What to wear to a Christmas market: 4 looks with jewelry and a bag
What do you wear to a Christmas market? Something warm and practical: a long coat or a puffer, a turtleneck or chunky knit, a bag you wear crossbody so your hands are free for your mulled wine, and jewelry that won't snag on your scarf or beanie. Below you'll find four Christmas market looks, each with a bag and jewelry that go together, plus the tips that make all the difference when it's cold.
The short answer
For a Christmas market, go warm, practical and a little festive:
- Bag: crossbody, or a belt bag worn across your chest, always at the front.
- Earrings: close to the ear, like studs, huggies or small chunky hoops.
- Necklace: over your turtleneck, at 45 to 50 cm, so it still shows when your coat is open.
- Bracelet: over the cuff of your jumper, not under it.
- Material: waterproof, for rain, sleet and the odd splash of mulled wine.
The best-known Christmas markets open in mid-November: the market at Cologne Cathedral from 16 November 2026, Düsseldorf from 19 November and Kerststad Valkenburg in the Netherlands from 13 November. Plenty of evenings to try out your look. All jewelry in this article is premium stainless steel with a gold-tone or silver-tone PVD coating: waterproof and hypoallergenic (only pearl-look pieces are not waterproof).
6 rules for your Christmas market outfit
- Bag crossbody, at the frontYour hands stay free for a mug or a bag of chestnuts, and in the crowds you always have your bag in sight.
- Earrings close to the earStuds, huggies and small chunky hoops won't catch on your scarf, beanie or collar.
- Necklace over your turtleneckA 45 to 50 cm necklace or a chain necklace sits nicely on a turtleneck and doesn't disappear under your coat.
- Bracelet over your sleeveA chain bracelet or open bangle over the cuff of your jumper stands out, even when it's cold.
- Rings and glovesA ring with a raised stone easily catches on the lining. Choose a smooth ring, or let your bracelet do the work.
- Go waterproofRain, sleet and a splash of mulled wine: jewelry that can handle water never needs to come off.
Look 1: camel coat, cognac and gold
A camel coat, a cream turtleneck and gold: the classic Christmas market look. Wear the brown Sauda phone bag crossbody; its wide strap works just as well with a denim jacket. On your turtleneck, the Suze chain necklace with large oval links, and in your ears the Lea: rounded chunky hoops that stay close to the ear. On your wrist, the Ilona chain bracelet, simply over your sleeve.
Brown and gold is the combination of the season, at the market and beyond. In what jewelry goes with a brown bag you'll find what works with each shade.
Look 2: puffer, tote and pearls
Going gift shopping at the market? Then you want space. The Nykroppa puffer tote is a large padded bag that easily fits a jar of honey, a scarf and your purchases. In taupe it looks soft with an oatmeal coat. Keep your jewelry small and classic: pearl-look studs under a low bun and a necklace with small pearls over your turtleneck.
Pictured
Elvia – pearl-look close to the ear
A 6 mm pearl-look on a gold-tone post. Small enough to wear under a beanie, with just enough glow for an evening among the lights.
View the Elvia →
Look 3: black and silver
A long black coat, a light grey jumper and silver: cool and sleek, like a clear frosty evening. The black Sandviken phone bag has a wide strap and its own compartment for your phone. In your ears, the Lea in silver, chunky hoops that hug the earlobe. On your wrist, the Yara chain bracelet over your cuff, and around your neck the Kerstin: a paperclip necklace with a puffed heart.
Look 4: hands free
For anyone who wants to stroll, taste and take photos all evening: a short puffer, a beanie and a belt bag worn across your chest. The Heby belt bag has a striking wide strap and comes in beige, black and pink. Your phone, keys and a card fit inside, and you have both hands free for a bag of hot chestnuts. Under a beanie, small earrings work best, like the Sol: chunky mini hoops that hug the earlobe. The Mera necklace with a heart on a 50 cm chain sits just below the collar of your coat.
Pictured
Heby – worn across your chest
Wear the belt bag not on your hip but diagonally across your coat. It sits in front of you, you can see it in the crowds and your hands stay free.
View the Heby →
Prefer a small bag to a belt bag? The Strömsund phone bag is compact: just your phone and a card.
Gift shopping at the Christmas market?
Looking for something for someone else between the stalls? You'll find ideas in Christmas gifts for your best friend, Christmas gifts for your mum or sister and Secret Santa gifts. Want to know how late you can order online for Christmas? Read last-minute Christmas gifts. And for the holidays themselves, there are four jewelry looks in Christmas glow.
Frequently asked questions about your Christmas market outfit
What do you wear to a Christmas market?
Something warm and practical: a long coat or puffer, a turtleneck or chunky jumper, comfortable shoes and a bag you wear crossbody. Choose jewelry that won't snag on your scarf or beanie, such as studs, huggies or small chunky hoops, and a necklace that sits over your turtleneck.
Which bag should you take to a Christmas market?
A crossbody bag or a belt bag worn across your chest, at the front. Your hands are free for a mug or a snack and you keep your bag in sight in the crowds. Going gift shopping? Then bring a large tote.
Which earrings work with a beanie or scarf?
Earrings that stay close to the ear: studs, huggies and small chunky hoops. Long drop earrings can catch on a scarf, beanie or collar.
Do you wear a necklace over or under a turtleneck?
Over it. A 45 to 50 cm necklace or a chain necklace sits nicely on the turtleneck and stays visible when your coat is open.
What jewelry do you wear with gloves?
A bracelet over the cuff of your jumper works better than rings under your gloves. If you do wear a ring, choose a smooth, slim one without a raised stone, so it won't catch on the lining.
When do the Christmas markets open in 2026?
The Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral runs from 16 November to 23 December 2026 and the Düsseldorf Christmas market from 19 November to 30 December 2026. Kerststad Valkenburg in the Netherlands is open from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
Can you wear jewelry in rain or snow?
Yes, if it is waterproof. Jewelry made of premium stainless steel with a gold-tone or silver-tone PVD coating can handle rain, snow and water. Pearl-look jewelry is not waterproof.
Ready for the Christmas market?
Crossbody bags, belt bags and totes, with jewelry that can handle rain and snow.
