Soft curls, sparkly clips, and pretty braids make a little girl feel extra special at any holiday gathering. The best Christmas party hairstyles look adorable in photos, stay put through games, and come together without hours of effort.
Below are twenty festive, age-appropriate looks for every hair type, from quick ponytails to charming braided updos, each with simple steps to recreate at home.
Space Buns For Girls
Space buns bring a playful vibe that suits casual Christmas parties and school events beautifully. Start with a clean middle part from forehead to nape, then gather each side into high pigtails positioned evenly.
Twist or braid each pigtail and wrap it around its base into two matching buns, securing with elastics and bobby pins so they stay balanced. Leave a few face-framing pieces out and curl them slightly.
Finish with festive clips or small bows at the front of each bun. This look works on straight, wavy, and curly hair and feels comfortable for kids who like fun styles.
Half Up Curls For Party
Soft half-up curls are a classic Christmas favorite because they keep hair out of the face while still looking dressy. Curl the lower half with an iron or heatless rollers, then comb through for loose, bouncy waves.
Take the top section from temple to temple, secure it at the back with a festive bow clip or velvet barrette, and smooth the crown for a neat finish. It works beautifully on medium to long hair.
It lets natural texture shine if your girl already has waves, and pairs perfectly with sparkly dresses. Comfortable enough for school events, family dinners, or photos with Santa.
Bubble Ponytail For Party
A bubble ponytail is trendy, easy, and surprisingly secure for active kids. Start with a high or mid ponytail and add small clear elastics down the length, spacing them a few inches apart.
Gently tug the hair between each elastic to create rounded bubbles that give a three-dimensional, festive look. Tie a ribbon at the top or use colored elastics for extra sparkle.
It works well on medium to long hair, stays out of the way during play, and looks adorable with both casual sweaters and dressy outfits.
Low Ponytail With Ribbon
A low ponytail with ribbon feels simple but instantly festive with a plush velvet or metallic bow. Brush hair back to the nape, secure with an elastic, then tie a wide ribbon over the base.
For extra polish, wrap a small strand of hair around the elastic and pin it before adding the ribbon. You can curl the ends, leave them straight, or braid the length depending on your time.
It’s great for girls who dislike hair in their faces and want something tidy that still photographs prettily in group pictures.
Braided Crown For Girls
A braided crown looks like a storybook hairstyle and is very popular for special holiday occasions. Start with a center or side part, then create two braids on each side using three-strand or Dutch braids.
Wrap each braid over the top of the head, secure with bobby pins, and gently pancake the edges to make them look fuller and softer. Tuck in tiny star, snowflake, or pearl clips along the crown.
It keeps hair off the neck, ideal if she’ll be running around indoors, and photographs beautifully from every angle.
Tinsel Hair For Kids
Tinsel hair is a popular trend that instantly makes any simple style more festive. Start with a basic base like a ponytail, braids, or loose hair, then tie strands of hair tinsel near the roots.
Focus on a few sections around the face and crown so the tinsel catches the light without overwhelming the look. Choose colors that match her outfit or classic metallic silver and gold.
It works especially well for parties with lots of lights because it sparkles in photos and makes even the simplest style feel special.
High Ponytail With Curls
A high ponytail with curls gives a fun, bouncy look that’s perfect for dancing at a Christmas party. Gather hair at the crown, smooth the sides, then secure tightly so it won’t slide as she plays.
Curl sections of the ponytail away from the face and lightly separate them so the curls look full but not stiff. Add a scrunchie, sequin bow, or sparkly tie at the base.
It works for straight or wavy hair and is especially helpful when you want a style that stays put through a long evening of events.
Side Braid For Girls
A side braid is a quick, pretty option when you want something styled but not too formal. Part the hair to one side, gather everything over the shoulder, and create a loose three-strand braid across the chest.
Secure the end and hide it with a small ribbon or festive scrunchie to make it feel more special. Gently pull on the edges to make it look fuller, especially for fine or straight hair.
It works well for parties with photos or performances, since the braid stays neatly in place on one side.
Fishtail Braid For Party
A fishtail braid adds texture and detail that stands out in photos and videos. Gather hair in a low side ponytail, split it into two sections, and cross tiny pieces from the outer edges over to the opposite side.
Continue the pattern all the way down, secure with a small elastic, and gently pull to create a fuller, softer fishtail. Weave a thin ribbon through or add a clip at the top for festive flair.
It suits older girls who can sit a little longer and looks beautiful on straight and slightly wavy textures.
Headband Curls For Girls
Headband curls offer a sweet, comfortable look that keeps hair off the face. Style the hair with loose curls using a wand or heatless method, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.
Once the curls cool, slip on a soft, non-slip headband decorated with pearls, sequins, or a simple bow that matches her outfit. Push it back just enough to open up her face.
It’s great for younger kids who dislike clips and pins, and it transitions easily from daytime celebrations to evening gatherings.
