Holiday Hairstyles

Holiday hairstyles are the finishing touch that turns a good outfit into a memorable one. Whether you are heading to a work party, a family dinner, or a glamorous New Year’s Eve celebration, the right hairstyle can make you feel polished, festive, and completely yourself. The best holiday looks balance elegance with ease: braids softened with ribbons, waves decorated with tiny ornaments, and updos that stay put through hours of dancing. You do not need professional skills or expensive tools to achieve them, just a little inspiration and a few well-chosen accessories. This guide gathers twenty holiday hairstyles that work for different hair lengths, textures, and occasions, from relaxed half-up styles to show-stopping updos. Each idea is simple enough to try at home, yet special enough to feel like a celebration.

Side Braid With a Red Bow

A side braid finished with a large red bow is one of the most romantic holiday hairstyles you can wear. The braid itself is soft and slightly loose, sweeping across one side of the head before falling into gentle waves, which gives the whole look a dreamy, old-Hollywood feel. The red satin bow adds an instant pop of Christmas color and ties the hairstyle to the season without requiring any complicated technique. This style works beautifully with long hair, and it pairs perfectly with a simple black dress and delicate earrings. To recreate it, braid loosely from one temple, secure the end, and then tie a wide ribbon over the elastic. Pull a few face-framing pieces loose for softness, and finish with a light-hold spray so the waves stay bouncy through the evening. It is festive, feminine, and effortlessly elegant.

Braided Ponytail With a Striped Bow

A braided ponytail tied with a red and white striped bow is a playful twist on a classic holiday look. The braid runs neatly along the side of the head before joining a low ponytail, which keeps hair out of your face while still showing off beautiful texture. The striped ribbon, reminiscent of candy cane wrapping, adds a cheerful seasonal detail that feels both nostalgic and fresh. This hairstyle suits medium to long hair and works well with a cozy white sweater for a daytime gathering or a dressier top for an evening party. Start by braiding a section from the crown, gather the rest into a low ponytail, and wrap the ribbon around the base. Leave the ponytail itself softly waved rather than pin straight, since the gentle movement makes the whole style look more relaxed and romantic.

Half-Up Braid With Holly and Ribbons

A half-up braid decorated with holly leaves and flowing ribbons is the definition of Christmas hair. The top section is braided back from both sides and joined at the back, while the rest of the hair falls in soft, voluminous waves. Small holly sprigs tucked into the braid add natural color, and long red and white ribbons trailing down the back create movement every time you turn your head. This style is ideal for Christmas Day itself, since it feels celebratory without being fussy. It works best on long, wavy hair, but you can add extensions or use a curling wand to build volume if needed. Secure the braid with small pins, then weave the ribbons through the join so they stay in place. The result is a hairstyle that looks like it stepped out of a holiday storybook.

Half-Up Waves With Ornament Clips

If you love a more whimsical take on holiday hair, try half-up waves decorated with miniature ornament clips. The top half of the hair is swept back loosely, while the bottom half falls in bouncy, touchable waves that catch the light. Tiny red and white baubles clipped into the swept-back section look like they were borrowed straight from the Christmas tree, and they add sparkle without weighing the style down. A delicate gold headband or a few small pins can help keep the top section in place. This look is perfect for a festive brunch or an afternoon of gift exchanges, since it feels joyful rather than formal. It also photographs beautifully in front of a fireplace, where the warm light makes the ornaments glow. Keep the waves soft and the accessories small, and let the holiday spirit do the rest.

Side Braid With a Candy Cane Ribbon

A long side braid threaded with a candy cane striped ribbon is a sweet, youthful holiday hairstyle. The braid begins near the temple and sweeps diagonally across the back, with the ribbon woven through the strands so the red and white stripes peek out along its length. The remaining hair falls in deep, glossy curls that give the style richness and movement. This look is wonderful for a Christmas party, especially when paired with a soft sweater and simple makeup that lets the hair take center stage. To create it, braid loosely and feed the ribbon through as you go, rather than tying it on at the end, so the color is distributed evenly. Finish with a shine spray to emphasize the curls, and resist the urge to make the braid too tight. A little softness is what makes this style feel festive rather than severe.

Ribbon Braids for a Festive Finish

Two ribbon-wrapped braids falling down the back are a charming choice for anyone who wants holiday hair with a handmade feel. The style starts with a half-up section tied with a red velvet bow, then continues into two braids that are laced with matching ribbon all the way down. The combination of soft waves and structured braids gives the look texture and interest from every angle. It works beautifully on long blonde or light brown hair, where the red ribbon stands out clearly, and it pairs well with a simple green or neutral top. This hairstyle is also practical, since the braids keep hair tidy through a long evening of celebrating. Use thin ribbon for a delicate effect, and secure each braid with a small clear elastic before wrapping. The finished look is sweet, seasonal, and surprisingly easy to achieve.

