The holiday season is the best excuse of the year to play with your hair. Between Christmas parties, family dinners and New Year’s Eve, you need looks that feel festive without taking hours in the mirror. These 30 dazzling holiday hairstyles cover every length and mood — polished updos, romantic braids, glossy waves and the accessories that make them party-ready. Every look is paired with real styling advice, so you can recreate it at home or take the details straight to your stylist. Whether you love polished updos or relaxed waves, these holiday hairstyles will carry you through every party on your calendar. Pin this collection of holiday hairstyles and try a new one of these holiday hairstyles at each celebration.
1. Elegant Low Chignon with Pearl Pins
A low chignon is the quiet-luxury answer to holiday dressing. The hair is swept into a smooth, low bun at the nape, and delicate pearl pins are scattered through it like snowflakes. It reads expensive, photographs beautifully and never fights with a statement necklace.
Best for: Black-tie Christmas dinners, weddings during the season, formal office parties.
Styling: Blow-dry smooth, create a low ponytail, twist into a bun and pin. Finish with a flexible-hold spray, then insert pearl pins while the hair is still slightly pliable.
Ask your stylist: A softly twisted (not tight) chignon with a few face-framing pieces for a modern finish.
2. Sleek Low Ponytail with Velvet Ribbon
Nothing says holidays faster than velvet. A glassy, center-parted low ponytail tied with a wide velvet ribbon is effortless, romantic and endlessly photogenic. It works with every outfit from a slip dress to an oversized blazer.
Best for: Cocktail parties, dinner dates, office celebrations.
Styling: Flat-iron for mirror shine, secure at the nape with an elastic, then wrap the base with hair and tie a velvet ribbon in a bow. A drop of serum tames flyaways.
Ask your stylist: A keratin-smoothing blowout beforehand so the ponytail stays sleek all night.
3. High Ponytail with a Red Velvet Ribbon
Take the classic high pony and give it a festive upgrade. A red velvet ribbon wrapped at the base turns a simple ponytail into a holiday statement — playful, pretty and perfect for long hair that needs to stay off your face on the dance floor.
Best for: New Year’s Eve, girls’ night out, casual holiday gatherings.
Styling: Tease the crown slightly for lift, secure high, wrap the ribbon and let the ends trail. Curl the tail ends for extra movement.
Ask your stylist: Face-framing layers so the high placement flatters your face shape.
4. Half-Up Twisted Crown
Two twisted sections pulled back from the temples create a soft crown effect while the rest of the hair flows free. Add tiny snowflake or star pins and it becomes instantly festive — romantic without trying too hard.
Best for: Family Christmas brunch, daytime parties, church services.
Styling: Twist one-inch sections from each temple, bring them to the back, secure with pins, then hide the join with a decorative clip. Works on straight, wavy or curly hair.
Ask your stylist: Texturizing spray at the roots so the twists grip instead of slipping.
5. Braided Half-Up Crown
Swap the twists for braids and the crown gets a boho upgrade. Two loose three-strand braids meet at the back under a sparkly clip, while soft curls fall below. It is one of the most versatile holiday hairstyles because it suits every hair texture.
Best for: Holiday photoshoots, engagement parties, winter weddings.
Styling: Braid loosely (pancake the braids for fullness), join at the back with a clear elastic, cover it with a jeweled barrette, and curl the remaining hair.
Ask your stylist: Balayage or highlights — braids show off dimensional color beautifully.
6. Side Fishtail Braid
A fishtail swept over one shoulder looks intricate but is surprisingly simple once you learn the rhythm. Draped to the side, it shows off the braid’s detail and pairs beautifully with off-shoulder holiday dresses.
Best for: Evening parties, date nights, festive dinners.
Styling: Sweep hair to one side, fishtail loosely from mid-length down, then gently pull the edges for a fuller, softer braid. Secure with a clear elastic.
Ask your stylist: A few face-framing layers so the side sweep feels intentional, not accidental.
7. Glitter-Pinned Elegant Bun
A classic smooth bun becomes party-ready with glittery or rhinestone pins. The base stays timeless — sleek, polished, tucked — while the sparkle does the festive talking. Minimal effort, maximum holiday energy.
Best for: Work Christmas parties, formal dinners, last-minute invites.
Styling: Slick hair into a neat bun (donut or twisted), then place glitter pins in a cluster or scattered pattern. Hairspray everything into place.
Ask your stylist: A clean center or side part to keep the sleek base sharp.
8. Soft Hollywood Waves
Old-Hollywood waves never miss at a holiday party. Deep, glossy waves with a defined side part bring instant glamour to any outfit and look stunning in photos. This is the red-carpet standard for a reason.
