20 Holiday Hairstyles for Every Celebration
20 festive holiday hairstyles from sparkly updos to velvet-accented waves — celebration-ready styles for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve, and every holiday event.
HairLysia Editorial · Researched, written, and reviewed by the HairLysia editorial team.
Published May 21, 2026
Holiday hair should feel festive, polished, and special — a clear step up from everyday styling that signals celebration. Whether you are attending a corporate holiday party, a family gathering, a black-tie gala, or a New Year's Eve countdown, the right hairstyle completes your look and matches the energy of the event. The best holiday hairstyles use accessories, volume, or texture to elevate your existing cut.
These twenty holiday hairstyles range from quick five-minute upgrades to elaborate event styles, with specific guidance for different celebration types. For foundation styling techniques, see our blow-dry guide and updo guide.
1. Sparkly Textured Updo
A textured updo — messy bun, twisted chignon, or braided arrangement — adorned with sparkly pins, crystal clips, or metallic accents. The sparkle is the holiday element that transforms everyday hair into celebration hair. Place three to five sparkly pins at different points for a scattered starlight effect.
The textured updo holds sparkly accessories securely because the rough surface grips the pins. Curly and wavy hair creates the best textured base. This is the fastest holiday transformation — add sparkle to your everyday bun. Works for corporate parties, family gatherings, and New Year's Eve.
2. The Voluminous Curly Shag
A shoulder-length curly shag worn at full width — tight ringlets stacked from a curly fringe down past the jaw, in warm brown lit with caramel through the mid-lengths. The volume is the whole holiday statement here: a curl set this defined and this round already reads as effort, so it needs no pins, no sparkle, and no accessory to look like an occasion. The wide, rounded silhouette also photographs beautifully under warm party lighting, where the caramel pieces catch every light source in the room.
The shag layers are what let the ringlets expand instead of hanging flat, so ask for shorter interior layers and a fringe cut to curl on its own. Apply a curl cream to soaking-wet hair, diffuse on low speed and high heat with the head tipped forward, and do not touch the curls until they are fully dry. On coily hair, the same cut delivers even more width and drama. This is the holiday style for anyone who would rather wear their own texture at full volume than smooth it away for the party.
3. Velvet Headband With Waves
A padded velvet headband on loose waves — the quintessential holiday accessory in deep seasonal tones: burgundy, emerald, navy, gold, or black velvet. The headband adds festive polish while the waves add movement and warmth. This takes under two minutes and looks holiday-specific.
The velvet headband works on every texture and length and instantly transforms any hairstyle into a holiday look. Choose the headband color to coordinate with your outfit — burgundy for warm tones, emerald for jewel tones, gold for metallics. This is the most popular winter and fall holiday accessory.
4. Old Hollywood Holiday Waves
Deep, sculpted waves in one consistent direction — the vintage glamour wave for black-tie holiday galas and New Year's Eve parties. Created with a curling iron wrapping each section in the same direction, set with clips while cooling, then brushed through for a seamless S-wave. This is the most formal holiday worn-down style.
The uniform wave pattern creates an unmistakably glamorous look that photographs beautifully under event lighting. A strong-hold hairspray locks the waves through hours of celebration. This works best on long straight hair. See our party hairstyles guide for more formal event options.
5. The Wrapped Low Bun With a Jeweled Comb
A soft updo in which the lengths are wrapped, rolled, and tucked into a low bun that sits right at the nape, with a jeweled comb of pearls and honey-toned crystals set just above it. Sections sweep back from the part in loose twists rather than lying flat, so the bun keeps a little volume through the crown and never looks scraped. It is the most elegant, understated holiday updo on this list — dressy enough for a cocktail dress, quiet enough for a corporate dinner.
The wrapped low bun works best on straight and wavy hair and holds all evening if you criss-cross bobby pins into the base before the comb goes in. The comb is the only accessory needed — its teeth slide in against the top edge of the bun and it does the festive work a plain elastic never could. Leave one or two face-framing pieces loose at the temples so the whole thing stays soft rather than severe.
6. The Satin Ribbon-Tied Updo
All the hair gathered up and tied off with a long satin ribbon, the tails left to trail down the back of the neck — the softest, quickest holiday updo there is. The one in the picture is a muted taupe that keeps the look modern and understated, but the same knot in red satin reads Christmas, gold reads New Year's Eve, and tartan plaid reads casual family gathering. The ribbon replaces the elastic entirely, so there is no hardware showing anywhere.
