16 Christmas Hairstyles for Kids with Festive Braids and Curls

The holiday season is finally here. It is time to add some festive magic to every morning routine.

Nothing says “Christmas” quite like beautiful braids and bouncy curls. These styles make every celebration feel special and bright.

Whether attending a holiday play or opening gifts, these looks are perfect. Let’s explore the best festive hairstyles for the season.

1. Ribbon-Intertwined Dutch Braids

This style takes the classic Dutch braid and elevates it with a splash of holiday color. By weaving a thin satin ribbon through the outer strands, you create a candy-cane effect that stays secure all day.

To achieve this look, start with two standard braids from the hairline to the nape. As you cross the strands under, treat the ribbon as part of one strand to keep it locked in place.

Finish the look by tying the remaining ribbon into small bows at the ends. This is a durable choice for long days spent playing with new toys or visiting family.

2. Bouncy Ringlets with Sparkly Snowflake Clips

Full, voluminous curls provide a timeless aesthetic that perfectly captures the wonder of the season. This style focuses on creating soft, bouncy ringlets that move naturally and catch the light beautifully.

Using a heat-free curling method or a small-barrel wand ensures the curls are defined and long-lasting. Focus on the mid-lengths to the ends to maintain volume at the roots without any frizz.

Once the curls are set, place small, shimmering snowflake clips randomly throughout the hair. This adds a “dusted by snow” effect that is ideal for formal holiday dinners or photos.

3. Candy Cane Pull-Through Braids

Pull-through braids are famous for their “bubble” appearance and incredible volume. By using red and white elastics, you can mimic the iconic look of a traditional Christmas candy cane.

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This technique is excellent for hair that is difficult to traditional braid because it uses small ponytails to secure each section. It provides a sturdy structure that won’t easily come undone during holiday activities.

For an extra festive touch, tuck small sprigs of faux holly into the “bubbles” of the braid. This creates a 3D effect that looks professional but is surprisingly easy to execute at home.

4. Half-Up Waterfall Braid with Loose Curls

The waterfall braid is an elegant choice that keeps hair away from the face while showing off length. It involves dropping strands through the braid to create a cascading effect that looks like falling tinsel.

The sections of hair that fall through the braid should be curled into soft, loose waves. This creates a beautiful contrast between the structured braid at the top and the flowing texture below.

This style works exceptionally well for kids who want a “grown-up” look for Christmas Eve services. It is sophisticated yet festive, especially when finished with a high-shine hair mist.

5. Reindeer-Inspired Braided Buns

Transform standard high buns into a whimsical holiday character with just a few accessories. Start by creating two braided pigtails and wrapping them into tight, secure buns at the top of the head.

Add a pair of small brown pipe cleaner “antlers” and a red pom-pom in the center of one bun to create a subtle reindeer silhouette. The braids add texture to the “face” of the reindeer.

This is a playful and creative style that kids absolutely love for school parties or casual gatherings. It is a guaranteed conversation starter that brings a smile to everyone’s face.

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6. Festive Crown Braid with Gold Thread

A crown braid offers a regal and polished appearance that keeps all hair neatly tucked away. By incorporating gold embroidery thread into the braid, you add a metallic shimmer that glows under Christmas lights.

The braid wraps entirely around the head, creating a halo effect that is both practical and stunning. It is the perfect choice for active kids who still want to look their holiday best.

Tuck the ends of the braid invisibly under the start of the weave for a seamless finish. This style is incredibly sturdy and can often last through an entire weekend of festivities.

7. Spiral Curls with Velvet Bows

Velvet is the quintessential fabric of the winter season, and adding it to spiral curls creates a luxurious look. Tight, springy curls provide a playful foundation for this classic holiday arrangement.

Instead of one large bow, use several tiny velvet bows in deep red, forest green, or navy blue. Space them out along the sides of the head to pin back sections of the curls.

The texture of the velvet prevents the bows from slipping out of the hair, even if the curls are very silky. It is a simple way to make a standard curly style feel intentionally festive.

8. Snowflake Braided Heart

This intricate style involves two curved braids that meet at the bottom to form a heart shape on the back of the head. It symbolizes the love and warmth of the holiday season perfectly.

Inside the center of the heart, the remaining hair can be curled or left in a small, decorative fishtail. Adding a small snowflake charm at the point of the heart completes the winter theme.

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While it looks complex, this style is essentially two French braids following a curved path. It is a stunning choice for holiday portraits that will be cherished for years to come.

9. Twisted Rope Braid with Silver Tinsel

Rope braids provide a different texture than traditional three-strand braids and are very easy to learn. By twisting two sections of hair with silver tinsel, you create a shimmering, metallic rope effect.

The tinsel catches every light in the room, making the hair look like it is sparkling from within. This style is particularly effective for evening events or Christmas light tours.

Finish the rope braid by securing it with a clear elastic and wrapping a small piece of hair around the base. The result is a clean, modern, and highly festive look.

