40+ Cute Holiday Hairstyles That’ll Make You Feel Extra Festive

Holidays just do something to me — suddenly I’m digging through my drawer for ribbons and clips I forgot I owned. 

If you’re the same, you know the magic of finding that one hairstyle that makes you feel a little extra festive without trying too hard.

These cute holiday hairstyles are exactly that. A mix of half-ups, loose waves, soft buns, and ponytails that actually look better when they’re a bit imperfect. 

Whether you’re getting ready for a Christmas dinner or a New Year’s Eve party, you’ll find something here that fits the vibe.

Half-Up Holiday Hairstyles

Half-up styles always remind me of December mornings. I usually grab a small ribbon or clip without thinking too much. It never looks perfect, but that’s probably why it feels right for the holidays.

1. Twisted Crossover Half-Up

I love how this one feels — just two small twists crossing in the back, nothing complicated, but somehow it looks like you really tried. It’s a little undone in the best way.

2. Braided Twist Half-Up

This one’s a mix of a braid and a twist, and I swear it looks prettier the messier it gets. The tiny side braids meet in the back with a loose twist that feels so effortless. It’s one of those styles that looks cozy but still put-together.

3. Wavy Ribbon Half-Up

There’s something about a high half-up with waves that just makes me happy. It’s bouncy, it moves, and that little black ribbon at the end ties it all together. It’s cute without being too much.

4. Heart-Shaped Bun Half-Up

I mean, come on — a heart-shaped bun? It’s impossible not to smile at this one. I love how it looks from the back, especially with soft curls. It’s the kind of style that makes people ask, “wait, how did you do that?”

5. Twisted Ribbon Half-Up

I’ve always liked hairstyles that look simple but still feel special, and this one’s exactly that. Just twist both sides and clip them together with a ribbon — that’s it.

6. Voluminous Half-Up with Curtain Bangs

This one feels a little more grown-up. The volume at the crown gives it that effortless lift, and the curtain bangs make everything look softer around the face. It’s classic but never boring.

7. Double Twist Half-Up

If you like the look of the twisted half-up but want a little extra something, this one’s it. Two twists on each side make it feel a bit more detailed, a bit more fun.

8. Sleek Crossover Half-Up

This one’s so clean and simple. The sleek finish and the crossed pieces in the back make it look polished but never stiff. What I like the most about this hairstyle is that it goes with everything and somehow it always feels right.

Holiday Ponytail Hairstyles

A ponytail can change everything. Some days it’s the only thing that makes me look awake. I like the ones that swing when you walk, or the kind that sit low with a soft ribbon tied around. 

9. Classic Ribbon Ponytail

I always forget how good a simple ponytail can look until I see one like this. Mid-height, tied with a thin ribbon, it’s nothing new, but it works every single time. I’d wear this on those in-between days when I don’t feel like curling my hair but still want to look a little festive. The ribbon makes it feel like December without trying.

10. Sleek Side-Part Ponytail

This one’s clean in the best way. The deep side part and glossy finish give it that quiet confidence, like you actually planned your hair for once. I love the tiny bend at the ends. I’d do this for dinner or when I need a hairstyle that survives all night without looking stiff.

11. Low Voluminous Ponytail

It’s simple, but it has that softness that makes you look a little more polished. I can imagine wearing this with a long coat and perfume that lingers a bit. This pony is calm, kind of romantic, and very “holiday dinner at home” energy.

12. Braided Low Ponytail

I like when braids look relaxed. This one does that so well. The braid melts into the ponytail, and the side pieces fall in a way that feels effortless.

13. Twisted Low Ponytail

This style looks like something you’d come up with last minute and then keep re-doing because it turned out better than expected. I’ve done versions of this before coffee runs — messy, low, and somehow it always works with a trench coat.

14. Sleek Pearl-Accent Ponytail

This one’s so New Year’s to me, like shiny, simple, but with something extra. You don’t even need accessories with it. It’s the kind of hairstyle that makes you feel like you’re walking into a good night, even if you’re just going to a friend’s apartment.

15. Voluminous High Ponytail

Not the tight cheerleader kind, but full, airy, and bouncy. It has that energy where you catch your reflection and think, yeah, that’s working. I’d wear this with a chunky sweater and a lip tint, something casual but still a little bold.

16. Wrapped Low Ponytail

I love when a hairstyle looks clean but still has a human touch. Wrapping a piece of hair around the tie changes everything — it hides the elastic, makes it feel intentional. I usually do this when I wear big earrings or a collared shirt.

17. Layered Bubble Ponytail

Each layer is tied loosely, so the ponytail has that light, bouncy shape that moves when you walk. You can do this for a casual get-together or even a holiday market day. It feels playful but still grown-up, which is kind of the sweet spot for this time of year.

Cute Holiday Updos

Updos make me feel a little more put together, especially when the night starts to feel special. I twist it up, pull a few pieces loose, and maybe add something that catches the light. It looks thoughtful even when it wasn’t.

18. Braided Low Bun with Ribbon

I’ve always liked when a hairstyle looks simple at first but has something hidden in it. They twist together into a low bun, soft and neat, then that big ribbon ties it all up. This hairstyle reminds you how little details can change the whole thing.

19. Twisted Low Updo

It’s not perfect, and that’s exactly why it works. The strands twist into each other loosely, like it just came together while you were getting ready. You could wear this to anything and it would still make sense.

20. Elegant High Updo with Side Waves

This one feels a little cinematic — the high bun, the side waves, the way it frames the face just enough. I always think of this kind of updo when I have a dress that deserves a bit of space, something that lets the neckline show.

