There’s something truly magical about seeing children dressed up for the holidays, and the perfect hairstyle can make them feel even more special during this wonderful time of year. Whether you’re preparing for Christmas morning, holiday school events, family gatherings, or those precious photo opportunities, these festive hairstyles will add an extra sprinkle of holiday magic to your little one’s look.
From quick and easy styles for busy mornings to show-stopping creations for special occasions, this comprehensive guide offers 26 delightful Christmas hairstyles that will make your children feel like the stars of the season. Let’s dive into these festive hair ideas that combine creativity, practicality, and holiday cheer!
1. Classic Christmas Curls
Soft, bouncy curls never go out of style and create a timeless, angelic look perfect for any holiday celebration. Use foam rollers overnight or a curling wand on low heat to create beautiful ringlets that frame your child’s face.
Why it works: Curls photograph beautifully and work with any outfit. Add a simple headband or clips for extra festivity, or leave them natural for classic elegance.
2. Festive French Braid Crown
A French braid that wraps around the head like a crown creates an elegant, regal look. This style keeps hair completely off the face while looking absolutely stunning for formal holiday events.
Perfect for: Church services, fancy dinners, or any time your child needs to look polished for extended periods. The secure style won’t budge during active play.
3. Candy Cane Ribbon Pigtails
Transform ordinary pigtails into festive candy canes by spiraling red and white ribbons around each braid or ponytail. This playful style captures the essence of Christmas treats.
Parent tip: Use wired ribbon for easier wrapping and better hold. Secure the top and bottom of each ribbon with small clear elastics.
4. Christmas Tree Hair Design
Create an actual Christmas tree shape using strategic ponytails stacked vertically down the back of the head. Each section is pulled apart slightly to create the tree’s triangular branches, then decorated with mini bows, clips, or beads.
Wow factor: This intricate design looks incredibly impressive and is surprisingly achievable with patience. Kids love seeing themselves transformed into walking Christmas decorations!
5. Sparkly Snowflake Half-Updo
Pull the top half of hair back and secure it with a cluster of glittery snowflake clips or a snowflake-decorated elastic. Leave the bottom half flowing in natural waves or curls.
Versatility: This style works for various hair lengths and textures. It’s dressy enough for special occasions but comfortable enough for all-day wear.
6. Twin Holiday Buns with Tinsel
Create two adorable buns on top of the head and wrap them with gold or silver tinsel for a festive, playful look that’s perfect for younger children.
Age appeal: Especially cute on toddlers and preschoolers. The high buns give a fun, youthful energy that suits active little ones perfectly.
7. Rudolph Reindeer Style
Two high ponytails or buns decorated with brown pipe cleaners shaped as antlers, plus a red pom-pom clipped at the hairline for Rudolph’s nose. This character-inspired style is guaranteed to bring smiles!
Costume potential: Perfect for Christmas pageants, themed parties, or just adding extra fun to holiday celebrations. Easy to create and incredibly adorable.
8. Elegant Twisted Low Bun
Create a sophisticated low bun by twisting sections of hair and pinning them into a gathered shape at the nape. Add decorative pins, small flowers, or holiday-themed clips for festive flair.
Best for: Older children and teens who want a more mature, elegant look. This style pairs beautifully with formal holiday dresses.
9. Braided Pigtails with Jingle Bell Ties
Classic braided pigtails get a festive upgrade with jingle bells attached to the elastics or ribbons. The gentle jingling sound adds an auditory element that children absolutely love.
Fun factor: Kids enjoy hearing themselves jingle as they move around. This style is practical, cute, and adds a playful soundtrack to holiday activities.
10. Christmas Bow Ponytail
A sleek high or low ponytail adorned with an oversized festive bow in velvet, satin, or plaid fabric. This classic style is easy to achieve but looks polished and party-ready.
Quick style: Perfect for busy parents! Takes less than 5 minutes but looks like you spent much longer. The bow does all the decorative work.
11. Holly Berry Updo
Gather hair into a textured updo and strategically place green holly leaf clips with red berry accents throughout. This natural, botanical theme captures classic Christmas imagery.
Seasonal beauty: The red and green combination is quintessentially Christmas. This works especially well with brown or dark hair where the decorations really pop.
12. Side Swept Frozen-Inspired Braid
A romantic side braid swept over one shoulder with a loose, pulled-apart texture creates a princess-worthy look. Add white or silver accessories for a winter wonderland effect.
Character magic: Combines holiday spirit with beloved character inspiration. Older kids especially love this sophisticated yet whimsical style.
13. Double Dutch Braids with Red Ribbon
Two Dutch braids (where the braid sits on top of the hair rather than underneath) woven with red satin ribbon create a bold, sporty-yet-festive look.
Active style: Keeps hair completely secure for energetic kids who’ll be playing games and running around during holiday parties. Looks neat from start to finish.
14. Christmas Ornament Clips Throughout
For a simple yet festive approach, arrange small plastic ornament clips randomly throughout loosely curled or straight hair. The ornaments catch light and add dimensional color.
