Headed to London for the holidays and need some help packing for your trip? Whether you’re hopping between Christmas markets, strolling the streets to soak up the twinkling lights, or having snow much fun at Covent Garden (or anywhere in between), I’ve got you covered with the ultimate packing list for London in December to help you sleigh the cold and embrace the holiday spirit!
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Ultimate London packing list for your holiday adventures
If you’re reading this post, that means you’re likely headed to London for the holidays (yay!). However, that also means that it’s time to start packing, which I know can feel a bit overwhelming and might even put your tinsel in a tangle. This is where I come in!
In this post, I’m sharing the ULTIMATE London packing list December, packed (pun intended) with packing tips & tricks to make your trip snow much fun, key items to pack to help you sleigh the cold, London outfit ideas for every adventure, and plenty more to make your London trip merry & bright!
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Weather in London in December
The London weather in December is a bit of a wild card! Temperatures usually range from the high 30s to the mid-40s, with a mix of crisp, clear days and those classic gray, drizzly ones. While snow isn’t common in London, light flurries can occasionally make an appearance, adding an extra touch of magic to the holiday season.
Another thing to note about London this time of year is the limited daylight. It was definitely an adjustment for me! The sun rises late and sets as early as 3:45 pm, so plan your sightseeing for earlier in the day. The good news? Those early sunsets allow you to enjoy the twinkling lights and see the city sparkle for even longer!
London packing tips & tricks
- Layers are key. The weather in London in December is unpredictable, so layering is your best friend. Start with thin, thermal, or long-sleeve tops that can be worn under sweaters or dresses. Add a cozy sweater, then top it with a warm coat for the coldest days. This way, you can easily remove or add layers as needed.
- When space is limited, packing versatile pieces you can mix and match is a must. Neutral colors like black, brown, and (light or dark) blue can be paired with almost anything, while accessories add a pop of personality. Add a few tops and bottoms to your packing list London that can be dressed up or down for different occasions, keeping your suitcase light without sacrificing style.
- Don’t be afraid to be festive. Christmas in London is unlike any other, so don’t forget to pack a pop of red or green (or even Christmas plaid) to fully embrace the holiday spirit! A festive sweater, a bright red scarf, or a cheesy holiday accessory will make exploring the city even more magical. Plus, with so many photo ops this time of year, it’s the perfect chance to snap those Christmas card-worthy shots!
- Pack comfortable shoes. Although it’s really easy to get around London via public transportation, you’ll still be walking a lot (like, A LOT), so leave the heels at home, ladies! As far as shoes, I recommend bringing a comfortable pair of sneakers for sightseeing, flats or loafers for afternoon tea or the theater, and boots for evenings out. Just make sure whatever you pack can handle a little rain and has a sturdy, low heel for those cobblestone streets.
- Wear your heaviest items on the plane. It’s hard enough keeping my bag under 50 lbs on a regular trip (lol), so as you can imagine, the struggle is real when traveling to a cold-weather destination, like London. I recommend wearing any bulky items like sweaters, jackets, or boots on the plane to free up space (and weight) in your suitcase. Plus, planes are cold, and those cozy layers will make it extra comfortable.
- Use compression bags for bulky items. For any bulky items on your London trip packing list, like sweaters, coats, and jeans, compression bags are a total game-changer. They help to squeeze out any excess air and flatten your clothing, freeing up valuable space in your suitcase. Just be mindful of the weight of your suitcase—they make it way too easy to overpack!
- Rent winter outfits, instead of buying them! If you don’t own a lot of winter clothes (like me), I highly recommend renting from Nuuly so you don’t have to spend a lot of money on stuff you’ll only wear a few times a year. They have everything from sweaters and winter coats to dresses for every occasion and even ski outfits. Click here for $30 off your first month!
Printable London packing list
London winter packing list
Packing list for London
What to pack for London in winter
Wondering what to pack for London in December? Londoners are known for their chic, effortless style, so focus on layers, classic silhouettes, and pieces that are both functional and fashionable for your packing list to London. Bring cozy essentials for chilly, rainy days, comfortable shoes for all the walking you’ll do, and versatile items that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits.
Cold-weather accessories will also be your best friends! A chunky scarf, a warm hat, and a pair of thick gloves will keep you toasty while enjoying all the festivities London has to offer this time of year. And if you want to fully embrace the holiday spirit, a pop of color is the perfect way to add extra Christmas cheer to your packing list for trip to London!
fuzzy sweater | red cardigan | dog sweater | cable knit sweater | rugby shirt | button down shirt | layering tops | corduroy jacket | corduroy skirt | quilted jacket | wool coat | sweater dress | denim dress | espresso hoodie | brown lounge pants | trouser pants | jeans | plaid skirt | maxi dress | veja sneakers | leopard flats | ankle boots | knee high boots | loafers | crossbody bag | fleece lined tights | checkered scarf | scalloped scarf | gloves | ray-ban sunglasses | brown belt | beanie
Key clothing items to pack
- 3-4 sweaters you can mix and match and wear for a variety of adventures. Think chunky knits for sightseeing, festive sweaters for holiday markets, and lighter-weight sweaters for any indoor activities, like museums. Stick to versatile colors for your winter London packing list that go with everything, allowing you to create multiple outfits without overpacking.