Twist the lengths up loosely, pin the tuck, then tie the ribbon over the join and let the ends hang long. Pull a few face-framing pieces down at the temples before you set it — the contrast between the gathered shape and those loose strands is what keeps this from looking formal. It takes under a minute and works on every texture and length that will hold a knot, from a grown-out bob to long hair.
7. Glitter Part Line
Any hairstyle with cosmetic-grade glitter applied along the part line — the sparkliest, most festive holiday detail. The glitter catches light with every movement and adds a celebratory quality to any style. Use a hair-specific glitter gel applied with a small brush along the visible part.
This works on every texture, length, and hairstyle — the glitter adds the holiday element regardless of what is happening with the rest of the hair. It is particularly effective for New Year's Eve. Use cosmetic-grade glitter only — never craft glitter. Wash out with a clarifying shampoo. This is the boldest holiday hair detail on the list.
8. Braided Crown With Metallic Accents
A braided crown wrapped around the head with gold cuffs, metallic pins, or crystal accents threaded through the braid. The braided crown is the most regal holiday updo and the metallic accents add the festive sparkle. This works for formal holiday events, winter weddings, and gala dinners.
Pancake the braid for maximum volume before adding the accents. Place metallic cuffs at intervals along the braid for a consistent sparkle around the head. On curly and coily hair, the braided crown has maximum volume and drama. This updo holds through hours of celebration.
9. Sleek Ponytail With Metallic Cuff
A sleek high ponytail with a gold or silver metallic cuff covering the elastic — the modern, minimalist holiday style. The metallic cuff adds the celebratory element to a clean, polished ponytail. This works for corporate events and contemporary holiday parties.
Smooth the ponytail surface with gel and flat-iron the tail for maximum sleekness. The metallic cuff should match the rest of your jewelry — gold with warm metals, silver with cool metals. This takes under five minutes and creates maximum impact.
10. Holiday Red Lip and Simple Hair
Sometimes the boldest move is simplicity — simple, polished hair paired with a bold red lip for the holidays. A sleek blowout, a smooth low bun, or polished loose hair serves as the backdrop that lets the red lip be the star. The combination of restrained hair and bold lip is one of the most chic holiday looks.
This approach works when the outfit is already detailed or embellished — adding statement hair on top of a statement outfit and statement makeup becomes overwhelming. Let one element lead. For the holidays, the red lip often leads and the hair supports. This philosophy works at every formality level.
11. Space Buns With Sparkle
Two buns with sparkly pins, crystals, or metallic clips at each base — the most festive, fun holiday updo for casual and creative celebrations. The space buns create youthful energy while the sparkle adds the holiday element. This works for holiday house parties, New Year's Eve, and any celebration where fun outweighs formality.
Scatter three to five sparkly pins around the base of each bun for a galaxy-like effect. On coily hair, the natural volume creates the most dramatic, sparkle-catching surface. Space buns with sparkle are one of the most photographed holiday styles because the combination of shape and shimmer is irresistible.
12. The Holiday Bob Refresh
A freshly trimmed bob styled with extra polish for the holiday season — smooth, shiny, and accessorized with a velvet headband, sparkly clips, or metallic pins. The bob's clean shape is the ideal canvas for holiday accessories because the shorter length makes each accessory more visible and impactful.
Get a trim two weeks before the holiday season for a fresh, sharp bob shape. Style with a smoothing serum for maximum shine. A single statement clip or headband transforms the bob for any holiday event. This is the most low-maintenance holiday strategy — a fresh cut plus one accessory.
13. Twisted Updo With Pearls
A twisted updo with pearl pins placed at intervals throughout — the classic, elegant holiday updo that works for formal dinners and winter celebrations. The twists create soft, organic lines while the pearls add the refined celebration element. Position pearls at different heights and angles for a scattered, organic arrangement.
Pearl pins work on every hair color and texture and add a timeless quality that trend-specific accessories lack. The pearl-adorned twisted updo is particularly beautiful for holiday weddings and formal New Year's Eve events. Start with a textured base for maximum pearl grip.
