Holiday Hairstyles 2025: 21 Festive Look Ideas for Long, Short, Curly Hair for Formal and Casual Occasions

As we enter 2025, holiday festivities are just around the corner, and with them come endless opportunities to showcase your most glamorous looks. Whether you’re attending a Christmas party, a formal occasion, or a holiday wedding, the right hairstyle can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll dive into holiday hairstyles that will turn heads, drawing inspiration from intricate braids, elegant updos, and other creative styles. Perfect for black women, curly hair, long hair, or even short hair, these hairstyles will keep you looking festive and fabulous. Let’s dive into the must-try looks for the season!

Sleek Low Ponytail with Satin Ribbon

This classic low ponytail is both timeless and elegant, offering a polished yet effortless look for any holiday event. The silky smooth finish of the hair is accentuated by a satin ribbon, which adds a soft touch of luxury, making it ideal for formal occasions like weddings or Christmas parties. This style works beautifully for medium hair or long hair, keeping everything in place while still looking feminine.

To achieve this look, start by straightening the hair to get that sleek finish. Secure the ponytail low at the nape of your neck and wrap a satin ribbon for that chic final touch. Maintenance is simple: a spritz of shine spray will keep the ponytail smooth throughout the evening.

Voluminous Defined Curls

For those with curly hair, embracing volume is key, and this holiday-ready look showcases perfect defined curls. This style is perfect for black women and anyone with natural curls, offering a standout look that’s sure to turn heads. Whether it’s for a party, formal occasion, or even a school holiday event, this style exudes confidence and glamour.

To get these perfect spirals, start by using a curling wand or rollers to create even, defined curls. Once set, gently separate each curl with your fingers, adding some hair oil for sheen. Finish the look with a light hairspray to keep the curls bouncy all night long.

Festive Braided Loops

Looking for something truly unique this holiday season? This intricate braided hairstyle is sure to stand out. Styled into festive loops and adorned with small bows, this hairstyle is perfect for kids, long hair, or anyone who wants to make a bold holiday statement. Whether attending a Christmas or New Year celebration, this look brings a whimsical touch to the festive spirit.

To recreate this design, divide your hair into sections and braid each one. The magic happens when you create the looped effect by folding the braids and securing them with small pins and holiday-themed bows. This style requires patience but is well worth the time for a unique holiday vibe.

Elegant Dutch Braid with Pearls

A Dutch braid adorned with delicate pearls is the ultimate blend of elegance and modern chic, perfect for a wedding, formal occasion, or holiday party. The thick braid, positioned at the crown of the head, offers both volume and sophistication, and the pearl accents add a festive yet understated touch. This hairstyle works well for medium length and long hair, and it looks stunning when paired with formal attire.

Achieving this look involves braiding the hair in a Dutch braid from the crown of the head and adding pearls along the braid for embellishment. It’s a style that is both sturdy and chic, holding up through long events while maintaining its polished appearance.

Half-Up Crown Braid with Loose Waves

Perfect for medium hair and long hair, this half-up crown braid creates an ethereal look that’s ideal for holiday parties, weddings, or even a cozy family gathering. The loose waves cascading down your shoulders add a romantic touch, while the crown braid ensures your hair stays in place. This style works especially well for those with curly hair or natural waves, as it enhances the texture and volume.

Start by creating two small braids from the front sections of your hair and pin them back to form a crown. Curl the remaining hair into soft waves and set with a light hairspray. The result is a soft, dreamy hairstyle perfect for the holiday season.

High Twisted Updo with Silver Hairpiece

Nothing says formal occasion like a high twisted updo accented with a stunning silver hairpiece. This sophisticated hairstyle is perfect for weddings, black tie events, or holiday parties, providing a sleek and polished look. Ideal for long hair and medium length hair, this updo showcases your neckline and highlights your accessories.

To create this look, twist sections of the hair into a high bun, securing each section with pins. Add the silver accessory as the finishing touch to elevate the style. This updo is great for holding up through an evening of dancing and mingling, without losing its structure.

