The holiday season is the perfect time to get creative with your child’s hair! Whether you’re preparing for a Christmas party, school concert, family photo session, or just want to spread festive cheer, these adorable Christmas hairstyles will make your little ones feel extra special. From simple styles you can master in minutes to more elaborate creations for special occasions, this guide has something for every skill level and hair type.
Let’s explore over 22 magical Christmas hairstyles that will have your kids looking absolutely adorable this holiday season!
1. Christmas Tree Ponytail
Transform a simple ponytail into a festive Christmas tree! This creative style uses multiple elastics to create triangle sections that resemble a decorated tree. Add small bows, ribbons, or sparkly clips as “ornaments” for the full effect.
How to create it: Start with a high ponytail, then use small elastics to section the hair every 2-3 inches down the length. Gently pull each section apart to create the tree shape, and decorate with mini accessories.
2. Candy Cane Braids
These adorable braids incorporate red and white ribbons woven through classic three-strand braids to mimic the iconic candy cane pattern. Perfect for girls with medium to long hair.
Why kids love it: The ribbons add a fun pop of color and the style holds up well during active holiday play. Plus, it looks complex but is surprisingly easy to achieve!
3. Reindeer Antler Buns
Create adorable reindeer antlers using two high buns decorated with brown pipe cleaners. Add a red pom-pom for Rudolph’s nose and this becomes an instant hit at any Christmas party!
Perfect for: Toddlers and young children who love playful, character-inspired styles. Works best with medium to long hair.
4. Snowflake Hair Clips Arrangement
Sometimes simple is best! Arrange sparkly snowflake clips throughout loosely curled hair for an elegant, winter wonderland effect that takes just minutes to create.
Styling tip: Curl the hair first with foam rollers or a curling iron (on low heat), then strategically place 5-7 snowflake clips throughout for maximum sparkle.
5. Christmas Bow Ponytail
Elevate a basic ponytail with an oversized festive bow in red, green, plaid, or gold. This classic style works for all hair lengths and types.
Why parents love it: Quick, easy, and stays in place all day. The bow makes it special without requiring advanced styling skills.
6. Twisted Christmas Crown
Create a crown effect by twisting sections of hair from both sides and pinning them around the head. Weave in tinsel or add small ornament clips for extra festivity.
Best for: Special occasions like Christmas concerts or church services. Works beautifully with both straight and wavy hair.
7. Pigtails with Jingle Bells
Add a fun auditory element to classic pigtails by attaching small jingle bells to the hair ties. Your child will jingle everywhere they go!
Fun factor: Kids absolutely love hearing the gentle jingling sound as they move. Plus, it’s adorable for holiday photos.
8. Holly and Berries Updo
A sophisticated twisted updo decorated with green leaf clips and red berry accessories creates a stunning holiday look for formal events.
Skill level: Intermediate. Best suited for parents comfortable with creating updos and using bobby pins.
9. Christmas Ribbon Ponytail Wrap
Wrap festive ribbon around a ponytail from base to tip, securing with small elastics at intervals. The ribbon creates a candy-cane-striped or spiral effect.
Time needed: About 10 minutes. The result looks impressive and stays secure for hours of holiday fun.
10. Santa Hat Bun
Style hair into a high bun and add a mini Santa hat clip or create a red and white pom-pom arrangement that resembles Santa’s iconic hat.
Cute factor: Off the charts! Perfect for Christmas morning photos or meeting Santa at the mall.
11. Braided Christmas Wreath
Create a circular crown braid around the head to form a wreath shape, then decorate with small red bows, green clips, or gold accents to complete the wreath effect.
Best for: Medium to long hair. This style keeps hair completely out of the face while looking absolutely festive.
12. Tinsel Hair Extensions
Clip in temporary tinsel strands in silver, gold, or red throughout the hair for instant sparkle and dimension. These catch the light beautifully in photos!
Why it’s great: No commitment, easy to remove, and adds glamorous shine. Works with any hairstyle from loose curls to ponytails.
13. Elf Ear Braids
Create small braids from temple to behind ears on both sides, leaving the rest of the hair down. Add green bows or elf ear clips for an adorable pixie effect.