Candy Cane Braids For Girls
Candy cane braids are a playful look inspired by the classic holiday treat. Start with two or more braids and weave in ribbons or colored elastics in alternating shades like red and white.
You can create double braids, a braided ponytail, or a braided crown depending on length and how bold she wants it. Finish with small bows at the ends and smooth any flyaways.
It’s especially fun for younger kids who love themed looks and matching the decorations and outfits around them.
Low Bun With Bow
A low bun with bow is a sweet, tidy hairstyle especially nice for more formal parties or concerts. Comb hair into a low ponytail at the nape, twist the length, and wrap it into a bun secured with pins.
Place a medium or large bow clip just above or on top of the bun so it shows from the back and side. Leave soft pieces out around the face and curl them slightly for a gentle frame.
It’s comfortable under coats and scarves and holds up well if she’ll be sitting, singing, or performing.
Side Part Loose Waves
Side-part loose waves give a relaxed yet polished look that suits slightly older girls. Create a deep side part for volume, then curl the hair in medium sections, alternating directions for a soft effect.
Brush through gently with a paddle brush or wide-tooth comb to turn tight curls into smooth waves that frame the face. Tuck one side behind the ear with a sparkly clip.
It pairs nicely with dressier outfits, works across many hair types, and photographs beautifully in family portraits.
High Bun For Girls
A high bun is the go-to when you want all the hair up, off the neck, and party-ready. Brush hair into a high ponytail at the crown, secure firmly, then twist or wrap it into a round bun.
Use bobby pins to secure and finish with a scrunchie, sparkly elastic, or decorative clip at the front or side. For extra volume, lightly tease the ponytail before wrapping.
It works well for dancing and games because nothing falls into the face, and it looks adorable with festive dresses or sweaters.
Afro With Festive Headband
An Afro with a festive headband celebrates natural texture while adding a cheerful holiday touch. Gently shape the Afro with a pick or fingers, creating even volume without disturbing the curl pattern.
Place a soft, comfortable headband just behind the hairline in seasonal colors, sparkles, or a simple bow. Position it slightly off-center for a playful look that still frames the face.
It’s perfect for kids with natural hair who want to keep their curls free while still looking festive and photo-ready.
Cornrow Braids For Party
Cornrow braids are a protective, stylish choice that can last through the whole holiday season. Create straight-back cornrows, curved patterns, or designs that lead into a bun or ponytail.
Adding beads, cuffs, or colored bands at the ends makes the look extra festive and lets you coordinate with her outfit. Many parents choose red, green, or metallic beads for December.
It keeps hair tucked away, reduces morning styling time, and looks beautiful for school parties, family gatherings, and community events.
Braided Bun For Party
A braided bun is neat yet festive and works especially well for long or braided hair. Pull hair into a mid or high ponytail, braid it all the way down, then wrap the braid around the base into a full bun.
Secure with bobby pins and add a sparkly clip, scrunchie, or decorative comb on one side. For girls with protective braids, gathering them into a high braided bun looks elegant and practical.
It holds up well through dancing, games, and long celebrations while still looking polished in every holiday photo.
Ornament Bun For Kids
An ornament bun turns a simple bun into a fun focal point. Create a high or mid bun, then decorate around it with small, lightweight hair-safe accents like colored elastics, clips, or pom-pom pins.
The idea is to mimic a decorated ornament while keeping everything comfortable and secure. Place a large bow or sparkly clip at the base and add a few tiny accents around it for balance.
It holds up well during active events like performances or dance parties and looks especially cute from the back.
Simple Party Ponytail
A simple party ponytail proves you don’t need anything complicated for her to feel special. Start with a smooth high, mid, or low ponytail based on her comfort, with a base tight enough to last through play.
Add interest by curling the ends, lightly teasing for volume, or adding a decorative tie or clip. A side-swept fringe or a few curled face-framing pieces soften the look.
It’s a great choice when you’re short on time but still want her hair to look neat, polished, and party-ready.
Easy Party Updo For Girls
An easy party updo is perfect when you want something slightly more formal without complicated braiding. Start with a low ponytail, roll it upward toward the nape, and pin it into a simple chignon.
Gently loosen a few sections around the crown for soft volume and pull out short face-framing strands for a relaxed feel. Add a decorative comb, bow clip, or small barrette on one side.
It works well for family dinners, performances, and photos, looking elegant without being too grown-up for a young girl.
Final Thoughts
Picking the right Christmas party hairstyle is all about balancing cuteness, comfort, and how long the look needs to last. From half-up curls and simple ponytails to detailed braids, buns, and protective styles, there’s an option for every hair type and event.
Bows, ribbons, headbands, and a touch of sparkle instantly transform everyday hairstyles into festive party looks. Choose styles that match your girl’s personality, schedule, and hair needs, and she’ll feel confident and joyful in every holiday photo.
