Christmas parties are moments of pure childhood magic—the excitement of seeing friends, playing festive games, enjoying delicious treats, and showing off special outfits. As a parent, you want your little one to feel confident and look absolutely adorable, but you also need hairstyles that are practical, quick to create, and won’t fall apart during all the party fun. The good news? You can have it all!
The 2025 trend for kids’ Christmas party hairstyles focuses on three key elements: ease of creation (because who has hours to style?), durability (these styles need to survive energetic party games), and undeniable cuteness (because those photo opportunities are priceless). Whether your child has curly locks, straight strands, or somewhere in between, this guide offers creative solutions that transform ordinary hair into party-ready perfection.
Let’s explore 14 delightful Christmas party hairstyles that strike the perfect balance between festive flair and practicality, ensuring your child looks picture-perfect from the first “hello” to the last “goodbye.”
1. Twisted Candy Cane Side Ponytail
This charming style combines a sleek side ponytail with a twisted candy cane effect. Begin by creating a low side ponytail, then divide it into two equal sections. Twist each section individually, then wrap them around each other to create a rope-twist effect. Secure the end with a white elastic and add a red bow clip where the twist begins.
Why It’s Perfect: The twist technique keeps hair tangle-free during active play, while the side placement adds a sweet, youthful touch. The style works beautifully for hair that’s at least shoulder-length and stays neat for hours without constant adjustment.
2. Mini Bow Collection
Instead of one large statement piece, scatter 5-7 small matching bows throughout loosely styled hair. Part hair naturally and clip mini bows randomly on both sides, creating a playful, confetti-like effect. Choose bows in coordinating Christmas colors—perhaps all red, mixed red and white, or a combination of plaid patterns.
Styling Advantage: This incredibly simple style requires zero braiding or complex techniques. Just brush hair smooth or leave natural texture, then clip away! It’s perfect for toddlers with shorter hair or wiggly children who can’t sit still for elaborate styling.
3. Christmas Tree Ponytail Stack
Create a vertical Christmas tree shape down the back of the head using a series of small ponytails. Start with a small ponytail at the crown, then create another just below it, incorporating the tail of the first ponytail. Continue down the head, creating 3-4 stacked ponytails. Use green elastics and clip small decorative elements like tiny bows or beads between each section as “ornaments.”
The Technical Touch: This style looks intricate but uses simple ponytail techniques. The stacking creates dimension and interest, while keeping every strand securely in place—no loose hairs flying around during games!
4. Glitter Root Crown
For children with natural curls or textured hair, this style celebrates their beautiful texture while adding festive sparkle. Simply part hair down the middle or create a zigzag part, then apply child-safe biodegradable glitter gel along the part and around the hairline. Let their natural curls shine!
Celebration of Texture: This style honors and showcases natural hair patterns rather than trying to change them. The glitter adds that special party feeling without requiring heat tools or manipulation that might damage delicate strands.
5. Braided Headband with Flowing Curls
Take a thin section of hair from behind one ear, braid it across the front hairline like a headband, and secure behind the opposite ear with bobby pins. The remaining hair is curled loosely with foam rollers or a low-heat curling tool, creating a princess-worthy combination of structure and softness.
Balanced Beauty: The braided headband keeps hair off the face (important for eating party snacks!), while the flowing curls add that special-occasion glamour. It’s sophisticated enough for photos but comfortable enough for playtime.
6. Double High Pigtails with Ribbon Wraps
Two high pigtails positioned slightly forward on the head create an adorable, youthful look. Wrap festive ribbon (tartan plaid, red velvet, or silver metallic) around each ponytail base in a crisscross pattern, securing with bobby pins. The ribbons add instant Christmas cheer without any complicated techniques.
Energy-Proof Styling: High pigtails are naturally secure and keep hair completely out of the way. The ribbon wrapping disguises simple elastics and elevates basic ponytails into party-worthy creations.
7. Soft Twisted Half-Up with Snowflake Pin
Gather the top section of hair from temples back, twist both sides gently, and secure together at the back crown with a decorative snowflake hair clip. Leave the bottom section loose and natural straight, wavy, or curly depending on your child’s hair type.
Universal Appeal: This classic half-up style works for absolutely every hair type and length (as long as hair reaches past the ears). The snowflake pin becomes the focal point, making the simple technique look intentional and polished.
8. Side Braid with Jingle Bell Accent
Create a simple three-strand braid starting at the temple and working down one side. At intervals, tie in small jingle bells using thin ribbon or attach them with small clips. The gentle jingling sound as your child moves adds an extra layer of festive fun!
Sensory Delight: Children absolutely love the auditory feedback of this style. The gentle jingling makes them feel like they’re part of the Christmas magic, and the side braid is comfortable and secure for extended wear.
9. Messy Bun with Tinsel Poke-Throughs
Gather all hair into a high ponytail, twist loosely, and wrap around the base to create a casual messy bun. Secure with bobby pins, allowing some pieces to stick out naturally for that perfectly imperfect look. Weave thin pieces of Christmas tinsel through the bun randomly for sparkle.
