The holiday season is the perfect excuse to go all out with your hair! Whether you’re heading to a cozy Christmas dinner, an office party, or a glamorous New Year’s Eve celebration, the right hairstyle can make you feel instantly festive and confident.
From elegant updos with a hint of sparkle to soft curls and effortless braids, holiday hair is all about mixing glamour and fun. The best part? You don’t need to be a pro stylist — with just a few pins, accessories, and a touch of creativity, you can create show-stopping looks right at home.
So grab your curling wand, a bit of hairspray, and maybe a glittery clip or two — here are 10 festive holiday hairstyles that will make you shine brighter than the Christmas lights this season!
1- Sparkling Low Bun – Elegant & Effortless
If you want to look sophisticated yet timeless this holiday season, a sparkling low bun is your go-to. Gather your hair into a sleek or slightly messy low bun and add a touch of festive glam with rhinestone pins, pearl clips, or a glittery barrette.
This style pairs beautifully with statement earrings or an off-shoulder dress, making it ideal for Christmas dinners or New Year’s Eve parties. It’s polished, easy to create, and stays in place all night long — even through all the dancing and photos!
Styling Tip: Lightly twist your hair before pinning to add subtle texture, then mist with shine spray for that party-ready glow.
2- Glamorous Hollywood Waves – Classic & Stunning
Nothing says “holiday glam” quite like Hollywood waves. These soft, shiny, vintage-inspired curls are perfect for Christmas parties or any festive event where you want to make a statement.
To achieve this look, use a large-barrel curling iron or hot rollers to create uniform curls, then gently brush them out for smooth, flowing waves. Add a deep side part for extra drama and a touch of old-Hollywood elegance.
Styling Tip: Finish with a shine serum or light-hold hairspray to lock in that glossy, red-carpet-worthy finish.
3- Festive Braided Crown – Whimsical & Romantic
The braided crown is the perfect mix of festive and feminine — ideal for cozy Christmas dinners or winter weddings. This style wraps your hair like a delicate halo, instantly making you look put-together and holiday-ready.
To create it, braid two sections of hair from each side and cross them over the top of your head, securing with bobby pins. You can make it sleek and polished or go for a soft, slightly undone version with a few loose strands for a romantic touch.
Styling Tip: Add small pearl pins, gold clips, or even a sparkly hair vine for a magical, fairy-tale holiday finish.
4- Half-Up Twisted Curls – Soft & Playful
If you love effortless elegance, the half-up twisted curls hairstyle is made for you. It’s flirty, festive, and incredibly easy to style — just curl your hair loosely, take two small sections from the front, twist them back, and secure with a sparkly clip or barrette.
This hairstyle gives your curls a beautiful shape while keeping your hair out of your face, making it ideal for holiday brunches, family gatherings, or a romantic winter date night.
Styling Tip: Use a curling wand for loose waves, then finish with a glitter-infused hair spray or decorative clip for a festive touch.
5- Sleek High Ponytail – Modern & Chic
For a bold, confident holiday look, go for the sleek high ponytail. It’s minimal, powerful, and perfect for showing off your makeup, earrings, or party dress neckline. This style works beautifully for Christmas cocktails, office parties, or New Year’s celebrations.
To create it, straighten your hair for a smooth finish, then pull it up high and secure with a hair tie. Wrap a small strand around the base to conceal the elastic and elevate the look instantly.
Styling Tip: Apply a touch of serum or styling gel to smooth flyaways and add mirror-like shine for a sleek, red-carpet effect.
6- Twisted Low Chignon – Classic Holiday Glam
The twisted low chignon is a timeless choice for anyone aiming for elegance this festive season. Gather your hair at the nape, twist sections gently, and pin them into a low bun. This style works for both casual and formal holiday events, giving a sophisticated yet effortless look.
You can leave a few face-framing strands loose for softness, or keep it sleek for a more refined appearance. Add a decorative pin or jeweled clip for an instant holiday sparkle.
Styling Tip: Spray a light-hold hairspray to ensure your chignon stays intact throughout parties and dinners.
7- Side-Swept Curls – Romantic & Festive
For a glamorous yet approachable holiday look, side-swept curls are perfect. Curl your hair into loose, voluminous waves and sweep them to one side, securing with a decorative clip or small pins. This style creates a soft, romantic silhouette that works beautifully with dresses or off-shoulder holiday outfits.
It’s ideal for Christmas parties, winter weddings, or festive photo sessions, adding elegance and drama without being over the top.
Styling Tip: Apply a shine spray and gently backcomb the crown for extra volume that lasts all evening.
8- Glittery Half-Up Ponytail – Fun & Festive
Add some sparkle to your holiday look with a glittery half-up ponytail. Pull the top section of your hair into a ponytail, leaving the rest loose in soft waves or curls, and secure it with a hair tie or clip adorned with glitter, pearls, or festive accents.
This playful yet chic hairstyle is perfect for Christmas office parties, casual gatherings, or New Year’s celebrations. It’s easy to do, fun to accessorize, and instantly makes your look feel holiday-ready.
Styling Tip: Lightly tease the crown before securing for extra volume and a more dramatic effect.
9- Braided Side Ponytail – Chic & Festive
The braided side ponytail is a stylish twist on a classic look. Gather your hair into a low side ponytail, then braid a section of it loosely or wrap a small braid around the base for added detail. This hairstyle works beautifully for long or medium-length hair and adds an elegant, festive touch.
It’s perfect for casual holiday brunches, office parties, or cozy Christmas gatherings. Pair it with subtle hair accessories like pearls, metallic clips, or tiny festive ornaments for extra charm.
Styling Tip: Pull a few face-framing strands loose to soften the look and create a more relaxed, effortless vibe.
10- Twisted Sparkle Updo – Show-Stopping & Glamorous
For a bold, party-ready look, try a twisted sparkle updo. Twist sections of your hair and pin them into a voluminous updo, then add glittery or jeweled pins for a truly festive touch. This style is perfect for Christmas galas, New Year’s Eve parties, or any celebration where you want to turn heads.
It works on all hair types and lengths (with some extensions if needed) and keeps your hair secure throughout the night while looking effortlessly glamorous.
Styling Tip: Use a strong-hold hairspray and secure pins carefully to maintain the updo, while adding subtle shine spray for extra sparkle.
Final Thoughts
The holiday season is all about sparkle, fun, and feeling your best — and your hair should match that festive spirit! From elegant updos to playful half-up styles, curls, and braided looks, these 10 festive hairstyles make it easy to stand out at every Christmas party or holiday gathering.
The secret is combining simplicity with statement touches: a glittery pin, soft curls, or a chic twist can instantly elevate your look. These hairstyles are versatile, easy to adapt for different hair types, and perfect for creating those Instagram-worthy holiday moments.
So go ahead, embrace the holiday magic, add a touch of sparkle, and let your hair shine just as bright as the season!