14. Loose Curls With Gold Cuffs
Flowing curls or waves with gold or silver cuffs clamped onto individual sections — the hair jewelry holiday look. The cuffs catch light as the hair moves, creating dynamic sparkle throughout. Place three to five cuffs at random intervals through the lengths for a scattered metallic effect.
Hair cuffs work best on curly, wavy, and braided textures where the cuffs grip the hair securely. On straight hair, they tend to slide. This is a stunning holiday look for anyone wearing their natural texture to celebrations.
15. Scarf-Wrapped Bun
A bun wrapped with a silk scarf in holiday prints or solid jewel tones — the scarf adds seasonal pattern and color while concealing the elastic and any styling imperfections. Choose scarves with holiday patterns or in deep, festive colors.
The scarf-wrapped bun works on every texture and length and is particularly effective on coily and curly hair where the scarf serves as both a decorative and protective element. This takes under two minutes and creates a polished, seasonal look for any celebration.
16. Side-Swept Hair With Statement Earring
All hair swept to one side with one side pinned behind the ear, revealing a dramatic statement earring — the most minimalist holiday styling approach. The earring is the focal point, and the swept hair creates the frame. Choose crystal, gold, or bold-colored earrings for the holidays.
This works on every texture and length and is the fastest holiday styling option — just sweep, pin, and add earrings. The asymmetry creates glamour without effort. On straight hair, the sweep is sleek. On wavy or curly hair, the sweep is romantic.
17. The Low Chignon for New Year's Eve
A sleek or textured chignon at the nape — the elegant updo that works for New Year's Eve dinners, galas, and countdown parties. Add a jeweled comb or sparkly clip at the base for the celebration element. The chignon reveals the neck for statement necklaces and shows off the back of an evening dress.
The low chignon is the most reliable formal holiday updo because it works on every texture, holds through hours of celebration, and looks effortlessly elegant. Add a touch of glitter at the part line for New Year's Eve sparkle. This pairs with every dress style and neckline.
18. Festive Braided Style
Any braid elevated with holiday accessories — gold thread woven through a fishtail, sparkly pins along boxer braids, ribbon through a side braid, or metallic cuffs on a braided crown. The braid provides structure while the accessories add the holiday element. This works at every formality level depending on the braid complexity and accessory choice.
The braided holiday style holds through all celebration activities — eating, dancing, hugging — without loosening. The braid grip also keeps accessories secure. This is particularly effective on coily and curly textures where braids hold naturally and accessories grip firmly.
19. Holiday Headpiece
A jeweled or metallic headpiece — a tiara, a vine, a crystal headband, or a fascinator — paired with any hairstyle. The headpiece does all the holiday styling work, transforming even a basic blowout or bun into an event-worthy look. Choose a headpiece that matches the event formality.
A crystal vine for formal events, a gold leaf headband for semi-formal, a sparkly fascinator for creative celebrations. The headpiece works on every texture and length. For short hair, a headpiece is particularly impactful because it becomes the dominant style element. This is the maximum-impact, minimum-effort holiday strategy.
20. Overnight Waves for Holiday Morning
Heat-free waves created by sleeping in braids or twists the night before the holiday event — waking up with beautiful, defined waves ready for the celebration without any morning styling time. This frees up morning time for makeup and outfit preparation.
Braid damp hair the night before in three to four braids for loose waves or eight to ten for tighter definition. Apply a mousse before braiding for hold. Unravel in the morning, shake out gently, and add a holiday accessory. This zero-effort morning technique produces beautiful waves that last through the full celebration day.
Frequently Asked Questions
A velvet headband on any hairstyle — takes three seconds and instantly reads as holiday-specific. Alternatively, add two to three sparkly pins to your everyday bun or half-up. Accessories are always the fastest path to holiday hair.
A polished blowout with a single statement accessory — a sparkly clip for formal, a velvet headband for casual, metallic pins for creative events. The blowout works at every formality level, and the accessory adjusts the style to the specific celebration.
Start with day-two hair for maximum grip, use a strong-hold hairspray, and over-pin updos with bobby pins in X patterns. Carry a mini hairspray and three bobby pins in your bag for touch-ups. Set curls with clips while cooling for lasting wave definition.
HairLysia Editorial
Editorial Team
HairLysia Editorial is the byline for articles produced by the HairLysia team. Drafts are AI-assisted and reviewed by a human editor before publication; where we cite research, we link the primary source so you can check it yourself. Read our editorial policy for how we work.
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