Star Pin Braided Ponytail

A braided ponytail decorated with sparkling star pins is an elegant option for a formal holiday event. The braid runs down the center of the head in a loose, romantic plait, then flows into a long, wavy ponytail that moves beautifully as you walk. Small crystal star pins scattered along the braid catch the light like falling snow, adding glamour without overwhelming the style. This look suits a winter wedding, a gala, or a sophisticated New Year’s dinner, especially when paired with a simple blouse or an evening dress. To recreate it, braid loosely and gently pull the sections apart for fullness, then place the pins at intervals along the braid. A flexible-hold hairspray will keep everything in place while still allowing natural movement. It is understated luxury, perfect for the season.

Ornament and Holly Waves

Long, flowing waves scattered with holly sprigs, tiny stars, and miniature ornaments create a hairstyle that feels like a decorated tree come to life. The waves themselves are soft and voluminous, falling well past the shoulders, while the accessories are tucked throughout the hair rather than concentrated in one spot. This gives the style a magical, almost enchanted quality that is perfect for a Christmas Eve party or a festive photoshoot. Start with large-barrel curls, brush them out gently for softness, and then place the ornaments and holly clips where they will catch the light. A few fairy lights woven carefully through the hair can add extra sparkle, though they should be lightweight and battery operated for safety. Keep the rest of your look simple, since the hair is clearly the star of the show.

Braided Crown With Red and White Ribbons

A braided crown finished with long red and white ribbons is a timeless holiday hairstyle with a romantic, almost regal feel. Two braids are brought from either side of the head and pinned together at the back, forming a crown shape that frames the face beautifully. Holly leaves and red berries tucked into the join add a natural festive touch, while the ribbons trail down over soft waves. This style works well for a Christmas concert, a church service, or any occasion where you want to look polished but not overdone. It suits medium to long hair and can be adapted for different textures by adjusting how tightly you braid. Use plenty of bobby pins to secure the crown, and let a few soft pieces fall loose around the face. The ribbons add movement and color, making the whole look feel alive.

Half-Up Bow Bun

A half-up bow bun is a clever hairstyle that looks far more complicated than it actually is. The top section of hair is looped and shaped into a bow, while the rest falls in long, soft waves down the back. The result is playful yet polished, and it works beautifully for a holiday brunch or a casual office party. This style is especially flattering on long blonde hair, where the bow shape reads clearly, but it can be adapted for darker hair with good lighting and a little backcombing for volume. To create the bow, split a small ponytail into two loops and pin them in place, then wrap the remaining tail around the center. A red top or a festive dress completes the look, and the hairstyle itself needs no extra accessories. It is a fun, conversation-starting choice for the season.

Festive Headband Updo

A high, textured updo paired with a jewelled festive headband is a show-stopping choice for a formal holiday party. The hair is swept up and pinned into a soft, voluminous bun, with a few loose strands left to frame the face. The headband, decorated with snowflakes, berries, and greenery, sits just behind the hairline and adds instant Christmas glamour. This style works best on medium to long hair and pairs beautifully with a velvet dress in deep red or green. To achieve the volume, backcomb the crown lightly before pinning, and use strong pins to keep the updo secure through hours of dancing. The headband does most of the decorative work, so you can keep your jewelry simple. It is a confident, elegant look that photographs beautifully under party lights.

Bubble Braid With a Red Bow

A bubble braid tied with a bold red bow is a modern holiday hairstyle that feels fresh and fun. The top section is braided back from the temples, then joined into a ponytail that is sectioned into rounded bubbles with small red elastics. The effect is playful and eye-catching, especially against a backdrop of Christmas lights, and the large satin bow at the top ties the whole look to the season. This style works well on long, thick hair, since the bubbles need volume to hold their shape, but you can gently pull each section apart to create fullness. It is a great choice for a Christmas party where you want to stand out without spending hours styling. Pair it with a simple green top and minimal jewelry, and let the braid be the focal point. It is festive, youthful, and full of personality.

Side Braid With a Satin Bow

A sleek side braid finished with a deep red satin bow is holiday elegance at its simplest. The braid is smooth and polished, running from the temple down one side before falling into soft, straight waves. The large bow, tied at the point where the braid meets the loose hair, adds a luxurious pop of color that elevates the entire look. This hairstyle is perfect for a formal dinner or a New Year’s celebration, especially when paired with a strapless dress and classic red lipstick. To recreate it, keep the braid neat rather than messy, and use a smoothing serum to control flyaways. The bow should be generous in size, since a small ribbon can get lost in long hair. This is a timeless style that never feels dated, and it suits almost every face shape.

