Packing List for A Family Christmas Holidays Abroad (+ Free Printable PDF)
Because magical holidays start with smart packing.
And because nothing ruins that magic faster than realizing you forgot the one thing nobody can live without.
Posts may include affiliate links to products or services. I might earn a commission if you make a purchase.
Christmas abroad feels like stepping into a postcard—twinkling lights in new cities, festive markets you’ve never wandered before, and family memories wrapped in cozy scarves and hot chocolate.
But before the fairytale begins, there’s the very real task of packing… for everyone.
This comprehensive guide walks you through exactly what each family member needs—mom, dad, kids, teens, toddlers, and even the baby—plus electronics, documents, and travel-friendly toiletries.
Your free printable PDF is waiting for you at the end, so you can check everything off with zero stress.
1. Before you start: Smart prep for holiday travel
Despite your destination (which could mean flying to Lapland, strolling through Christmas markets in Austria, or spending a warm December somewhere tropical), your base packing system stays the same. The difference is only in the layers.
Start with these essentials:
- Make your “hand luggage essentials” pile
- Check the weather and climate of your destination
- Confirm baggage allowance for each family member
- Plan outfits by day (and by activity)
- Print your full packing list (your PDF!)
Christmas travel is busy. Lines are longer, airports are crowded, and shops are closed on the actual holiday. Packing smart means fewer last-minute mini-panics and more time sipping mulled wine.
2. Essentials for the whole family
These are the items everyone needs, no matter their age:
Clothing basics:
- Underwear for the length of your stay + 2 extra pairs
- Warm socks (thermal for cold destinations)
- Long-sleeve tops
- Sweaters or fleece layers
- Comfortable travel pants
- One holiday outfit for Christmas Day
- Pajamas (warm ones if needed)
- Coat or jacket
- Scarf, hat, gloves
- Waterproof shoes (for wintry destinations)
Travel must-haves:
- Reusable water bottle
- Travel snacks
- Travel pillow/blanket
- Passport
- Wallet / IDs
- Medications
- Daily skincare items
- Sunglasses
- A small day bag
3. Packing list for mom
Mom is often the logistics queen, the keeper of essentials, and the one everyone asks for “just one more thing.” This list keeps your needs front and center.
Clothing
- Warm coat in a neutral color
- Festive outfit for Christmas dinner
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Dressy boots
- Thermal leggings or tights
- Sweaters in mix-and-match colors
- A cozy lounge set
- Gloves, scarf, and beanie
Beauty & self-care
- Daily skincare routine in travel sizes
- Lip balm (winter travel essential!)
- Makeup bag
- Hairbrush + travel hairdryer or diffuser
- Mini straightener or curling wand
- Perfume atomizer
- Jewelry case
Extras for mom
- Crossbody travel-safe purse
- Good book or Kindle
- Notebook or travel journal
- Mini wellness pouch (painkillers, plasters, supplements)
- Travel organizer for passports and tickets
4. Packing list for dad
Dads often prefer minimal packing—but still need solid basics to stay warm, comfy, and ready for all holiday activities.
Clothing
- Warm coat or parka
- Flannel shirts / warm sweaters
- Jeans and comfortable walking pants
- Smart shirt for Christmas dinner
- Warm socks (bring extra!)
- Thermal underwear (if going somewhere cold)
- Pajamas
Grooming
- Electric razor (with charging cable)
- Beard grooming kit
- Skincare basics (moisturizer is a must in winter climates)
- Body wash and deodorant
- Travel cologne
Dad extras
- Travel documents pouch
- Portable charger
- A good book or downloaded movies
- Compact umbrella
- Sunglasses
5. Packing for kids (4–12 years)
Kids need clothes that are practical, warm, and easy to layer—because holiday photos matter, but so does comfort.
Clothing
- Waterproof winter coat
- Christmas sweater (not itchy!)
- 2–3 warm outfits
- Travel outfit with layers
- Pajamas
- Waterproof boots
- Hat, scarf, gloves
- Spare outfit for the plane
Comfort & entertainment
- Favorite soft toy
- Coloring books + crayons
- Activity books/travel games
- Headphones
- Snacks that don’t melt or crumble
Health & safety
- Hand sanitizer
- Travel tissues
- Kids’ medication (fever, cough syrup, etc.)
- Mini first-aid kit
6. Packing for teens
Teens pack differently—they want style, comfort, and the electronics they can’t live without.