Best for: Black-tie events, New Year’s Eve, engagement parties.
Styling: Curl in the same direction with a 1.25-inch iron, brush out gently for soft waves, set the part with a clip while cooling, and finish with shine spray.
Ask your stylist: A fresh gloss treatment so the waves catch every bit of light.
9. Deep Side Part with a Sparkly Clip
Sometimes one accessory changes everything. A deep side part swept smooth, finished with a single rhinestone or crystal clip, is the easiest of all holiday hairstyles — five minutes, one clip, done.
Best for: Last-minute plans, office parties, low-effort glam days.
Styling: Create a deep side part, smooth the heavier side back, and pin a sparkly star or rhinestone clip at the temple. A dab of gel keeps the part crisp.
Ask your stylist: Long layers that fall naturally into a deep part.
10. Curly Updo with Gold Accessories
Natural curls piled into a soft updo with gold cuffs, pins or a gold chain headpiece are pure holiday magic. The texture does the work; the gold adds the celebration. No heat, no fuss, all glamour.
Best for: Curly and coily hair, festive family events, New Year’s parties.
Styling: Refresh curls with a light cream, gather loosely into a high puff or pinned updo, and thread gold cuffs onto a few curls. Keep edges soft.
Ask your stylist: A shape-up or trim beforehand so the updo silhouette stays clean.
11. Messy Bun with a Festive Barrette
The beloved messy bun, holiday edition. Gathered loosely at the crown or nape with strands left to fall, then anchored with a velvet or jeweled barrette — it is the perfect balance of cozy and celebratory.
Best for: Casual Christmas gatherings, travel days, cozy party nights.
Styling: Flip your head, gather loosely, twist into a bun and pin. Pull out a few pieces around the face, then slide the barrette above or below the bun.
Ask your stylist: Nothing needed — this one thrives on second-day hair.
12. Twisted Formal Updo
Multiple twisted sections swept up and pinned create a textured, sculptural updo that looks like it took an hour but takes twenty minutes. Every twist catches the light differently, which makes it ideal for evening events.
Best for: Formal holiday galas, winter weddings, milestone celebrations.
Styling: Divide hair into sections, twist each and pin into place, working from the nape up. Leave a few soft tendrils out. Strong-hold spray is essential.
Ask your stylist: An updo trial before the event if it is for a wedding.
13. Classic French Twist
The French twist is the little black dress of holiday hairstyles. Sleek, sculptural and timeless, it flatters every face shape and stays put through dinner, dancing and midnight toasts.
Best for: Elegant Christmas Eve dinners, theater nights, formal receptions.
Styling: Gather hair to one side, twist upward along the back of the head, tuck the ends in and secure with long pins. Smooth the surface with a brush and spray.
Ask your stylist: A clean, pin-free finish with the twist placed high for a modern feel.
14. Sleek High Bun
A sleek high bun is the definition of polished holiday style. Sitting high at the crown, it elongates the neck, shows off your earrings and makeup, and stays put from the first toast to the last dance. Keep the surface glassy-smooth and leave a few soft strands around the face for a modern finish.
Best for: Formal holiday parties, winter weddings, New Year’s Eve.
Styling: Brush hair up into a high ponytail, twist into a neat bun and pin. Smooth with a boar-bristle brush and light pomade; wrap a gold cuff or jeweled pin at the base for a festive touch.
Ask your stylist: A snatched, seamless base with no bumps — the smoother the better.
15. Bubble Ponytail with Ribbon
The bubble ponytail is fun, youthful and surprisingly elegant when dressed up. Sections puffed between elastics, finished with a satin or velvet ribbon, make it holiday-appropriate in seconds.
Best for: Holiday brunches, themed parties, playful evening looks.
Styling: Secure a ponytail, add elastics every two inches, gently tug each section to puff it, then tie a ribbon at the base or between bubbles.
Ask your stylist: Long layers that keep each bubble full and even.
16. Dutch Braid Half-Up
A Dutch braid (the braid that pops outward) running from the crown into loose hair gives you texture on top and movement below. It is sporty-glam and holds beautifully through a whole evening.
Best for: Outdoor holiday markets, long event days, active celebrations.
Styling: Dutch-braid from the hairline to the crown, secure, then blend into the loose hair. Pancake the braid for extra dimension.
Ask your stylist: Face-framing pieces left out to soften the look.
17. Milkmaid Braid Crown
Two braids wrapped over the head like a crown are pure storybook holiday. Romantic, feminine and completely heat-free, the milkmaid crown photographs like a dream and works beautifully with festive headbands or pins.
Best for: Christmas morning, winter photoshoots, romantic dinners.
