20 Magical Christmas Hairstyles for Kids That Are Fun & Easy

Kids love a fun holiday look, especially when it’s quick, simple, and playful. These Christmas hairstyle ideas help parents create cute styles without pricey tools or complicated steps. Each one works for busy mornings, school events, family gatherings, or photo days. You’ll find easy twists, small braids, soft curls, and themed accents that you can do with basic supplies already at home

Kids love a fun holiday look, especially when it’s quick, simple, and playful. These Christmas hairstyle ideas help parents create cute styles without pricey tools or complicated steps. Each one works for busy mornings, school events, family gatherings, or photo days. You’ll find easy twists, small braids, soft curls, and themed accents that you can do with basic supplies already at home.

1. Candy Cane Pigtails

Give classic pigtails a holiday twist. Tie small red and white ribbons around each section to create a candy-cane look. Keep the ribbons thin so they sit softly against the hair and don’t feel heavy. Add simple elastics, and wrap tiny pieces of ribbon around them for a cleaner finish. If your child has short hair, create mini pigtails instead. You can also replace ribbon with yarn for a softer feel. Both options cost very little and take just a few minutes. Mist the hair with a light spray of water before styling so it stays smooth.

2. Snowflake Ballerina Bun

A soft ballerina bun turned wintery looks adorable for school concerts and pictures. Start with a high ponytail, twist the hair, and wrap it loosely so it stays comfortable. Add tiny snowflake clips around it for sparkle. If you don’t have themed clips, cut small shapes from felt and hot-glue them to plain barrettes. It’s cheap and works well when stores run out of seasonal items. For little ones with shorter hair, make a half-up bun instead. The snowflake accents still stand out, and it feels lighter on the head. You can also place a bit of holiday tinsel around the base of the bun. Choose soft tinsel that bends easily and won’t poke. Keep the look simple for younger kids who don’t like stiff accessories.

3. Reindeer Braided Crown

This style turns a simple braided crown into a cute reindeer look. Braid two sections on each side, then wrap them over the head and secure with bobby pins. Add tiny felt antlers near the top. You can cut antlers from leftover felt scraps or even craft foam. Attach them to small clips so they stay steady .For kids with wavy or curly hair, leave a few curls loose around the face. It softens the style and makes the braided crown easier to shape. If mornings are rushed, braid the hair the night before and set it gently with a silk scarf. You’ll only need to clip the antlers on in the morning. This is great for school parties because it stays in place without heavy accessories.

4. Christmas Tree Ponytail

A stacked ponytail forms a cute tree shape. Use three or four elastics down the length of the ponytail. Gently pull each section outward so they form soft “layers.” Attach mini green clips or beads for color. Add a star clip at the top for the finishing touch. If you don’t own themed clips, use green ribbon tied into tiny bows. They cost almost nothing and look charming. For thicker hair, split the ponytail into two sections first to keep everything smooth. This style works for both long and medium hair. It’s quick, comfy, and easy to redo after playtime.

5. Peppermint Twists

Twists add shape without complicated braiding. Make two ponytails, divide each, and twist the pieces together. Wrap thin red ribbon around the twists to mimic peppermint stripes. The style holds well with just a few elastics. It’s also ideal for kids who don’t like tight braids. Use scrap ribbon or cut strips from old gift wrap ribbon. It’s budget-friendly and still looks cute. If your child has curly hair, twist with damp fingers so the curls stay defined. Add a tiny dab of conditioner to smooth flyaways. This look stays lightweight, perfect for younger kids who want something festive but simple.

6. Holly Berry Half-Up Style

This soft half-up look works well for all hair textures. Gather a small section from the top and secure with an elastic. Add red berry clips and small green leaf accents. If you can’t find berry clips, make them with red beads and glue them to plain bobby pins. It costs very little and lasts through the season. For shorter hair, pin the side sections back instead of creating a full half-up ponytail. Keep the rest of the hair loose and fluffy. Use one or two small curls near the front for a playful touch. This style holds nicely during active events like school programs or outdoor photos.

7. Ribbon-Wrapped Side Braid

A side braid always looks sweet, and the ribbon gives it a holiday feel. Start the braid loosely so it won’t pull. Weave in green ribbon as you braid. If you only have small leftover ribbon pieces, tie them in at the end instead of weaving. Both options look charming. Add a little water spray before braiding so the hair stays neat. For thick or curly hair, section the top first to make the braid easier to manage.
This style works well for long or shoulder-length hair and stays pretty even after lots of movement.

