Planning a winter weekend break is exciting: fresh air, snowy adventures, and plenty of cozy moments. I actually think that winter is the best time of year to take a city break, exploring without overwhelming crowds and enjoying the darker evenings, twinkly lights, and often the Christmassy magic too.

But figuring out what to pack for a winter getaway can be overwhelming. This is especially true if (like us!) you like to save time and money by packing hand luggage only on shorter trips. Cold-weather trips require smart layering, the right gear, and a bit of extra planning, especially when you’re travelling with kids who feel the cold like mine.

So what should you be packing for a winter city break?

To help you stay organised and stress-free, we’ve created the ultimate winter packing list designed for families, couples, and solo travellers. From must-have clothing to essential travel accessories, this guide covers everything you need for a perfect winter weekend trip.

Heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I might earn a very small commission – at no extra cost to you. This helps to keep the blog going. Thanks for the support!

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❄️ Why You Need a Winter Weekend Break Packing List

I’m a type A person: I love to have a packing list, and I like to be as organised as possible whenever I travel. Wondering why you might need a winter weekend city break packing list? Because winter travel means:

• Unpredictable weather
• Bulky clothing
• Extra family gear you probably won’t need in the summer
• More focus on warmth and comfort than on looking stylish

Having a winter weekend packing checklist is my top tip for making sure that I don’t overpack, forget essentials, or get caught unprepared in freezing temperatures. And it means the kids have everything they need too!

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✔️ The Ultimate Winter Weekend Break Packing List

🧥 Essential Winter Clothing (Stay Warm & Layered)

When it comes to packing for a winter trip, layers are everything. I much prefer lots of light layers than one or two bulky ones, so it’s easy to shed if the weather is warmer than you expected.

Where relevant, i’ve also added links to the products we take on our trips, to make it even easier to get what you need. These items should be top of your list:

Base Layers (Thermal Essentials)

• Thermal tops and leggings
• Moisture-wicking long-sleeve shirts
• Lightweight merino wool pieces, particularly merino wool socks

Insulating Layers

• Fleece jumpers or hoodies
• Wool sweaters
• Lightweight down jacket. These are ideal for layering if you have the luggage space to take more than one coat!

Winter Coats & Outerwear

• Insulated parka or puffer coat. I have this Firetrap leopard print one with an essential hood and I wouldn’t be without it!
• Waterproof jacket if your forecast is showing wet snow or winter rain
• Snow trousers or waterproof trousers if you expect deep snow or outdoor activities (they aren’t stylish, but we all have these Regatta ones that can fold into your handbag!)

Winter Accessories You Shouldn’t Skip

• Warm hat or beanie
• Touchscreen-friendly gloves (so you don’t have to take your gloves off every time you want to check your phone or take a photo!)
• Scarf, snood, or neck warmer
• Thermal socks (bring extra pairs!)

Footwear

• Waterproof boots
• Comfortable walking shoes
• If you have the luggage space you could consider packing slippers for your accommodation (we just take spare socks, because we generally travel hand-luggage only)

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🧒 2. Winter Packing List for Kids (Family Travel Essentials)

Travelling as a family? Our boys tend to be such good/easy travellers but I do have some special items on my winter packing list for kids that will make keeping your own littles warm and dry so much easier. These kid-friendly must-packs make winter trips easier:

• Snowsuits or insulated trousers
• Extra gloves and mittens
• Waterproof boots
• Warm pyjamas
• A favourite blanket or cuddly toy
• Extra socks (because kids + puddles = guaranteed wet feet)

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🧴 3. Toiletries & Skincare for Winter Travel

Cold air can play havoc, leaving you with dry skin. So I focus less on remembering my favourite make-up items and more on winter skincare essentials when I travel in the winter. Either look for miniatures or decant into smaller pots so that you can carry all of these essentials in your carry on luggage:

• Rich moisturiser (I use this Grown Alchemist one when it’s cold outside)
• Lip balm with SPF (Elizabeth Arden lip balm is the one item I couldn’t live without)
• Hydrating face cream
• Hand cream (Affordable Aveeno is my pick)
• Sunscreen (snow glare can be strong!)
• Travel-size first-aid kit (we always travel with this one)
• Personal medication- Make sure you have calpol for your kids, especially when travelling in winter sniffle season!

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🛷 4. Outdoor Adventure Gear (For Snowy or Active Breaks)

If your winter weekend break includes sledding, ice skating, hiking, or exploring, pack:

• Thermos flask
• Backpack
• Sunglasses (snow glare protection)
• Reusable water bottles
• Hand and foot warmers
• Microfibre towel (dries fast)

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📱 5. Tech & Entertainment (Keep Everyone Happy)

Perfect for family downtime or long journeys:

• Phone and tablet chargers
• Power bank
• Camera or GoPro
• Downloaded movies or playlists
• Kids’ colouring pads or small games

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🍫 6. Snacks & Comfort Foods

I know I said I always pack light, but one area where I don’t skrimp with packing is the snacks. My boys, like so many kids, can be very cranky when they’re hungry! So I always have food in my handbag. Packing smart snacks helps keep everyone energised, and the goodies we take include:

• Nuts, fruit, or granola bars
• Hot chocolate sachets
• Candy bars and fruit leathers
• Reusable snack containers

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📄 7. Important Travel Documents & Organisation Essentials

In reality, this is a ‘goes without saying’ section, but if you don’t write it down you might forget it! And you can’t go anywhere without your passport. Don’t get caught out, make sure you pack:

• Booking confirmations
• ID/passports (if needed)
• Travel insurance info
• Bank cards and cash
• A day bag or crossbody for exploring

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💡 Top Tips for Packing for a Winter Weekend Break

To maximise space and stay organised:

✔️ Wear your bulkiest clothing while travelling

This includes coats, boots, and thick jumpers.

✔️ Use packing cubes

Perfect for separating outfits and compressing bulky layers. Give each family member their own cube, and these should fit into your backpacks if you’re travelling light (we can travel with 4 packing cubes, one per person, if we’re going for a weekend break).

✔️ Check the weather forecast 24 hours before you leave

The winter weather knows how to surprise us! Be prepared: Swap out items if extreme cold, rain, or snow is expected.

✔️ Plan outfits ahead of time

It prevents overpacking and keeps your suitcase tidy too. I photograph all my outfits then have them in a folder on my phone so that I can look back on them (this also speeds things up if you have winter, summer, or county-specific travel outfits in mind)

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🎁 Downloadable Winter Weekend Break Packing List

I’d love it if you saved this post to refer pack to when you’re planning your own winter city break. It’s super comprehensive, and has all the links and info you need!

But i’ve also created a free downloadable PDF version of this winter travel packing list, which you can download! Just click the ✨DOWNLOAD✨ button below….

Where To Go On A Winter City Break

Now you’ve got all the gear you need, it’s time to start planning that perfect family winter city break! Looking for inspiration? I’ve popped links to some of our winter city breaks below:

💺 Perfect 2 Day Family Itinerary in Naples (A Trip We Took in February)
🛩 The Ultimate Winter Weekend in Billund
⛄ Winter In Korea: Top 8 Winter Activities in Korea Not To Miss!
🏂Skiing in Japan This Winter: The Best Japan Ski Resorts and Where To Ski Near Tokyo

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Heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I might earn a very small commission – at no extra cost to you. This helps to keep the blog going. Thanks for the support!