Styling: Part down the middle, braid each side, cross them over the top and pin the ends under. Keep braids loose for softness.
Ask your stylist: Nothing — but dry shampoo at the roots helps the braids grip.
18. Sleek Straight Hair with a Sparkly Headband
Glass hair plus a jeweled headband is the easiest glam of the season. Flat-iron to a mirror finish, place a sparkly headband, and you are done — it looks deliberate and expensive with almost zero effort.
Best for: Office parties, dinners, days when you want glam without styling.
Styling: Flat-iron in small sections with heat protectant, add shine serum, then position the headband. Tuck or leave hair behind the ears as you like.
Ask your stylist: A blunt, healthy trim so the straight finish looks razor-sharp.
19. Voluminous Curls with a Side Clip
Big, bouncy curls pinned back on one side with a statement clip are festive, fun and full of movement. The asymmetry keeps it modern while the clip adds the holiday sparkle.
Best for: Cocktail parties, holiday concerts, New Year’s Eve.
Styling: Curl with a 1-inch iron, let cool completely, shake out for volume, then sweep one side back and clip. Tease the crown for extra lift.
Ask your stylist: Long layers to help curls stack and bounce.
20. Rope Braid Updo
A rope braid (two sections twisted together) coiled into an updo has a beautiful twisted texture that catches light from every angle. It is sturdier than a regular braid and looks wonderfully festive with pearl or gold pins.
Best for: Formal dinners, holiday weddings, evening receptions.
Styling: Rope-braid the length, coil it into a low bun, pin securely, and add pearl pins along the coil. Finish with strong-hold spray.
Ask your stylist: A trial run — rope tension takes one practice to perfect.
21. Middle-Part Low Chignon
A center part with a smooth low chignon is the minimalist’s holiday answer. Clean lines, perfect symmetry and total elegance — it lets your makeup and outfit take center stage while your hair stays flawless.
Best for: Minimalist dressers, gallery events, elegant dinners.
Styling: Part precisely down the middle, smooth into a low ponytail, twist into a neat chignon and pin. A fine-tooth comb keeps the part razor-sharp.
Ask your stylist: A smoothing blowout so the center part lies perfectly flat.
22. Textured Low Ponytail
Not all ponytails are sleek — this one is full of texture and volume. A low ponytail with tousled, piece-y texture feels modern and effortless, and a wrapped base keeps it polished enough for parties.
Best for: Holiday dinners, semi-formal events, long hair that needs a break from updos.
Styling: Add texture spray and loose waves, gather low, wrap a section of hair around the elastic, and tease the tail for fullness.
Ask your stylist: Face-framing layers that move with the texture.
23. Ribbon Bow Half-Up
A half-up style finished with an oversized ribbon bow is the sweetest holiday look on this list. Romantic and a little nostalgic, it works on straight, wavy or curly hair and takes five minutes.
Best for: Christmas parties, holiday dates, festive family photos.
Styling: Pull the top half back, secure with an elastic, then tie a wide satin or velvet ribbon into a generous bow over the elastic. Curl the ends.
Ask your stylist: Nothing needed — this is a DIY-friendly favorite.
24. Glam Beehive Updo
Channel vintage glamour with a modern beehive. Volume at the crown, smooth sides and a polished finish make this a showstopper for the boldest nights of the season — pure New Year’s Eve energy.
Best for: New Year’s Eve, themed parties, retro-lovers.
Styling: Tease the crown heavily, smooth the top layer over, pin the sides up and finish with a strong-hold spray. A jeweled clip at the base adds holiday flair.
Ask your stylist: Padding or extensions if your hair is fine — beehives love extra volume.
25. Wavy Bob with Festive Pins
Short hair gets its holiday moment too. A wavy bob with a few glittery or pearl pins on one side is chic, modern and proof that you do not need long hair for festive styling.
Best for: Short-haired women, cocktail parties, minimalist glam.
Styling: Wave with a flat iron or small wand, tousle for texture, then place 2–3 pins in a cluster above one ear.
Ask your stylist: A fresh bob trim so the shape stays crisp under the waves.
26. Sleek Low Bun
Understated and always appropriate, the sleek low bun is holiday elegance at its simplest. Pulled smooth and secured at the nape, it pairs with everything from cocktail dresses to cozy knits — and it is the perfect base for pearl pins or a pearl headband when you want more sparkle.
Best for: Formal events, church services, elegant family dinners.
Styling: Part down the middle or to the side, slick back with gel, twist into a neat low bun and secure. Add a pearl headband or scatter pearl pins for instant holiday polish; finish with shine spray.