8. Soft Angel Curls

Loose curls are perfect for holiday photos. Use overnight socks or a heatless curling band to keep it gentle. In the morning, shake out the curls and add a small white or gold clip. This method costs nothing and avoids heat tools. For shorter hair, curl just the front sections to add shape. If the curls look too big, smooth them with a little conditioner on your fingertips. This style feels airy and comfortable, great for kids who don’t want many accessories.

9. Mini Bow Pigtail Buns

Two small buns create a playful holiday look. Make pigtails, twist, and coil each into a bun. Add tiny bows around each one. You can use leftover gift bows if they’re lightweight. Attach them to clips or barrettes for better hold. For fine hair, use a small amount of water to add grip before twisting.
If your child has thick hair, split each pigtail into two mini buns instead to keep it comfy.
This style photographs well and stays cute through active play.

10. Tinsel Accent Braid

A single braid with a tinsel strand gives a fun sparkle. Choose soft, flexible tinsel so it won’t scratch. Tie it near the top and braid it through. For young kids, use a small amount so it doesn’t feel heavy. If tinsel isn’t available, use metallic ribbon or yarn instead. This works on long or medium hair and takes under five minutes. It’s great for school days because it looks festive without being over-the-top.

11. Gingerbread-Inspired Low Pony

A low pony can look seasonal with warm brown and tan pieces. Wrap the elastic with soft ribbon that matches gingerbread tones. Add a small felt gingerbread shape clipped to the side. Make the gingerbread shape at home with felt scraps. It’s easy, quick, and saves money. For wavy hair, leave the ponytail loose so the texture shows. This style stays tidy for longer events and feels comfortable for kids who don’t like high styles.

12. Elf Ear Side Twists

Side twists create a cute elf-inspired shape. Twist each front section back and clip with green or red accessories. This works great for short, medium, or long hair. If you don’t have colored clips, wrap small pieces of ribbon around plain ones. Twisting keeps the style soft and avoids pulling on the hairline.
Perfect for kids who like simple styles that still feel festive.

13. Star Clip Cluster

This is one of the easiest holiday looks. Wear the hair down and place star clips on one side. You can mix silver and gold for more sparkle. If you lack themed clips, glue small star embellishments from craft supplies onto basic barrettes. For curly hair, place the clips gently so they don’t snag.
This style works for busy mornings because it takes under two minutes.

14. Frosted Ends Ponytail

A simple ponytail turns wintery with a dusting of shimmer powder near the ends. Use kid-safe cosmetic shimmer. If you want a totally budget option, mix a tiny bit of cornstarch with silver eyeshadow and tap it gently onto the hair. Keep the shimmer light so it stays soft and doesn’t feel gritty. Add a white ribbon around the elastic for an extra touch. This works for long or medium hair and looks great in photos.

15. Holiday Headband Curls

A simple headband can change the whole look. Pair it with loose curls or waves. Choose soft fabric headbands so the child stays comfortable. If you don’t own a holiday-themed one, wrap a plain headband with ribbon. This style works for all lengths. For short hair, the headband becomes the main feature.
It’s fast, cute, and perfect for last-minute prepping.

16. Braided Gift Bow

You can shape the end of a braid into a tiny bow. Divide the last bit into two loops and tie with an elastic.
If shaping is tricky, attach a small bow clip instead. For kids with thick hair, make the bow from ribbon rather than hair. This idea only takes a few minutes and works nicely for school events or Christmas morning photos.

17. Warm Cocoa Waves

These soft waves look cozy and natural. Use overnight braids to create them without heat. In the morning, shake the braids out and smooth with a tiny bit of conditioner. Add a brown or tan clip on one side for a cocoa-inspired touch. This style is perfect for kids who prefer simple looks. It stays comfy all day and takes almost no effort.

18. Evergreen Side Bun

Create a low side bun and decorate it with green accents to mimic a small evergreen. Use small felt shapes, ribbon, or clips you already own. For short hair, create a mini low bun or twist instead. This style looks sweet for holiday photos and feels light on the head.

19. Soft Garland Braid

Weave green yarn through a braid for a garland look. Yarn is gentle, cheap, and easy to adjust.
Tie it near the top and braid loosely so it shows. This works well on long or shoulder-length hair. For younger kids, keep the yarn short so it doesn’t tangle.

20. Light-Up Clip Accent

You can buy small plastic clips shaped like lights that don’t require batteries. Clip one or two near the front. Keep the rest of the hair simple—either loose, in a ponytail, or lightly curled. This option is fast and perfect when you want something festive without too many steps. It’s lightweight and child-friendly.

Conclusion

Holiday hairstyles for kids don’t have to be complicated or pricey. Simple braids, soft curls, small twists, and easy accessories create fun looks that feel comfortable all day. Try a few ideas ahead of time so your child can pick their favorite. With basic supplies and a little creativity, you can make the season feel even more special.