Retro Curly Bob

For those with short hair, a retro curly bob is a perfect choice for the holidays. This playful yet chic hairstyle, with tight curls and lots of volume, is a nod to vintage glam, making it a great fit for holiday parties or New Year’s Eve celebrations. The structured curls add texture and give the appearance of fuller hair, perfect for anyone with curly hair or those who want to add some drama to their look.

This style can be achieved by using a small-barrel curling iron or rollers to create defined curls. For added volume, gently tease the roots and finish with hairspray for hold. Pair this hairstyle with a bold lip for an extra festive touch.

Festive Cascading Braid with Evergreen

This stunning, cascading braid infused with evergreen accents is the perfect holiday hairstyle for long hair. The greenery woven into the braid makes it a striking look for a Christmas or holiday party, bringing a touch of the season’s natural beauty into your hairstyle. Ideal for curly hair or wavy textures, this style offers a beautiful balance of whimsy and elegance.

Begin by braiding the hair in a loose, voluminous braid, allowing sections to cascade down your back. Weave in small evergreen sprigs to give the hairstyle a festive flair. This unique touch will make your hairstyle stand out in any holiday crowd.

Half-Up Fishtail Braid with Loose Curls

This intricate fishtail braid combined with loose waves creates a soft and feminine look, perfect for a holiday party or wedding. Ideal for medium hair to long hair, this style adds texture and volume while keeping a bohemian vibe. The braid is pulled back into a half-up style, making it ideal for showing off your face while leaving the rest of your hair to flow elegantly.

To get this look, start by curling the hair into loose waves and braiding the top section into a fishtail. The key is to keep it relaxed and slightly tousled for that effortless feel. Finish with a light hairspray to hold the curls without making them stiff.

Velvet Ribbon Half-Up Hairstyle

For a classic and elegant holiday look, the velvet ribbon half-up hairstyle is both simple and sophisticated. The waves give the hair bounce and body, while the velvet ribbon ties everything together for a festive touch. This hairstyle works wonderfully for medium to long hair and is perfect for formal occasions like a Christmas or New Year’s Eve party.

Start by curling your hair into soft waves and section off the top part to create the half-up style. Secure it with a velvet ribbon of your choice. A timeless black velvet bow, as shown here, adds just the right amount of holiday glamour. Finish with a texture spray to give the waves more volume.

Braided Crown with Loose Waves

This beautiful braided crown paired with loose waves is ideal for those with long hair or medium hair. The crown braid is a stunning way to add texture and dimension to your hairstyle while the waves offer a relaxed, romantic finish. This look is perfect for a wedding, a formal occasion, or even a casual holiday party.

To achieve this style, create two braids on either side of your head and pin them at the back to form a crown. Leave the rest of your hair in loose waves. A touch of hairspray will keep the waves intact, ensuring the style lasts throughout the evening.

Icy Blue Side Braid

For a truly magical winter look, this icy blue side braid is a show-stopper. This hairstyle is perfect for black women or anyone with long hair who wants to add some holiday flair to their look. The braid is decorated with snowflake clips, creating an ethereal effect that’s perfect for a Christmas party or a New Year’s Eve celebration.

To recreate this look, braid your hair to the side and secure it loosely to give it a fuller appearance. Add holiday-themed accessories like snowflake pins to bring a winter wonderland vibe to your hairstyle. Finish with a light spritz of glitter spray for that extra sparkle.

Romantic Fishtail Braid

This fishtail braid is all about texture and romance, perfect for medium hair or long hair. It’s an ideal hairstyle for a wedding or holiday party, offering an elegant yet relaxed look. The fishtail starts at the crown and works its way down, leaving the hair voluminous and loose for a soft, natural vibe.

To achieve this look, create a loose fishtail braid, allowing some strands to fall naturally for that relaxed, undone finish. A small section of hair pulled from the front adds softness to the face. This style looks great on wavy or curly textures as it enhances the overall volume.

Classic Curly Updo

A curly updo never goes out of style, especially for a formal occasion or wedding. This voluminous updo is ideal for those with curly hair or anyone wanting to add curls to their holiday hairstyle. The curls are pinned up into an elegant chignon, making it perfect for showcasing bold earrings or a statement necklace.

