23 Christmas Hairstyles for Kids for Holiday Fun

Christmas morning is here, your child is already excited, and somehow the hair still needs doing. Christmas hairstyles for kids can make that rushed moment much easier while bringing a fun holiday touch to their outfit.

This collection brings together festive braids, playful pigtails, bows, buns, twists, and creative Christmas shapes for different hair lengths and textures. Whether you need something quick before a school party or a detailed style for family photos, you will find ideas that can fit the occasion.

From practical styling details to colorful holiday accessories, each idea focuses on keeping children comfortable while making their hair special. You can choose a simple style for a busy morning or save a more detailed design for a Christmas event. Keep scrolling to find a hairstyle your child will be excited to wear.

1. Starry Christmas Side Pony

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 Christmas morning has enough jobs already, from finding missing socks to getting everyone out the door on time. A braided pony keeps the hairstyle simple, while one bold red bow gives it the holiday touch without needing several accessories.

Gather the hair into a ponytail and braid the length before securing the end. Position the bow where the braid begins so it stays visible from the front and does not disappear beneath the ponytail.

Fine or slippery hair can make bows shift during the day, so secure the ponytail first with a small coated elastic. Keep the upper braid firm and allow the lower section some room to move for a more comfortable finish.

2. Candy Cane Holiday Braid

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You finally get your child ready for the Christmas photos, then she starts playing before you even pick up the camera. Loose waves keep the hair relaxed, while the little Christmas tree detail makes the hairstyle special without covering her whole head.

Keep the lengths in loose waves and shape the decorated section near the front into a small tree. Green details can form the branches, with tiny red and gold pieces placed through the design like little ornaments.

For younger children, heatless waves are a useful choice when you want to skip hot tools. Twist slightly damp sections before bedtime, let the hair dry fully, and separate the waves gently with your fingers the next morning.

Read More : 24 Christmas Hairstyles for Women With Festive Charm

3. Festive Ribbon Bubble Pigtails

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When a child wants to choose her own Christmas accessories, saying no to every extra bow can turn getting ready into a negotiation. Bubble pigtails give her plenty to enjoy, while colorful ribbons make the hairstyle part of the holiday fun.

Part the hair down the center and make two matching pigtails. Add small elastics along each length, gently separating the sections to form rounded bubbles, then tie festive ribbons around a few of them.

Keep enough space between the elastics for each bubble to round out properly. Red, green, and white ribbons can be mixed together, or you can match one shade to the child’s outfit for a more coordinated Christmas party hairstyle.

4. Sparkling Christmas Tree Waves

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 That frantic few minutes before a school Christmas party can make even simple hair feel like another task on the list. A candy cane braid keeps the lengths together while bringing a clear festive detail into the hairstyle.

Work the hair into a defined braid and weave red and white pieces through selected sections. Keeping the colors separated helps the candy cane pattern show clearly, especially when the braid rests over one shoulder.

For hair that slips easily, slightly textured sections can give the braid better grip before you begin. Keep the first few sections secure, then allow the lower part to relax slightly so the braid does not look overly tight.

5. Red Bow Braided Pony

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 Christmas morning can turn chaotic fast when your child is already dressed, excited, and ready to disappear before you finish her hair. A side pony keeps things manageable while tiny stars and holiday colors make the hairstyle special enough for the day.

Sweep the hair toward one side and secure the ponytail around ear level, leaving the length free behind the shoulder. Place small star details near the side section, then use red and green accents to bring in the Christmas theme without covering the ponytail.

For younger children, keep the base secure without pulling hard around the temple. A covered elastic and lightweight decorations are more comfortable for school parties, family pictures, and hours of holiday play.

6. Candy Cane Braided Buns

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 A Christmas concert means your child may sit for pictures one minute and race around with friends the next. Braided buns keep the hair away from the face and shoulders, while red and white details turn the hairstyle into a playful candy cane design.

Split the hair into two even sections and braid both sides before wrapping them into buns. Keep the buns high enough to show clearly, then weave the candy cane colors through selected braid sections.

Clean parting makes a noticeable difference here. Start both sides from matching points and keep the first part of each braid close to the scalp, especially with thicker hair, so the finished buns stay balanced and secure.