No-skill required: Anyone can place clips throughout hair! This is perfect for parents who aren’t confident with complex styling but want festive results.
15. Peppermint Twist Ponytail
Create a twisted ponytail by dividing it into two sections, wrapping them around each other, and securing at intervals with alternating red and white elastics for a candy-cane spiral effect.
Visual interest: The twisted texture adds dimension and the alternating colors create that iconic peppermint candy appearance that’s so beloved at Christmas.
16. Santa Hat Top Knot
Style hair into a high top knot and place a miniature Santa hat clip on top, or create a red and white color scheme with accessories that mimics Santa’s iconic hat.
Photo-ready: This instantly recognizable style is perfect for Christmas card photos and holiday social media posts. Captures the Santa spirit adorably!
17. Waterfall Braid with Gold Accents
A waterfall braid along one side of the head allows strands to cascade through like a waterfall. Weave thin gold ribbon through the braid or add gold clips for holiday sparkle.
Romantic elegance: This flowing, feminine style is stunning for holiday formal events. The cascading strands create beautiful movement and dimension.
18. Bubble Pigtails in Christmas Colors
Create bubble pigtails using alternating red, green, and gold elastics spaced evenly down each pigtail. Gently pull each bubble section apart for volume and rounded shape.
Trendy and festive: This modern bubble style is very popular right now, and the Christmas color scheme makes it perfect for the season.
19. Messy Bun with Christmas Headband
Sometimes simple is best! A casual messy bun paired with a festive headband featuring bows, reindeer antlers, or holiday patterns creates an effortless holiday look.
Time-saver: Perfect for hectic holiday mornings when you’re short on time but still want a festive appearance. The headband does all the decorative work!
20. Fishtail Braid with Pine Sprigs
A single fishtail braid down the back decorated with small artificial pine sprigs and red berries creates a natural, woodland Christmas aesthetic.
Nature-inspired: This earthy, botanical approach to Christmas styling is perfect for families who love natural decorations and rustic holiday themes.
21. Christmas Light Strand Braid
Weave battery-operated micro LED fairy lights through a braid for a literally glowing effect. This magical style is perfect for evening holiday events and creates stunning photos.
Safety first: Always use battery-operated lights specifically designed for use in hair, never plug-in lights. Supervise children wearing lights carefully.
22. Half-Up Bow with Loose Curls
Create a bow shape with the top half of hair while leaving the bottom half in flowing curls. The bow itself becomes the statement piece without needing additional accessories.
Instagram-worthy: This creative style photographs beautifully and looks more complicated than it actually is. Kids feel extra special with this unique look.
23. Twisted Crown with Glitter Roots
Create a twisted crown around the hairline by twisting small sections and pinning them. Add festive sparkle with glitter gel or spray applied to the part and roots.
Festival sparkle: The glitter adds extra magic and catches light beautifully. This works especially well for evening parties and performances.
24. Ponytail with Wrapped Ribbon Spirals
Wrap festive ribbon in a spiral pattern around a high ponytail from base to tip, securing with small elastics as you go. The ribbon creates beautiful striped patterns.
Customizable: Choose any color combination! Traditional red and green, elegant gold and white, or even fun rainbow colors all work beautifully.
25. Double Bun Snowman Style
Create two buns stacked vertically to resemble a snowman. Decorate with black dots for eyes and buttons, an orange triangle for a carrot nose, and a small fabric hat on top.
Whimsical character: This playful style is perfect for younger children and brings smiles everywhere. Great for Christmas parties and themed events!
26. Cascading Curls with Gift Bow Clips
Create beautiful cascading curls throughout hair and place small decorative gift bow clips in metallic colors randomly throughout. Each bow looks like a tiny present!
Gift-wrapped: Your child becomes a walking present with this adorable wrapped-up look. The multiple small bows add texture and dimension.
Matching Hairstyles to Holiday Events
Christmas Morning at Home
Keep it comfortable and quick! Opt for simple ponytails with festive bows, loose curls with a Christmas headband, or easy messy buns with holiday clips. The focus is on comfort and speed.
School Holiday Concerts
Choose secure styles that will last through performances: braided updos, classic buns, or well-secured ponytails. Make sure the style allows your child to move and perform comfortably.
Family Photo Sessions
Go for polished, timeless looks: cascading curls, elegant braids, or sophisticated half-up styles. Avoid overly trendy looks that might date the photos, and choose accessories that complement without overwhelming.
Final Thoughts
These 26 Christmas hairstyles offer something for every child, every skill level, and every holiday occasion. Whether you’re a styling novice sticking with simple bows and clips, or an experienced parent ready to tackle elaborate braided creations, the most important ingredient is the love you put into making your child feel special.
This Christmas season, take a deep breath, gather your supplies, put on some festive music, and enjoy the process of creating holiday magic with your little ones. Their smiles and your shared memories will last far longer than any hairstyle.
Which festive style will you try first? However you choose to celebrate, may your holidays be filled with joy, laughter, and beautifully styled little ones spreading Christmas cheer wherever they go!
