20 Christmas Updo Hairstyles That Are Party-Ready

The holiday season calls for hairstyles that impress without stress. Christmas parties and family gatherings are the perfect excuse to try elegant updos that feel both festive and effortless. Whether you’re aiming for something classic, playful, or slightly daring, updos are a great way to showcase your style while keeping hair neat for dancing, eating, and celebrating. These 20 Christmas updo ideas are simple, affordable, and designed to fit all hair types, so you can feel confident and holiday-ready in minutes.

1. Classic Low Bun with Ribbon

A classic low bun is timeless and works for nearly any holiday event. To achieve this look, gather your hair at the nape of your neck, twist into a bun, and secure with pins. Add a ribbon—red, green, or gold—for a festive touch. This style works for short or long hair and keeps strands tidy all night. For an affordable DIY tip, use a ribbon you already own or a hair tie you decorate with small ornaments. Lightly pull out a few tendrils for softness, and spray a touch of hairspray for hold. This bun pairs beautifully with statement earrings or a sparkling sweater, making it a low-effort yet party-ready hairstyle.

2. Twisted Half-Updo

The twisted half-updo is ideal if you want your hair off your face but still flowing. Twist sections from either side and secure them at the back with bobby pins. Add small decorative clips or tiny baubles for a festive flair. This style works on both straight and wavy hair, and it’s easy to recreate at home without spending on a stylist. For extra volume, tease the crown slightly before twisting. You can also curl the lower half to enhance the overall look. This half-updo is playful yet polished, perfect for dinners, office parties, or casual holiday gatherings.

3. Messy High Bun with Sparkle

A messy high bun combines casual and chic. Pull your hair up loosely and twist it into a bun. Let a few strands fall naturally for a relaxed feel. Decorate with sparkling pins or small hair accessories for a holiday-ready finish. This style works great on hair with natural waves or curls, adding volume without complex styling. To make it last, use a light hold hairspray. For budget-friendly tips, repurpose holiday hairpins or decorative clips you already have. The messy bun is versatile and suits both formal dinners and casual festive parties.

4. Braided Crown Updo

A braided crown updo feels regal yet approachable. Create two braids from the front sections and wrap them around your head, securing them at the back. Add tiny ornaments, ribbons, or pins for a holiday touch. This style works on medium to long hair and adds a romantic, soft vibe. It may look complex, but it’s manageable with simple braiding skills and a few pins. For a quick DIY, try pulling small strands loose for a softer effect. This updo is perfect if you want a unique, eye-catching hairstyle that’s still practical for eating and dancing.

5. Low Chignon with Twisted Details

The low chignon with twists adds elegance without overcomplication. Twist small sections around the bun for texture and secure with pins. Finish with subtle festive accessories like golden or red clips. This hairstyle suits medium to long hair and keeps it neatly off your shoulders. For an easy at-home approach, use a hair donut or simply twist strands around an elastic band. The twists add sophistication, making the chignon perfect for formal events or family photos. Pair it with simple makeup for a polished, effortless holiday look.

6. Side Swept Bun with Accessories

A side-swept bun feels romantic and festive. Sweep hair to one side, secure into a low or mid-level bun, and add small holiday-themed accessories. This style works well for long hair and softens facial features. Pull a few curls loose for a gentle frame. Budget-friendly tip: use simple clips or pins you already own and place them strategically for sparkle. The side bun is easy to recreate, keeps hair tidy, and pairs beautifully with festive earrings or a scarf.

7. Fishtail Braided Updo

A fishtail braided updo looks fancy but is simple to do with patience. Braid your hair into a fishtail, then twist it into a bun and secure with pins. Add small festive pins or mini ornaments for holiday charm. Works best on medium to long hair. DIY tip: spray lightly with texturizing spray before braiding for grip. This hairstyle keeps hair off your face, is comfortable for long parties, and adds an elegant twist to your seasonal look.

8. Elegant Twisted Pony Updo

The twisted pony updo is chic yet effortless. Start with a low ponytail, twist sections upward, and pin into a small bun. Add subtle accessories to match your holiday outfit. This style is ideal for medium-length hair and works well on straight or wavy textures. It’s perfect for office parties or dinner gatherings. For a budget-friendly approach, use bobby pins and hair ties you already own. The twist adds flair without needing intricate styling.

