EVELYSS / Guides / Travel & Everyday

What to Wear to Winter Wonderland in London (Rides, Ice and Mud)

“It looks like a fairy tale and behaves like a muddy field in December. Dress for the field, then let the scarf, earrings and lipstick do the fairy tale.”Her take

What's the weather really like?

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park runs from 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, open every day except Christmas Day, and many people go in the late afternoon or evening. London in December is usually cool and damp rather than freezing, but standing outside for hours after dark feels much colder than walking past. Wind across the open park adds to it.

Plan for being outdoors for three to four hours. If you're going on rides, add wind chill at speed.

Layers that work

Start with a thin, warm base layer such as a fine merino or thermal top. Add a jumper or fleece, then a waterproof, windproof coat that covers your hips. Avoid very long coats if you plan to go on rides; they get caught or bunched in seats.

Much of the eating and drinking happens outdoors, though some areas are covered. A layer you can open, rather than one you have to take off and carry, is easiest.

• Base: fine merino or thermal long-sleeved top, and warm tights or leggings under jeans if you feel the cold.
• Middle: chunky knit, roll-neck or fleece.
• Outer: waterproof padded jacket or parka to the hip, or a short wool coat on a dry night.
• Extras: hat, scarf or snood, gloves or mittens, thick socks.

Shoes: dress for mud

This is the most important choice. Paths can get wet and muddy, especially after rain, and you'll be on your feet the whole time. Wear waterproof boots with a grippy sole: lace-up hiking-style boots, chunky Chelsea boots or smart wellies.

Leave pale trainers, suede and heels at home. If you want something smarter for dinner or drinks afterwards, carry flats in a small bag or change at your hotel.

For the ice attractions and rides

The organisers describe Bar Ice, the ice bar, as -10°C, and the walk-through ice kingdom is kept below freezing too. That's far colder than the park itself, so have a hat and gloves in your pockets ready. Gloves also help if you're ice skating.

For fast rides, wear a scarf or snood that tucks inside your coat rather than one with loose ends, tie long hair back or tuck it in, and make sure earrings are small and secure. Zip phones and keys into inside pockets.

Bags and what to carry

Bags are searched at every entrance, and the official guidance allows only handbags or small rucksacks, treating anything bigger than an A4 sheet as too large. There's no luggage storage on site, so come without shopping or suitcases. Open drinks aren't allowed, though sealed water and empty reusable bottles are, and fancy dress costumes are on the banned list, so keep the festive look to a scarf, a knit or sparkly earrings. Check the official help pages for the full list before you go.

Cold weather can drain phone batteries faster, and you'll be taking photos, so a small power bank is useful. Pack lip balm, tissues and hand wipes for sticky fingers.

A ready-to-copy outfit

Black or dark-wash jeans with thermal leggings underneath, a cream roll-neck, a hip-length waterproof padded jacket in navy or forest green, chunky waterproof lace-up boots, a soft wool beanie, a long tartan or check scarf, leather gloves and a small cross-body bag. Add gold or silver hoops and a strong lip, and you'll look good in every photo under the lights.

Questions people ask

The takeaway

Waterproof boots with grip, three layers under a hip-length coat, hat and gloves ready for the ice, and a bag no bigger than A4 for the search.

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