For this look, curl your entire head using a small-barrel curling iron and pin the curls up into a loose bun. Leave a few tendrils hanging for a soft, romantic effect. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep everything in place through dancing and celebrations.

Blue Twisted Updo with Sparkles

For those daring enough to go bold with color, this bright blue twisted updo is a holiday dream come true. The intricate twists create a visually stunning effect, perfect for a New Year’s Eve party or a formal occasion. The sparkling hairpins add an extra festive touch to this statement hairstyle.

To achieve this look, section the hair into multiple parts and twist each one, pinning them in place to form a voluminous updo. Add a few sparkling accessories for that holiday magic. This look is ideal for those with medium or long hair, and works especially well with hair that has been colored for the season.

Platinum Braided Crown

Platinum blonde waves paired with a braided crown make for a striking holiday hairstyle. This look is perfect for medium length or long hair and adds a glamorous touch to any holiday party or New Year’s Eve event. The braid offers a structured contrast to the loose waves, giving the style both texture and sophistication.

Start by braiding the front sections of your hair into a crown and leave the rest of your hair in soft waves. The platinum color enhances the overall wintery feel, making it a go-to look for the colder months. Complete the look with a setting spray to hold the waves in place.

Twisted Low Bun with Pearl Accents

This elegant twisted low bun adorned with delicate pearl accents is perfect for a formal occasion like a holiday wedding or Christmas party. The soft twists add texture to the style, while the pearls bring a festive touch that works for any medium to long hair. The hairstyle provides a classic and timeless look that highlights the back of your neck and complements evening gowns beautifully.

To achieve this look, gather your hair into a low bun, twisting sections as you go. Pin everything in place and decorate with small pearl clips for that holiday sparkle. A light mist of hairspray will keep everything secure throughout the night.

French Braid with Flowing Curls

For a romantic holiday hairstyle, a thick French braid combined with loose flowing curls creates an elegant yet approachable look. This is perfect for long hair and works for a variety of holiday events, from a Christmas dinner to a New Year’s Eve gala. The braid helps frame the face, while the curls add volume and movement to the look.

Start by creating a French braid from the top of the head and stop at the crown, letting the rest of the hair fall in voluminous curls. Add a decorative clip or pin for a touch of sparkle. Finish with a curling iron and texture spray to maintain those bouncy waves.

Sleek Bubble Ponytail with Crystal Embellishments

This modern take on a ponytail features a sleek bubble effect, perfect for a formal occasion or holiday party. The hair is pulled back and sectioned off into “bubbles,” with crystal embellishments running down the length of the style. This hairstyle suits medium to long hair and adds a unique, contemporary twist to a classic ponytail look.

To create this style, smooth your hair back into a high ponytail, and use clear elastics to section it into equal parts, creating the “bubble” effect. Decorate with crystals or hairpins for added elegance. This look pairs wonderfully with sleek, structured outfits.

Festive Floral Braids with Gold Accents

A festive take on braids, this hairstyle incorporates intricate braids adorned with green and white highlights, gold bells, and topped with stunning floral accessories. This style is ideal for long hair and works well for holiday parties where you want to make a statement. The added greenery and floral touches give this style a magical, fairy-tale vibe.

To get this look, braid sections of your hair while incorporating colorful strands and gold accessories. The floral crown completes the look, adding a bold and festive touch to your hairstyle.

Classic Elegant Updo

For those looking for a timeless and chic updo, this hairstyle is perfect for formal occasions like a holiday wedding or an upscale Christmas gala. The hair is swept into a high bun, with soft tendrils framing the face to add softness and elegance. Ideal for short to medium hair, this updo is sophisticated and effortlessly beautiful.

Begin by pulling the hair into a sleek bun at the crown of the head, allowing a few strands to fall gently around the face. Use a strong-hold hairspray to ensure the updo stays in place all night, and add a few sparkling hairpins for an extra festive touch.

With 2025 just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to start planning your holiday hairstyles. From intricate braids to retro waves, these styles ensure that you’ll be the center of attention at any celebration, whether it’s a wedding, party, or formal occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with hair accessories, pearls, and even greenery to elevate your look this season. We’d love to hear your thoughts—comment below with your favorite holiday hairstyles and let us know which look you’re planning to try this year!