10. Triple Braided Ponytail with Bouncy Ends

This style combines the neatness of multiple braids with the fun of a high, curly ponytail. Start by creating three small Dutch braids on the top of the head that lead back to the crown.

Gather all the hair, including the ends of the braids, into a high ponytail and secure it tightly. Use a curling iron to turn the ponytail into a mass of tight, bouncy ringlets.

This look offers the best of both worlds: a structured, sleek front and a wild, festive back. It is a great way to manage thick hair during busy holiday celebrations.

11. Christmas Tree Laced Braid

The Christmas tree braid is a creative masterpiece that uses green ribbon to form a triangular shape on the back of the head. It uses two outer braids as the “frame” for the ribbon lacing.

As you lace the ribbon between the braids, you create the appearance of branches. Tiny colorful beads can be threaded onto the ribbon to act as “ornaments” for the hair tree.

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This style is often the star of any holiday gathering or school event. It shows off incredible creativity and festive spirit without requiring many specialized tools.

12. Double Braided Space Buns with Glitter

Space buns are a trendy and fun choice for kids of all ages. To make them festive, braid the hair from the nape of the neck upwards before forming the buns on top.

Once the buns are secured, apply a small amount of hair-safe glitter gel along the part or around the base of the buns. Silver or gold glitter provides a beautiful “starry night” effect.

This style is excellent for keeping hair completely out of the way during Christmas dinner or crafts. The braids underneath ensure that the buns stay high and tight all day long.

13. Side-Swept Curls with Jeweled Headband

For a look that is quick yet glamorous, side-swept curls are a go-to option. Brush all the hair to one side and secure it behind the ear with a few hidden bobby pins.

The curls should be large and sweeping to create a sense of movement and elegance. Adding a headband encrusted with red and green “jewels” provides an instant festive upgrade.

This is the ideal solution for mornings when you are short on time but still want a high-impact look. It works beautifully on all hair lengths from bob-style to very long.

14. Fishtail Braid with Festive Extensions

Fishtail braids have a delicate, intricate weave that looks stunning in holiday photos. To add a pop of color, clip in a few strands of red or green tinsel extensions before you start braiding.

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The thin strands of color will weave in and out of the fishtail, creating a subtle but festive pattern. This is a great way to add “temporary” color without any dyes or mess.

Gently pull at the edges of the braid once finished to give it a “pancaked,” voluminous look. This makes the festive colors stand out even more against the natural hair.

15. Bubble Braids with Gold Star Accents

Bubble braids are incredibly popular because they are easy to do and look very modern. Secure a series of ponytails down the length of the hair and fluff them out to create “bubbles.”

Between each bubble, place a small gold star clip or a gold-colored elastic. This creates a “Star of Bethlehem” or “Tree Topper” theme that is very subtle and chic.

This style is very comfortable for kids to wear and doesn’t pull on the scalp. It is a fantastic choice for a casual Christmas morning spent at home in pajamas.

16. Triple-Braided Flower Bun

This style involves creating three separate braids and coiling them together to form a large, rose-like bun. The texture of the braids gives the “flower” its petals and depth.

Place a small decorative poinsettia clip in the center of the bun to complete the holiday floral theme. It is a beautiful, sophisticated look that is perfect for church or holiday parties.

Because the hair is entirely contained in the bun, it stays frizz-free even in cold, damp winter weather. This makes it a reliable choice for outdoor holiday events.

How long do these braided hairstyles typically last?

Most of these braided styles can last between one to three days if secured properly. Using a light-hold hairspray and a silk pillowcase at night helps maintain the structure. Styles like the crown braid or Dutch braids are the most durable for active kids.

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Are these styles suitable for all hair textures?

Yes, these styles can be adapted for straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair textures. Braids are excellent for managing thicker textures, while curls can add volume to finer hair. You may need to adjust the products used to ensure the best hold for each specific hair type.

What are the best accessories for holiday hairstyles?

Velvet bows, sparkly snowflake clips, and metallic ribbons are the most popular choices. You can also use small holiday-themed charms or tinsel to add a unique touch. Always ensure that clips and accessories have smooth edges to avoid snagging the hair.

Do I need to use heat to achieve the curly styles?

Not necessarily, as heat-free curling methods like robe-tie curls or flexi-rods work very well. If you are in a hurry, a curling wand is faster, but heat-free methods are often gentler on the hair. Always use a heat protectant spray if you decide to use hot tools.

How can I make the braids look more voluminous?

The “pancaking” technique is the best way to add volume to any braid. Once the braid is secured, gently pull at the outer loops to widen them and create a fuller appearance. This works particularly well for Dutch braids and fishtail braids.

What is the easiest style for a beginner to try?

The bubble braid or the side-swept curls with a headband are the easiest for beginners. These styles require very little braiding skill but still look polished and festive. As you gain confidence, you can move on to more complex looks like the crown braid.