7. Snowy Candy Cane Crown

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You have everything ready for the Christmas party, then your child announces she wants her hair to be extra festive too. A candy cane crown brings that holiday detail around the head, so the hairstyle stands out without needing a pile of accessories.

Work the braid around the head and weave red and white details through selected sections. Add small snowy accents around the braid, keeping the crown itself as the main feature rather than covering it with decorations.

Keep the braid close to the head while avoiding tight tension around the hairline. For finer hair, gently loosen the outer edge once the braid is secure. That can make the crown appear fuller without pulling the roots harder.

8. Mini Christmas Tree Braid

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 Some kids want their Christmas hair to match the decorations they have been watching you put on the tree all week. A tiny tree shaped braid gives them that festive connection while keeping the rest of the hairstyle simple.

Shape the braid into a small Christmas tree, using green sections for the branches and tiny colorful details as ornaments. A little star at the top completes the design and makes the theme easy to recognize from the back.

9. Double Bow Braided Pony

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 Family photos sound easy until someone cannot find a shoe, another child needs help with their coat, and you notice flyaways at the last minute. A braided pony with two bows gives you a festive hairstyle without requiring another complicated step.

Gather the hair into a ponytail and braid the length. Place one bow near the base and another farther down the braid, keeping both similar in size so they sit neatly along the same line.

If the hair is silky, gently roughen the ponytail with your fingers before braiding. That extra grip can help the sections hold together, while the bows provide the Christmas detail without needing glitter or extra clips.

10. Emerald Glitter Bubble Buns

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 The moment glitter comes out, some kids want it everywhere, especially when a Christmas party is coming up. These bubble buns give that excitement somewhere to go, with emerald details bringing a rich holiday color into the hairstyle.

Split the hair into two sections and turn each side into a bubble ponytail before wrapping the lengths into buns. Place small green decorations around selected bubbles so the color stands out without covering the rounded sections.

Keep the bubbles similar in size as you work downward. For fine or wispy hair, smooth a small amount of styling cream between your palms before shaping each section. That can help control flyaways without making the hair stiff.

11. Wrapped Gift Box Braids

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 A child who spends Christmas morning opening presents may be just as excited to find a hairstyle that looks like one. Gift box braids bring ribbons, bows, and holiday colors together in a design that stands out from ordinary braids.

Divide the hair into planned sections before starting, then braid across them so the lines resemble the shape of a wrapped present. Red and green details can cross through the design, with small bows placed where the sections meet.

Clean sectioning matters more here than rushing through the braids. Map the design first, because the gift box effect depends on the lines meeting in the right places. This is one hairstyle where taking an extra minute at the beginning can save time later.

12. Santa Hat Twisted Bun

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 If your child has a Christmas event straight after school, there may be no time to take down one hairstyle and start another. A twisted bun keeps the hair gathered while the red and white details turn it into a playful Santa hat design.

Twist the hair upward and form a compact bun, then place the red and white details so the shape resembles Santa’s familiar hat. Keep the white section visible near the edge so the idea reads clearly from the front.

For longer or heavier hair, use crossed pins underneath the bun instead of depending on one elastic. Anchoring the base from more than one direction helps support the weight while keeping the outer shape neat.

13. Red Ribbon Braided Crown

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 You know that moment when your child wants festive hair, but sitting still for a complicated hairstyle is already asking too much? A braided crown keeps the hair gathered around the head while the red ribbon brings in the Christmas color without making the process feel endless.

Follow the braid around the head and weave the ribbon through selected sections as you go. Let the ribbon become part of the braid rather than simply tying it on top, so the crown has one clear design from front to back.

Keep the braid close to the scalp without pulling around the hairline. When you reach the end, tuck the ribbon underneath the braid and secure it there. This keeps the finishing point less bulky and helps the crown sit comfortably.

14. Festive Tree Half Updo

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 Christmas picture day can arrive before you realize it, and sometimes you want the hair down instead of pulling everything into a ponytail. This half updo keeps the lengths loose while placing a small festive tree at the center.

Gather only the upper section and shape it into the tree inspired design. Green details can form the branches, with small decorations placed through the shape while the remaining hair hangs freely below.

