What to Pack for London in December

London in December means Christmas lights on Oxford Street and Regent Street, winter markets, theater, and pubs with the heating on. The weather is gray, damp and chilly rather than truly freezing, and the days are short. The trick is packing layers you can peel off, because you will go from a cold street into a warm Tube carriage or museum all day long.

The short version

Bring a warm, water-resistant coat, layers underneath it, and waterproof shoes you can walk in all day. Add a hat, scarf and gloves, and you are set for almost anything a London December throws at you.

Clothes

• A warm coat that handles drizzle: a padded parka, a wool coat with a water-resistant finish, or a rain shell over a warm layer.
• Two or three sweaters or fleeces. Merino or other thin, warm layers are easiest to take off indoors.
• Long-sleeve tops to wear underneath.
• Jeans or warm trousers. A thin base layer underneath helps on very cold days or long evenings outside.
• A smarter outfit for the theater, a nice restaurant or a holiday party. Londoners dress up a little for nights out.
• Warm socks, more pairs than you think. Wet feet are the most common complaint.

Shoes

You will walk a lot, often on wet pavement. Bring water-resistant boots or sneakers that are already broken in. Ankle boots are a popular choice because they work for both sightseeing and an evening out.

Accessories

• A hat, scarf and gloves. Touchscreen gloves help with maps and contactless Tube payments.
• A compact umbrella. London rain is usually light, so a small one is enough.
• A crossbody bag or daypack that zips. Crowded markets and stations attract pickpockets.
• A power adapter. The UK uses Type G plugs (three rectangular pins) at 230V.
• A small portable charger. Short days mean more time navigating in the dark with your phone.

Dress for the indoors, too

The Tube, museums, shops and pubs are well heated, and they can feel stuffy in a big coat. A coat you can open easily, with lighter layers underneath, is far more comfortable than one very thick sweater. If you plan to spend an evening at an outdoor Christmas market or ice rink, add your warmest layer for that night.

What to leave at home

• Heavy snow gear. Real snow is rare, and slush does not last.
• A large umbrella. It is awkward on busy sidewalks and in the Tube.
• New shoes. Blisters plus cold rain will ruin a day.