Effortless Chic: The “messy” aesthetic means perfection isn’t required—in fact, it’s better if it’s not too neat! This style works wonderfully for fine hair that doesn’t hold structured styles well.
10. Zigzag Part with Clip-In Ornaments
Create a zigzag part down the center using a rat-tail comb, making the zigzag pattern bold and visible. Brush hair smooth on both sides, then clip small ball ornament clips (plastic, never glass!) at each point of the zigzag. Choose ornaments in coordinating colors for maximum impact.
Modern Geometry: This contemporary style feels fresh and Instagram-worthy. The geometric part creates visual interest, while the smooth sides keep everything neat. Best suited for straight or slightly wavy hair.
11. Low Bubble Ponytail
Create a low ponytail at the nape, then add elastics every 2-3 inches down the length of the ponytail. Gently pull each section apart to create rounded “bubble” shapes. Use alternating colored elastics—red, then white, then green—for a festive candy-cane or Christmas light effect.
Texture Creation: This technique adds volume and visual interest to fine or thin hair. The bubbles prevent the ponytail from looking flat or lifeless, and the style holds up remarkably well even during active play.
12. Crown of Tiny Braids
Create 5-7 tiny micro braids randomly around the crown area and throughout the top section of hair, leaving the rest loose. Add small colorful beads to the ends of each mini braid. This bohemian-inspired style adds texture and interest without requiring one large, complicated braid.
Protective and Pretty: For children with textured or curly hair, these small braids can be left in for several days, making this a practical choice that extends beyond just one party. The beads add weight that helps braids hang nicely.
13. Sleek Side Sweep with Decorative Comb
Brush all hair to one side and secure behind the ear with bobby pins, creating a smooth, elegant side-swept look. Place a decorative hair comb (featuring rhinestones, pearls, or Christmas motifs) at the point where hair is swept back, making it the statement piece of the style.
Sophisticated Simplicity: This grown-up style is perfect for older children who want something more mature. It’s incredibly quick to create but looks polished and intentional, especially for more formal holiday gatherings.
14. Natural Curls with Festive Headband
Sometimes the best hairstyle is embracing your child’s natural texture! Simply define curls with a leave-in conditioner or curl cream, scrunch gently, and let air dry or diffuse on low. Add a festive headband featuring Christmas colors, patterns, or embellishments across the top.
Celebrating Natural Beauty: This minimal-manipulation approach is healthiest for curly hair and takes just minutes. The headband provides that special party feeling while keeping the focus on your child’s beautiful natural curls.
Making Party Hair Preparation Smooth and Stress-Free
The Night-Before Strategy
Preparation Steps for Busy Parents:
The secret to smooth party-morning styling is preparation. The night before the party, lay out all your supplies in one place: elastics, clips, bobby pins, brush, comb, any special decorative elements, and hairspray or styling products. Have your child try on their party outfit to ensure the hairstyle will complement it. If you’re attempting a new style, this is when you do a test run—not the morning of the party when you’re already rushed!
Hair Washing Timing:
For most styles, washing hair the night before (not the morning of) gives you the best texture to work with. Fresh-washed hair can be slippery and harder to style, while day-old hair has a slight texture that holds pins and elastics better. If your child has curly hair that you’re leaving natural, washing the night before allows curls to fully form and dry properly.
Creating a Positive Styling Experience
Making It Fun, Not Stressful:
Transform hair styling from a chore into a fun pre-party ritual. Set up a special “salon chair” in front of a mirror so your child can watch the transformation. Put on Christmas music or a favorite holiday movie. Give them a hand mirror to “assist” you, or let them hold the next clip you’ll use. Offer a small treat or special activity afterward as something to look forward to.
Managing Wiggly Kids:
For younger children who struggle to sit still, try these tricks: Set a timer and make it a challenge to stay still until it beeps. Show them pictures of the finished style so they understand the goal. Take breaks if needed—a 30-second wiggle break can help them reset. Start with simpler styles that require less time and gradually work up to more complex ones as their patience increases.
Understanding Your Child’s Comfort and Preferences
Age-Appropriate Styling Expectations
Toddlers (2-4 Years):
At this age, simplicity and speed are everything. Most toddlers can only sit still for 3-5 minutes maximum. Choose styles that require minimal manipulation like natural hair with clips, simple ponytails, or headbands. Don’t fight their natural texture—work with what you’ve got. The Mini Bow Collection and Natural Curls with Headband are ideal for this age group.
Young Children (5-8 Years):
This age group can typically handle 10-15 minutes of styling and may start having opinions about how they want to look. They can sit still longer but still need styles that are comfortable and won’t require adjustment during the party. Most braided styles and ponytail variations work well. Let them help choose between two style options to give them agency.
Tweens (9-12 Years):
Older children often want more sophisticated styles and may feel self-conscious about looking “too young.” They can typically sit for 20-30 minutes and may even want to help style their own hair. Offer them choices and respect their preferences. The Sleek Side Sweep and Braided Headband with Flowing Curls appeal to this age group.