15. Snowflake Twist Pigtails

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 Cold weather, coats, scarves, and a full day of Christmas activities can make loose hair annoying for a child. Twisted pigtails keep the sides gathered, while snowflake details bring a winter theme into the hairstyle without requiring elaborate braiding.

Separate the hair evenly and twist both sections into pigtails, keeping the twists visible from the front. White and silver decorations can sit along each side, giving the hairstyle its snowy character while leaving the twists easy to see.

Before securing the finished pigtails, check the area behind the ears. Children can become uncomfortable when that section is pulled too tightly, so a secure but comfortable base matters when the hairstyle needs to last through several activities.

16. Crimson Bow Bubble Tails

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 Some kids want one bold Christmas detail rather than ribbons, glitter, and decorations everywhere. These bubble tails keep the hairstyle playful while giving the large crimson bows enough space to stand out on their own.

Divide the hair into two sections and secure each side into a ponytail. Add small elastics down each length, gently pulling the sections outward to form rounded bubbles before placing the larger bows at the top.

Keep the bubbles close in size from one section to the next. If one side becomes tighter, loosen that section slightly instead of adding another elastic. This helps both tails sit evenly while keeping the hairstyle comfortable.

17. Glitter Sprinkle Side Pigtails

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 Some children want their Christmas outfit to sparkle from head to toe, and hair is usually part of the plan. Side pigtails give all those tiny glitter details a place to go without turning the entire hairstyle into one large decoration.

Part the hair slightly to one side and secure two low pigtails. Keep the sections loose and playful, then place small glitter pieces and colorful accessories along the sides so the details catch the light as the child moves.

When using glitter around children, placement matters. Keep loose decorative pieces away from the eyes and hairline, and make sure larger accessories are firmly attached before the child starts playing.

18. Green Loop Christmas Heart

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 There is a special moment when a child sees a shape in her hairstyle and immediately wants to show everyone. This green loop heart turns the hair into the holiday design itself, with a clear heart shape that stands out from the back.

Divide the hair into sections and form the loops carefully around the heart outline. Green details trace the main shape, while small red accents near the center bring another Christmas color into the design.

Work one loop at a time and secure each section before moving forward. Keeping the loops close in size helps the heart stay recognizable, while a little space between the sections keeps the design from becoming crowded.

A hairstyle like this works especially well for Christmas cards and family photos because the heart can be seen clearly from behind. It also gives a child something fun to show off when she turns around.

19. Red Bow Heart Tails

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 Christmas morning can bring strong opinions about everything, from the outfit to which bow gets worn. When your child wants to have a say in her holiday hairstyle, these heart shaped tails give her a playful design with bold red bows she can enjoy choosing herself.

Divide the hair into two sections and shape each side into a heart inspired loop before securing the tails underneath. Place the red bows near the upper sections so they remain visible, while the lengths hang freely below.

Keep both sides similar as you form the curves, checking their height before securing them completely. Matching sections help the two heart shapes sit evenly around the face and keep the bows from looking misplaced.

20. Pink Candy Twist Braids

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 If your child reaches for pink ribbons every time you open the accessory box, there is no reason Christmas hair has to stay limited to red and green. These candy inspired twists bring her favorite color into the holiday theme while keeping the hairstyle playful.

Separate the hair into two sections and work each side into a defined braid or twist. Weave pink and white details through selected sections so the colors resemble a sweet candy pattern without hiding the texture of the braids.

For hair that slips easily from twists, start with sections that have a little grip instead of freshly brushed strands. A small amount of styling cream can help hold the sections together while keeping the finished hairstyle comfortable for a child.

21. Candy Cane Loop Pigtails

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You are halfway out the door for a holiday gathering when you realize your child still needs her hair done. These looped pigtails bring a clear Christmas theme to the hairstyle while keeping both sides neatly arranged for the busy day ahead.

Split the hair into two sections and shape each side into connected loops, securing each section with small elastics. Work red and white details through selected loops so the candy cane pattern stays visible without hiding the shape.

Keep the loops close in size on both sides so the hairstyle stays balanced. If the hair is thick, using smaller sections can make each loop easier to control and help the design hold its shape while your child moves around.

22. Snowy Sprinkle Braided Crown

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 Family photo day can be tricky when you want your child’s hair to stand out but still need it kept neatly away from the face. A snowy braided crown brings both ideas together, with white and silver details giving the hairstyle a clear winter touch.

