital and the fairy-tale towns of the Czech Republic, each destination adds a unique charm to your holiday season. Choose the right business backpack and prepare a professional packing list for your Christmas luggage to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Remember to plan and book in advance to fully utilize your 9-day holiday exploring the Christmas magic of Europe!