- Layering is key when packing for unpredictable weather like you’ll find in London. Long-sleeve tees or thermal tops can be worn under sweaters for additional warmth and easily removed if the temperature fluctuates. For added comfort, I also recommend wearing fleece-lined tights with skirts and dresses, or even under pants on especially chilly days if needed.
- 2-3 dresses you can dress up or down for different occasions. A classic sweater dress is a London packing list staple— perfect with casual flats or sneakers during the day and easy to elevate with boots or heels at night. I’m also currently in my denim era and love how versatile this long-sleeve denim dress is. And if you’re all about comfort, a maxi dress is a great option that works for just about any adventure.
- Warm outerwear is by far the most important thing you’ll need, since the London weather is notoriously temperamental (especially in winter). Although puffer jackets aren’t my favorite, I’m SO glad I brought mine, as it was a lifesaver on particularly cold and rainy days (especially since it had a hood). I also brought a wool coat for any dressier adventures (like afternoon tea) or evenings out.
- A few pairs of comfortable bottoms, like trouser pants or relaxed jeans that can be worn with a variety of tops. Abercrombie always has the best options! And of course, no holiday London packing list is complete without a touch of Christmas plaid, perfect for wandering Christmas markets or joining in any festive activities.
- A pop of color to embrace the holiday spirit. Whether you’re browsing the Christmas markets, exploring Covent Garden, or admiring the festive lights, a bright red sweater, a plaid skirt, or a chunky knit scarf is the perfect way to celebrate the season and snap some Instagram-worthy shots along the way.
- A two-piece set is always my favorite thing to pack for ANY trip, as the outfit options are endless. They’re perfect for those days you want to look put-together without overthinking your outfit, yet versatile enough to mix and match with other pieces in your suitcase for a variety of adventures. Plus, they’re easy to dress up or down, making them a total lifesaver when you’re going straight from sightseeing to dinner.
- A cozy lounge set for travel days or nights in. Comfort is everything when you’re traveling, so I always pack at least one lounge set (sometimes two if I won’t have access to a washing machine). There’s nothing better than slipping into soft, comfy clothes and curling up by the fire with a glass of wine after a long day of exploring.
Shoes & accessories to keep you warm
- London is best explored on foot, so comfortable shoes are a must. You’ll be strolling cobblestone streets, hopping on and off the Tube, and probably covering more ground than you expected, so bring shoes you can actually spend a full day in. Sneakers are always my go-to, but supportive flats or loafers work just as well. Bonus points for water-resistant styles, since the weather can fluctuate at any moment!
- For evenings out (or dressier adventures), you’ll want to pack one or two pairs of warm yet comfortable boots. Knee-high boots are perfect for pairing with jeans (relaxed or skinny), dresses, or skirts in the winter, and I’ll also usually pack a pair of ankle boots to switch it up. Just make sure whatever you bring has a low-ish heel and a sturdy sole for those cobblestone streets!
- A crossbody bag is a must, as it keeps your hands free, your essentials close, and your belongings secure, especially in busy London areas where pickpockets can be a concern. I usually only bring one (or two max) neutral bag that matches most of my outfits and holds just the essentials, making it easy to navigate the city while staying comfortable all day.
- Cold weather accessories are essential for keeping you warm & cozy on chilly London days. Opt for a beanie to keep your head and ears warm, a chunky scarf to mix and match with different outfits, and thick gloves to avoid frozen fingers. A few pairs of wool socks are also a must for your London packing list, perfect for keeping your feet toasty (and dry) while exploring the city.
- Fleece-lined tights are a total game-changer for keeping your legs warm on extra chilly days. They’re perfect for layering under pants or pairing with dresses, skirts, and even shorts. Plus, fleece-lined tights are lightweight and easy to pack, so you can easily slip a few pairs in your suitcase without taking up much space.
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What not to wear in London
Now that we’ve talked about what to wear in London in December, let’s go over what to wear in London to not look like a tourist. Wearing weather-inappropriate outfits or bright colors is typically a dead giveaway that you’re a tourist. While I’m all for a pop of color during Christmas (as mentioned), Londoners typically stick to neutral, versatile pieces they can mix and match.
Tourists also tend to wear baggy loungewear or bulky backpacks, as opposed to Londoners, who prefer well-fitted outerwear, tailored layers, and sleek, practical accessories that are both fashionable and functional. You also rarely see people in London wearing chunky tennis shoes or heels, as they’re not practical for lots of walking (especially on cobblestone streets) or for the unpredictable weather.
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