Build the braid around the head and work snowy decorations through selected sections. Keep the white and silver details spaced along the crown so they highlight the braid rather than hide its shape.

If you want a fuller crown, gently loosen the outer edge once the braid is secured. This gives the braid more width without increasing tension at the roots, which can be especially useful when working with finer hair.

23. Sparkle Bow Side Braid

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 When a child has a Christmas party after a full school day, there is usually no time for taking down one hairstyle and starting again. A side braid keeps the hair together while the sparkle bow brings enough holiday detail for the celebration.

Sweep the hair toward one side and braid it over the shoulder, keeping the braid visible from the front. Place the sparkling bow near the upper section so it catches attention without covering the braid itself.

Keep the upper braid secure while allowing the lower section to remain slightly relaxed. That helps it sit comfortably against the shoulder and keeps the bow visible instead of letting it slip underneath the hair.

Easy Christmas Hairstyles for Kids by Hair Type

Choosing from different Christmas hairstyles for kids becomes easier when you think about your child’s hair first. Fine hair can work well with smaller braids, bubble sections, bows, and lightweight decorations. Thick hair often holds braided buns, crowns, and larger sections well. Straight hair can benefit from a little styling cream or textured sections when you need extra grip.

Curly or wavy hair can also be dressed up without brushing out all the texture. Half up styles, decorated pigtails, and side braids can keep the hair comfortable while letting its texture remain visible. For shorter hair, focus on small braids, side sections, clips, ribbons, and festive bows instead of trying to force a complicated hairstyle.

How to Make Christmas Hairstyles for Kids Stay Put

Holiday hairstyles need to survive more than a few pictures. Kids may run around at school parties, wear coats and scarves, play with friends, or spend hours opening presents. A few simple preparation steps can help the hairstyle stay secure without making the hair uncomfortable.

• Detangle the hair before starting.
• Use coated elastics for ponytails and pigtails.
• Avoid pulling tightly around the temples and hairline.
• Use smaller sections when working with thick hair.
• Choose lightweight bows and decorations for younger children.
• Secure ribbons properly so they do not slip during play.
• Check behind the ears for uncomfortable tension.
• Use crossed pins underneath buns when extra support is needed.
• Gently loosen braids after securing them if the hair feels too tight.
• Keep decorative pieces away from the eyes and face.

Christmas Hairstyles for Kids for Different Occasions

Not every holiday event calls for the same hairstyle. A school Christmas party may suit simple pigtails or a colorful braid, while family photos give you more time for a detailed crown, half updo, or decorated design. Thinking about the occasion first can make choosing a hairstyle much easier.

For Christmas morning, quick ponytails, bubble pigtails, and side braids can save time when everyone is already excited and ready to start the day. Christmas concerts may call for braided buns or crowns that keep hair away from the face. For family gatherings and photos, bows, ribbons, waves, and Christmas themed shapes can bring more detail without needing an overly complicated routine.

Quick Christmas Hair Ideas for Busy Mornings

Christmas mornings rarely go exactly according to plan. Between breakfast, presents, outfits, and excited kids, spending a long time on hair may not be realistic. Quick Christmas hairstyles for kids can still have plenty of holiday personality when you focus on one clear detail such as a red bow, festive ribbon, braid, or colorful accessory.

For rushed mornings, choose a hairstyle that does not require complicated sectioning or lots of decorations. A side braid with a festive bow, simple bubble pigtails, or a red ribbon ponytail can take less time while still making your child’s hair ready for the celebration.

• Red bow ponytail
• Side braid with a festive clip
• Ribbon pigtails
• Simple braided bun
• Bubble ponytails
• Half up hairstyle with a Christmas bow
• Side ponytail with holiday accessories
• Simple braid with red and white ribbon

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Conclusion

Christmas hair does not need to be complicated to make a child feel special. These christmas hairstyles for kids offer plenty of ways to turn everyday braids, ponytails, buns, and twists into festive holiday hairstyles.

Save this post on Pinterest so you have the ideas ready when the next Christmas party or family photo day arrives. Pick one style that matches your child’s personality, gather a few ribbons or bows, and give it a try. Share this article with another parent looking for holiday hair inspiration, then save your favorites for the next festive morning.