Character inspiration: Perfect for kids who love Christmas elves and magical creatures. Pairs great with elf costumes!
14. Cascading Curls with Ornament Clips
Create beautiful cascading curls and strategically place small shatterproof ornament clips throughout the hair for a truly festive look.
Safety note: Always use plastic or foam ornaments, never glass, and ensure clips are secure.
15. Christmas Zigzag Part
Create a zigzag part down the center or side of the head using a rattail comb, then add contrasting colored clips along the zigzag for a fun, modern twist.
Modern and trendy: This geometric style appeals to older kids who want something unique and Instagram-worthy.
16. Bubble Ponytail with Christmas Colors
Create a bubble ponytail effect using alternating red and green elastics, gently pulling each section to create volume and dimension.
Versatility: Works for short, medium, and long hair. Can be done as a single ponytail or twin ponytails for younger children.
17. Frozen Elsa-Inspired Christmas Braid
A romantic side braid with loose, pulled sections creates volume and texture. Add white or silver snowflake clips and blue ribbons for a winter princess effect.
Character appeal: Combines Christmas spirit with beloved character inspiration, making it extra special for Frozen fans.
18. Half-Up Christmas Tree Bow
Section the top half of hair and create a bow shape, with the ends of the bow resembling Christmas tree branches. The bottom half remains loose and curled.
Show-stopper: This impressive style gets lots of compliments and is easier to create than it looks!
19. Gingerbread Hair Buns
Create two low buns and decorate them with brown, white, and red accessories to resemble adorable gingerbread cookies. Add “icing” with white ribbon and “buttons” with small clips.
Whimsical fun: Perfect for gingerbread-themed parties or classroom celebrations. Kids love the playful cookie connection!
20. Christmas Lights Hair Strand
Weave a thin strand of battery-operated fairy lights through a braid or loose hairstyle for a literally glowing effect. Perfect for evening events!
Wow factor: Absolute magic for Christmas Eve or nighttime holiday parties. Make sure to use battery-operated lights designed for hair.
21. Peppermint Swirl Bun
Create a twisted bun using two sections of hair (or one section with ribbon) to create a swirl pattern like a peppermint candy. Add red and white elements to enhance the effect.
Sweet style: This unique design stands out from typical holiday hairstyles and photographs beautifully.
22. Simple Christmas Headband Style
Sometimes the easiest option is best! A festive Christmas headband over loose, brushed hair creates a pulled-together look in seconds.
Time-saver: Perfect for busy mornings or last-minute holiday events. Works for all hair types and lengths.
23. North Pole Pigtail Puffs
Create two high puffed pigtails and wrap them with white faux fur elastics to resemble snow. Add silver or white ribbons for extra polar flair.
Winter wonderland: Captures the snowy, magical essence of the North Pole in an adorable, playful style.
24. Present Bow Top Knot
Style hair into a high top knot and attach a large decorative bow that resembles a present topper. Choose metallic or glittery ribbons for extra impact.
Gift-wrapped: Your child becomes the present with this adorable wrapped-up look!
Tips for Successful Christmas Hairstyling
For Parents:
- Practice beforehand: Try new styles a week before the big event to work out any kinks
- Use plenty of bobby pins: Secure styles well, especially for active kids
- Keep styling products handy: Light hairspray, gel, or mousse helps styles stay put
- Have a backup plan: Keep a simple style in mind if the complex one doesn’t work out
- Make it fun: Put on Christmas music and make styling time a special bonding experience
Hair Care Considerations:
- Use detangling spray before styling to make the process gentler
- Avoid pulling hair too tightly, which can cause discomfort and breakage
- Remove all accessories before bedtime to prevent tangles
- Be gentle when brushing out styles to minimize hair loss
- Keep styles age-appropriate and comfortable for your child
Accessory Shopping Tips:
- Look for clips specifically designed for children’s hair
- Choose lightweight accessories that won’t pull or cause headaches
- Ensure all decorations are securely attached to prevent choking hazards
- Stock up on extra elastics in festive colors
- Consider reusable accessories you can use year after year
