EVELYSS / Guides / Travel & Everyday

What to Wear to a Christmas Carol Service (Church, Cathedral or School)

“A carol service is a winter evening in a stone building with candles, which tells you almost everything. Dress like you're going somewhere beautiful and slightly chilly, and keep anything floaty away from the flames.”Her take

How smart should you dress?

Most carol services don't have a dress code, and people come in everything from jeans to suits. Smart-casual is the safe middle: what you'd wear to a nice lunch with older relatives. Many people dress up a little for a candlelit or cathedral service to mark the occasion.

If it's a school, college or workplace service, check the letter or invitation. School services sometimes ask pupils for full uniform or black and white, and some colleges state a dress code.

Keep warm in a cold church

Old stone churches and cathedrals can be cold, even when heated, and you may be seated for an hour or more without moving. Wear warm layers you can keep on: a fine thermal or merino base under a knit dress or jumper, warm tights, and a coat you're happy to sit in.

Popular carol services fill up, so arriving early for a seat can mean more time sitting in the cold. Gloves and a scarf are fine to keep on during the service; take off a hat if it's large or blocks the view.

• Smart-casual: a long-sleeved knit midi dress, thick tights, ankle boots and a wool coat.
• Trousers: tailored wide-leg trousers, a fine roll-neck, a blazer and a long coat.
• Weekend family: dark jeans, a smart jumper over a shirt collar, loafers or boots, a padded coat.

Candles and Christingles: what not to wear

Many carol services include candles, and children's and family services often include Christingles, an orange with a lit candle that children hold. Avoid loose, trailing sleeves, floaty capes, fringed shawls and long scarf ends that hang forward. Tie back long hair if you're holding a candle, and help children keep sleeves and hair away from the flame.

Fluffy faux-fur trims, mohair and very loose, hairy knits are best avoided when you're holding a naked flame. Wear fitted sleeves or push them up, and keep your scarf tucked inside your coat.

Shoes and bags

Stone floors are hard and echo, so choose shoes that are quiet and comfortable for standing during carols: boots, loafers or low block heels with rubber soles. Stiletto heels click loudly and can catch in old floor grates.

A small bag that fits under the pew or on your lap is best; there's rarely space for a large tote, and pews are often narrow.

Colours and details

Deep winter colours suit the setting: navy, forest green, burgundy, camel, cream and charcoal. A little sparkle, velvet or a pretty brooch on your coat is lovely for an evening service. Keep it understated: it's a service, not a party, though the mulled wine afterwards can be.

For a children's nativity or crib service, practical and washable is sensible, especially near Christingle candles and dripping wax.

Questions people ask

The takeaway

Smart-casual, warm enough to sit still in a stone building, sleeves and scarves kept clear of candles, and quiet shoes.

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