Clothing
- Trendy winter jacket
- 2 casual outfits
- One festive outfit
- Hoodie or fleece
- Pajamas
- Comfortable shoes + boots
- Warm accessories
Electronics & entertainment
- Phone + charger
- Power bank
- Earbuds or headphones
- Tablet or laptop
- Portable speaker (if allowed)
- Downloaded playlists, series, books
- Smartwatch + charger
Self-care & extras
- Travel-size toiletries
- Hair styling tools (if needed)
- Skincare routine
- Lip balm
- Notebook for journaling
- Reusable water bottle
7. Packing for toddlers
Toddlers need comfort, routines, and extras—lots of extras. Christmas holiday trips are magical for them, so pack to make transitions smoother.
Clothing
- Warm outfits (x 3–4)
- Comfortable travel outfit
- Waterproof boots
- Slippers for hotel rooms
- Pajamas (warm cotton or fleece)
- Hat, scarf, gloves
- Extra socks
Essentials
- Snacks (LOTS of snacks)
- Water bottle or sippy cup
- Wipes
- Small travel blanket
- Pacifier (if used) + backups
- Nightlight or portable projector
Entertainment
- Stickers
- Mini board book
- Favorite toy
- Simple travel puzzle
8. Packing for baby
Baby packing is its own universe. The key is having enough supplies for delays, plus items that mimic home routines.
Clothing
- Onesies (x 4–6)
- Sleepers (warm)
- Baby hat + mittens
- Warm jumpsuit
- Socks + booties
- Baby snowsuit for cold destinations
Feeding essentials
- Bottles + nipples
- Formula (if used)
- Snacks for older babies
- Bibs (2–3)
- Baby food pouches
- Portable bottle warmer
Sleep & comfort
- Baby blanket
- Portable white-noise machine
- Favorite soft toy
- Sleep sack
Hygiene
- Diapers (enough for 48 hours + buy at destination)
- Wipes
- Diaper cream
- Changing mat
- Baby-safe toiletries
Gear
- Travel stroller
- Baby carrier
- Car seat (if needed)
9. Toiletries for adults
Even if your hotel supplies some items, winter travel requires hydration and protection.
Toiletries checklist
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Shampoo + conditioner
- Body wash
- Face cleanser
- Moisturizers (face + body)
- Lip balm
- Razor
- Deodorant
- Hairbrush
- Hair ties
- Nail clippers
- Mini first-aid kit
- Pain relievers
- Travel laundry soap
10. Toiletries for kids & babies
Kids’ toiletries
- Kids’ toothbrush + toothpaste
- Gentle shampoo
- Body wash
- Hairbrush
- Detangling spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Kids’ sunscreen (if traveling somewhere sunny)
- Moisturizer
- Fever reducer + oral syringe
- Rehydration packets
Baby toiletries
- Baby shampoo + body wash
- Baby lotion
- Diaper rash cream
- Baby wipes
- Baby nail file
- Nasal aspirator
- Thermometer
11. Electronics for the whole family
Christmas trips are memory-making trips—so electronics matter.
Shared electronics
- Phone chargers
- Tablets or e-readers
- Portable chargers
- Camera + batteries
- Universal travel adapters
- Headphones
- Laptop (optional)
- Power strip
- USB cables for all devices
- Waterproof phone pouch (for snowy or rainy destinations)
12. Important documents to bring
Keep all documents in one organized travel wallet.
Travel documents
- Passports
- ID cards
- Printed boarding passes
- Accommodation confirmations
- Travel insurance
- Rental car documents
- Copies of passports
- Emergency contacts
- Medication prescriptions
- Vaccination documents (when applicable)
13. Christmas-specific extras
These little touches add joy to your abroad celebrations:
- Santa hats for photos
- Tiny gift bags or stockings
- Mini decorations for the hotel room
- Small gifts (compact and easy to pack)
- Christmas pajamas for the whole family
- A holiday playlist already downloaded
- Hot chocolate packets (kids love this!)
14. Download your free printable PDF
Your Family Christmas Abroad Packing List PDF includes:
- All categories in tidy checklists
- Easy tick boxes
- Extra space for notes
- One-page print-friendly layout
- Designed for busy parents
Printable Christmas Family Trip Packing Checklist
To make your preparation easier, I’ve created a comprehensive Christmas family trip packing checklist that includes all the essentials mentioned above. Simply download, print, and tick off each item as you pack.
Packing for a family Christmas holiday abroad doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right lists, a little organization, and your free printable guide, you can travel confidently knowing every family member has exactly what they need.
Now all that’s left is to zip up those suitcases and get ready for a Christmas filled with memories, joy, and festive adventures.
Pin for later!
Pick a section and read more:
About me:
I have lived in Chania, Crete, since 2016. As a local, I have an intimate knowledge of the island. I host culinary and concierge tours and experiences in Crete and write about the island for several travel media. I have helped many travelers plan the perfect holiday in Crete. I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and had more glasses of frappe than any regular person could ever handle.