Ornament Updo for a Formal Night

An intricate updo decorated with miniature Christmas ornaments is the ultimate statement hairstyle for a formal holiday night. The hair is twisted and pinned into a sculptural bun, with small gold and red baubles nestled into the twists like jewels. The effect is breathtaking, especially when paired with a sparkling evening gown, and it is guaranteed to draw compliments all night. This style requires patience and plenty of pins, so it is best attempted when you have time to spare, or with the help of a friend. Start by creating a textured base with backcombing, then twist and pin sections into place, adding the ornaments last so they sit on the surface. A strong-hold spray is essential, since the style needs to last through dinner, dancing, and midnight celebrations. It is pure holiday magic.

Jeweled Low Updo

A low, textured updo anchored with a large jeweled brooch is a sophisticated choice for a holiday gala. The hair is swept back softly and twisted into a low bun at the nape, with the brooch placed just above it like a piece of jewelry for your hair. Face-framing pieces are left loose to soften the look, and the overall effect is refined rather than severe. This style works beautifully on medium to long hair and pairs perfectly with an off-the-shoulder gown or a classic cocktail dress. To create it, work with slightly dirty hair for better grip, twist sections loosely, and pin as you go rather than trying to perfect each piece. The brooch should be secure but not heavy, since comfort matters over a long evening. It is understated glamour that feels entirely appropriate for the season.

Fishtail Braid With a Red Bow

A fishtail braid tied with a red bow at the nape is a charming holiday hairstyle that balances intricacy with simplicity. The fishtail itself is neat and detailed, running down the center of the back before ending in a soft, low bun, and the red satin bow adds a festive finishing touch. This style works well for a Christmas gathering where you want to look polished without appearing overdressed, and it pairs beautifully with a cozy white sweater. Fishtail braids take a little practice, since they involve crossing small sections alternately, but the result is worth the effort. Keep the braid slightly loose for a romantic feel, and tie the bow over the elastic to hide it completely. A few soft waves around the face will complete the look. It is a classic with a holiday twist.

Braided Updo With Holly and Pearls

A braided updo decorated with holly, berries, and pearl pins is a luxurious holiday hairstyle for a truly special occasion. The hair is braided and coiled into a low, textured bun, with the accessories woven through the braids so they peek out from different angles. The combination of greenery, red berries, and pearls feels rich and festive, especially when paired with a deep red velvet dress and a feathered collar. This style is ideal for a Christmas ball or a formal family portrait, since it looks stunning from the side and the back. Building it takes time, so start with a good base of texture and pin each section securely before adding accessories. The finished look is ornate but not overwhelming, and it captures the magic of the season in a single hairstyle.

Low Bun With a Holly Sprig

A simple low bun decorated with a fresh holly sprig is proof that holiday hair does not need to be complicated to be beautiful. The hair is swept back smoothly and twisted into a neat bun at the nape, and a small sprig of holly with red berries is tucked into the side. The contrast between the sleek bun and the natural greenery is striking, and the style works for everything from a quiet Christmas dinner to a more formal celebration. It suits almost every hair type, since the bun itself is forgiving, and it keeps hair completely out of the way. To recreate it, use a smoothing brush and a strong elastic, then pin the holly securely so it does not slip. A plain white or cream top lets the hairstyle shine. It is minimal, elegant, and perfectly seasonal.

Braided Low Bun

A braided low bun is a versatile holiday hairstyle that looks polished from every angle. The hair is divided into sections, braided loosely, and then coiled together at the nape into a soft, textured bun. A hand adjusting the final pin in the photo is a reminder that this style is best finished with a little fussing, pulling gently at the braids to create fullness and a slightly undone feel. This look works for a holiday office party, a dinner with friends, or a family gathering, and it pairs well with a deep burgundy or plum top. It is also practical, since the bun stays secure for hours and keeps hair off your neck. Use clear elastics and plenty of pins, and finish with a flexible spray. The result is a hairstyle that feels both relaxed and refined, which is exactly right for the holidays.

Twisted Low Bun

A twisted low bun is the easiest elegant holiday hairstyle in this guide, and sometimes the simplest choice is the best one. The hair is swept back, twisted loosely, and pinned into a soft bun at the nape, with a few gentle waves left to frame the nape and ears. There are no accessories, no braids, and no fuss, yet the finished look feels intentional and polished. This style is perfect for a last-minute invitation, when you need to look put together in under ten minutes, and it works on a wide range of hair lengths and textures. A light texturizing spray before twisting will help the bun hold its shape, and a few pins placed in a crisscross pattern will keep it secure. Pair it with a soft sweater or a simple dress, and you are ready for any holiday occasion.