9. Curly Bun with Side Pin

A curly bun adds volume and fun. Curl hair loosely, gather into a high or mid bun, and secure with pins. Slide one decorative pin or small ornament for a holiday accent. Works on naturally curly or styled hair. Easy DIY tip: use a curling iron for quick curls and a sparkly clip for festive charm. This bun balances playful curls with elegant presentation, making it versatile for multiple events.

10. Messy Twisted Halo Updo

The messy twisted halo is whimsical and flattering. Twist small sections around your head like a crown and pin in place. Let a few strands fall naturally for softness. Add tiny accessories like small ribbons or pins for a festive touch. Works on medium to long hair. DIY tip: lightly tease hair at the crown for volume before twisting. This style gives the impression of effort without complex steps, perfect for casual or formal events alike.

11. Vintage Roll Updo

A vintage roll updo adds classic glamour. Roll sections of hair from the front to create a sleek, structured look and secure at the back. Use subtle holiday pins for festive detail. Works best on medium-length hair and adds sophistication to simple outfits. DIY-friendly: a few pins and hairspray create this style without a stylist. Ideal for holiday parties or family photos.

12. Knotty Bun with Sparkling Clips

A knotty bun looks stylish without perfection. Twist hair into a loose knot at the back and secure with pins. Add sparkling clips or ornaments for holiday cheer. This style suits long or thick hair and works well with casual or formal outfits. Quick tip: lightly curl hair before knotting for extra texture. It’s simple, affordable, and keeps hair tidy while remaining playful.

13. Double Braided Updo

The double braided updo is creative yet easy. Make two braids from either side and intertwine at the back. Secure with pins and add ribbons or small pins. Medium to long hair works best. DIY tip: use elastic bands matching hair color to keep braids neat. The updo is comfortable for parties and adds a festive, playful element to your look.

14. Loose Twisted Chignon

The loose twisted chignon is soft and romantic. Twist sections and pin loosely into a bun. Add subtle accessories for sparkle. Works on all hair textures. Budget-friendly tip: use decorative bobby pins or repurpose jewelry. The style keeps hair neat yet soft, ideal for dinners, office parties, or casual family gatherings.

15. Side Fishtail Bun

The side fishtail bun is stylish and holiday-ready. Braid hair into a fishtail and pin into a side bun. Decorate with small pins or ribbons. Medium to long hair works best. DIY tip: lightly tease sections for volume before braiding. This hairstyle is comfortable and polished, perfect for parties or dinners.

16. Low Twisted Halo Bun

The low twisted halo bun is elegant yet easy. Twist sections around the head and gather into a low bun. Add subtle holiday pins for sparkle. Works on medium to long hair. DIY-friendly with bobby pins and a bit of hairspray. It’s soft, polished, and party-appropriate.

17. High Twisted Ponytail Updo

The high twisted ponytail updo is playful and neat. Start with a high ponytail, twist strands into a small bun, and secure with pins. Add small holiday accessories for charm. Works best on medium-length hair. DIY tip: use a hair tie matching hair color for a polished look. Comfortable and festive for dancing and gatherings.

18. Holiday-Inspired Bun with Side Sweep

The holiday-inspired side-swept bun is festive yet simple. Sweep hair to the side, form a bun, and pin in place. Add decorative pins for holiday cheer. Works on medium to long hair. DIY-friendly: use small clips or bobby pins to mimic ornaments. Perfect for dinners, office parties, or family events.

19. Braided Top Knot

The braided top knot combines height with texture. Braid hair and twist into a top knot, securing with pins. Add small festive accents for sparkle. Works best on medium to long hair. DIY tip: lightly curl before braiding for texture. Keeps hair secure and stylish for parties or gatherings.

20. Twisted Low Side Bun

The twisted low side bun is subtle and chic. Twist hair to one side, secure with pins, and decorate with ribbons or small clips. Works on medium to long hair. DIY-friendly: twist sections loosely for a soft, effortless look. Keeps hair neat while adding festive charm, ideal for any holiday occasion.

Conclusion

Christmas updos can be elegant, playful, and stress-free. These 20 ideas show how simple twists, buns, braids, and accessories can create party-ready hairstyles without expensive tools or salon visits. Experiment with ribbons, pins, or tiny ornaments to make each style your own. With a little creativity and minimal effort, you can achieve chic, festive looks that keep your hair polished and comfortable for all your holiday celebrations.