Ask your stylist: A glass-smooth finish with the bun placed right at the nape for a classic silhouette.
27. Festive Long Waves
Sometimes the holiday look is simply your best hair, amplified. Long, glossy waves with extra volume and shine need no accessories — just healthy hair and a great blowout.
Best for: Every holiday occasion, photo-heavy events, low-maintenance glam.
Styling: Blow out with a round brush for volume, add loose waves with a large iron, brush through for softness and finish with shine spray.
Ask your stylist: A gloss or glaze treatment for that mirror-like holiday shine.
28. Holiday Party Waves
Tousled, touchable waves with a deep side part and one side tucked behind the ear — effortless party hair that looks like you woke up glamorous. Add a sparkly earring and you are done.
Best for: Casual-chic parties, holiday travel, dinner with friends.
Styling: Curl loosely, let cool, run fingers through, create a deep side part and tuck one side back. Texturizing spray keeps it lived-in.
Ask your stylist: Long layers for movement that photographs well.
29. Braided Low Bun
A low bun wrapped with a braid (or built from braided sections) combines two holiday favorites in one. The braided detail adds interest to a classic silhouette — elegant from every angle.
Best for: Winter weddings, formal parties, anyone bored of plain buns.
Styling: Braid a section from each side, join into a low ponytail, twist into a bun and wrap the braids around the base. Pin and spray.
Ask your stylist: A slightly undone finish — pulled-apart braids look more festive than tight ones.
30. Elegant Twisted Bun
Multiple twisted sections coiled into a low bun create a rich, textured finish that looks intricate from behind. Add a few gold or pearl pins and this quiet style becomes full holiday glamour.
Best for: Black-tie events, Christmas Eve, sophisticated celebrations.
Styling: Divide the ponytail into sections, twist each, coil and pin into a bun shape. Keep twists soft and airy, then add pins and strong-hold spray.
Ask your stylist: Soft, face-framing tendrils left out to keep it romantic.
How to Keep Holiday Hairstyles Looking Fresh All Night
Holiday hair has to survive dinner, hugs, photos and the dance floor. A few prep rules make every look on this list last longer: start with day-old (not freshly washed) hair for updos and braids — it grips better. Use a heat protectant before any hot tool, and let curls cool completely before touching them. Pack a mini emergency kit: two bobby pins, a clear elastic and a travel hairspray. For outdoor events, an anti-humidity spray keeps frizz away, and for fine hair, dry shampoo at the roots before styling adds the grip and volume that hold everything in place. With the right prep, these holiday hairstyles stay flawless from the first photo to the last dance.
FAQs
What are the easiest holiday hairstyles for beginners?
The ribbon bow half-up, a sleek ponytail with a velvet ribbon, and a deep side part with a sparkly clip all take under ten minutes and need no special skills — just an accessory and a brush. These easy holiday hairstyles take just minutes to create.
Which holiday hairstyles work for short hair?
A wavy bob with festive pins, a sleek bun with a pearl headband, and soft Hollywood waves (on a lob) all flatter short hair. Accessories do the heavy lifting when length is limited.
How do I make my holiday hairstyle last all evening?
Start with second-day hair for grip, use the right products (texture spray for updos, heat protectant for hot tools), let curls cool before touching, and finish with a strong-hold hairspray. Carry spare pins for touch-ups.
What accessories instantly make a hairstyle look festive?
Velvet ribbons, pearl pins, rhinestone clips, gold cuffs and jeweled headbands. One well-chosen accessory can turn an everyday style into a holiday hairstyle in seconds.
Are holiday hairstyles different from Christmas hairstyles?
They overlap heavily — “holiday hairstyles” is the broader term covering Christmas, New Year, Hanukkah and general winter-party looks, while Christmas hairstyles lean more toward themed, red-and-green styling. Most looks on this list work for every December occasion.
Can I do these holiday hairstyles on curly or coily hair?
Absolutely. The curly updo with gold accessories, high ponytails, top knots and textured buns all celebrate natural texture. Many braided and twisted styles actually hold better on curly hair.
Final Thoughts
Great holiday hairstyles are not about complexity — they are about the right details. A velvet ribbon, a scatter of pearl pins or a single rhinestone clip can turn your everyday hair into something celebration-worthy. Pick the look that matches your evening, your outfit and your mood, prep with the right products, and enjoy every party knowing your hair looks as festive as you feel. Save this guide for the season — and try a new one at every gathering. Pick one of these holiday hairstyles for your next event and own every room you walk into.
From Christmas parties to New Year celebrations, these holiday hairstyles cover every festive occasion. Find more inspiration at https://stylevizo.com/ and explore classic styling history at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hairstyle.