21. Braided Chignon

A chignon like this never really goes out of style. The small braid woven through the bun gives it quiet character, the kind you notice only when someone turns their head. I like that — when something’s elegant but doesn’t need attention.

22. Messy High Updo

It’s high, a little undone, a few pieces falling where they want to — and somehow it all works. This high updo feels spontaneous, the kind of thing you’d do right before leaving and then get compliments on all night.

23. Sleek U-Pin Bun

No ribbons, no texture, just clean lines. The U-pin holds everything in one motion. It looks quiet but powerful, the kind of sleek bun that makes you want to wear perfume with a sharp, woody scent.

24. Sleek Low Bun with Ribbon

Smooth, low, and just a bit romantic. The bun’s full but soft, and the ribbon adds warmth where it could’ve felt too minimal. I like this balance — sharp edges softened with fabric.

25. Textured Messy Bun

There’s something about messy buns that always feels like Sunday morning to me. The texture gives it shape without feeling heavy. It’s the kind of hairstyle that makes sense when the light’s soft and you’re not rushing anywhere.

26. Wrapped Low Bun

I love how this one looks from the back. This bun is smooth, steady, wrapped by those side pieces like it’s holding itself together. A style you’d wear when the day’s quiet and you still want to feel polished.

Festive Braided Hairstyles

Braids always remind me of being somewhere warm, even if it’s cold outside. They look sweet with sweaters, and they last all night without any fixing. I like the loose ones best, the kind that fall a little by the end of the evening.

27. French Pigtail Braids with Ribbons

I used to think styles like this only worked for younger girls, but honestly, they feel sweet in a quiet way — especially in winter. Maybe it’s the ribbons, maybe it’s the symmetry, but it just makes me think of long walks home and soft sweaters.

28. Waterfall Accent Half-Up Braid

This half-up feels delicate, like it was made just to catch the light. The thin braids start near the front, picking up small pieces as they go, and meet softly in the back. This style almost looks like a waterfall, just barely holding together.

29. Ribbon Accent Mini Braid

A tiny braid like this never fails to feel personal. Nothing dramatic, but that’s what makes it stand out. I’d do something like this when I want to keep my hair down but still feel like I added something.

30. Ribbon Pigtail Braids

The two braids are simple, almost school-girl classic. But, the little ribbon clips scattered throughout make it feel playful again. This cute braids are nostalgic, kind of like wearing something from your past in a way that feels new.

31. Braided Half-Up Ponytail

This pony is a mix of structure and flow — a high half-up that blends into a soft braid, then falls freely. You could wear this to a party and still look comfortable. The ribbon at the end makes it feel finished but not forced.

32. Hidden Side Braid

If you’re the kind of person who likes small details, this one’s for you. The braid hides under the side of your hair, barely visible unless you move. I love that kind of subtlety, something you know is there even if no one else notices.

33. Simple Braided Half-Up

Sometimes the prettiest styles are the easiest ones. Two small braids pulled back and tied — that’s it. It’s light, soft, and feels like the kind of thing you’d wear without needing a mirror.

34. Framing Accent Braids

The front pieces are braided just enough to frame the face, blending into the sides like they were always meant to be there. You will love how it feels a little bohemian but still delicate.

Down & Wavy Holiday Hairstyles

Soft waves have a way of making everything feel a little lighter. The movement itself looks special this time of year. A side part, a bit of shine, and suddenly it feels like you’re ready for something warm and bright without really trying.

35. Hollywood Glam Waves

Big, soft curls that fall like fabric when you move. The front has that lift that changes your whole face, almost like light hitting from the right angle. I always forget how elegant it looks until I see it again, and then I remember why I love it.

36. Sparkling Wave Hairstyle

You can tell this one was made for New Year’s. You will love the tiny pearls and gems scattered across the crown — it’s subtle but instantly festive. The kind of hair that looks amazing under string lights, especially when the night’s just starting.

37. Sleek Straight Hair with Jewel Pin

Clean lines, a center part, and just a little lift at the back — this one’s all about precision. The hair itself is straight and glossy, but the jeweled pin at the side gives it that small spark you need for the holidays.

38. Side-Twist Wavy Hair

Sometimes the prettiest styles are the ones you almost miss. Loose waves, one small twist at the side, clipped back just enough to show the shape of your face. This holiday hairstyle is relaxed, barely styled, but that’s what makes it feel real.

Short Holiday Hairstyles

Short hair has its own rhythm. It moves how it wants, and that’s part of the charm. From a cute accent braid to half ups to soft pigtails, there’s always a way to make it feel festive without changing too much.

39. Short Accent Braids

I kept staring at this one because it’s so simple but somehow interesting. This short hair has a kind of surprise braided detail — something that feels accidental but isn’t. It’s small, but it makes the whole look feel intentional.

40. Braided Headband for Lob Hair

This cute hairstyle gives that soft, effortless shape around the face, and it’s one of those styles that works no matter what you’re wearing. I can imagine wearing this on a cold morning when you want to look polished but not overdone.

41. Double Half-Up Pony for Short Hair

Two small sections pulled up, tied, and then joined together. This adds a playful bit of height without trying too hard. What I like the most about this hairstyle is that it gives short hair a little more volume.

I feel like every year I end up loving the simple ones the most — the ones that make you feel put together but still like yourself. That’s what these holiday hairstyles are about.

So, what’s your go-to festive hairstyle this year? I’m still torn between the messy bun with a velvet ribbon and that glossy low pony… both just feel like the holidays to me.