Okay, so Christmas is coming and I’m already thinking about hair.
Because honestly? The right hairstyle just makes everything feel more special. I’ve tried so many curly hairstyles over the years for holiday parties and family dinners.
Some flopped. Some became my absolute go-to looks.
These 19 curly hairstyles for Christmas are the ones that actually worked for me.
And I’m sharing all the messy details, styling tips, and real talk.
1. Voluminous Curly Updo with Sparkly Hairpins
This one screams elegance without trying too hard. You basically gather all your curls up high and pin them loosely. Then add sparkly pins wherever you feel like it.
Perfect for Christmas dinner when you want to look put together but still comfortable.
I wore this to my aunt’s holiday party last year and got so many compliments. Works best if your curls have some volume already. And honestly? The messier it looks, the better it actually turns out.
2. Half Up Half Down Curls with a Festive Bow
I’ll admit, I thought bows were just for kids. But then I tried a velvet red bow with this style and completely changed my mind.
You pull the top half of your curls back and secure them with the bow.
Let the bottom curls fall naturally over your shoulders. It’s playful, festive, and takes literally five minutes to do.
Great for anyone with medium to long curly hair who wants something easy. Would you rock this for Christmas brunch? I totally would.
3. Side Swept Curly Ponytail with Red Ribbon
So this style saved me during a bad hair day last December. I swept all my curls to one side and tied them with a red ribbon.
The side placement makes it look intentional and chic instead of just lazy.
Plus the red ribbon? Total Christmas vibe without being over the top. It works amazing for anyone with thick curls that tend to get in the way.
And it stays put even if you’re running around cooking or wrapping gifts. Honestly one of my most-worn styles during the holidays.
4. Loose Spiral Curls with Gold Accessories
Let your curls do their thing with this one. Just add a few gold clips or pins scattered throughout.
I use my diffuser to enhance the spirals and then carefully place the accessories.
It’s simple but looks so festive and fancy. Perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to spend hours styling but still wants to look special.
My best friend swears by this for Christmas Eve church services. And I get it — it’s effortless but still feels intentional.
5. Curly High Bun with Glitter Accents
This one is fun if you’re feeling bold. Twist your curls up into a high bun and secure it.
Then add some glitter hairspray or glitter gel around the bun.
I won’t lie, the first time I tried this I used way too much glitter.
But once I got the hang of it? Total game-changer. Great for holiday parties where you want to stand out a little.
Just maybe don’t wear white if you’re doing the glitter thing.
6. Classic Curly Bob with Holiday Sparkle Clips
If you’ve got a curly bob, this is your moment. Just add a couple sparkly clips on one side to pin back your curls.
It instantly makes the whole look feel more festive and polished.
I love how simple this is but how much it elevates the style.
Works for literally any holiday occasion from casual to dressy. And if your curls are shorter, this gives you that festive touch without extra effort. Actually one of my favorite go-to looks for work holiday events.
7. Defined Ringlets with a Green or Red Headband
Okay so I’m obsessed with headbands lately. You define your curls with a good curl cream.
Then slide on a festive headband in green or red. It’s retro, it’s cute, and it keeps your curls out of your face.
Perfect for anyone who gets annoyed with hair falling forward while eating Christmas dinner.
I wore this style to my cousin’s wedding last December and felt amazing. Honestly didn’t expect to love it this much but here we are.
8. Curly Crown Braids with Light-Inspired Pins
This one takes a bit more effort but it’s worth it. You braid sections of your curls around the crown of your head.
Then add little light-inspired or star-shaped pins throughout the braids.
It looks intricate and special, like you spent hours on it.
Great for formal Christmas events or family photos. I tried this for a holiday photoshoot and the pictures turned out gorgeous.
Would you try braiding your curls like this? It’s definitely a statement look.
9. Side Parted Curls with Silver Barrettes
So simple but so elegant. Create a deep side part and clip one side back with silver barrettes.
Let the rest of your curls fall naturally over one shoulder.
It’s glamorous without being too fancy or complicated. I wear this for pretty much every holiday dinner because it just works.
And silver barrettes catch the light in the prettiest way. Honestly can’t go wrong with this one if you want something classic.
10. Messy Curly Chignon with Pearl Accent
This one saved me when I overslept before a Christmas party. You twist your curls into a low messy bun at the nape of your neck.
Add a pearl hairpin or pearl clip for that elegant touch.
It looks intentionally undone in the best possible way.
Perfect for anyone who wants to look polished but doesn’t have much time. And honestly? The messier it is, the more romantic it looks. I always get compliments when I wear this style.
11. Waterfall Braids on Curly Hair with Red Beads
Okay this one is stunning if you can pull it off. Create waterfall braids on both sides of your head.
Thread red beads through the braids for that festive Christmas pop.
I won’t lie, it took me three tries to get this right. But once I figured it out? Absolutely worth the effort.
It’s perfect for anyone who wants something unique and eye-catching. And people will definitely ask you how you did it.
12. Curly Ponytail Wrapped in Velvet Ribbon
This one feels so luxurious for such a simple style. Pull your curls into a ponytail at whatever height you prefer.
Then wrap a velvet ribbon around the hair tie in green, red, or gold. The velvet texture just screams holiday elegance.
I wore this to a holiday work party and my coworkers loved it. It’s easy to do but looks way more expensive than it actually is. Honestly one of my favorite quick styles for busy December days.
13. Big Bouncy Curls with Snowflake Clips
Let your curls be big and bold with this one. Use a diffuser to really amp up the volume.
Then add little snowflake clips scattered throughout your hair.
It’s playful, festive, and perfect for anyone who loves statement hair. I tried this for a Christmas brunch with friends and felt so cute. The snowflake clips catch the light and just make everything feel magical. Would you go for something this playful? I absolutely recommend it.
14. Romantic Curly Half Bun with Sparkles
This style is soft and romantic but still festive. Twist the top half of your curls into a loose bun.
Add some sparkle with glitter spray or sparkly pins. The bottom curls flow freely which creates this really pretty silhouette.
Perfect for date night during the holidays or New Year’s Eve. I wore this to a fancy Christmas dinner and got so many compliments. It’s elegant but still feels natural and not too overdone.
15. Curly Layered Hair with Festive Hair Comb
If you have layered curls, use them to your advantage. Let your layers fall naturally and add a decorative hair comb on one side.
I’m talking about those vintage-style combs with crystals or pearls.
It instantly elevates your whole look without changing your natural curl pattern. Great for anyone who wants to keep their hair down but still feel festive. I use this style constantly during December because it’s so easy. And the comb does all the work for you honestly.
16. Low Curly Bun with Red and Gold Pins
This one is classy and timeless. Gather your curls into a low bun at the nape of your neck. Add red and gold pins throughout for that Christmas color combo.
It’s sophisticated enough for formal events but comfortable enough for long dinners.
I wore this to my family’s Christmas Eve dinner and it stayed perfect all night. And honestly? It’s way easier to create than it looks. Just twist, pin, and add your festive touches.
17. Loose Curly Waves with a Holly-Inspired Headpiece
Okay this one is for when you really want to commit to the theme. Wear your curls loose and flowing. Add a holly-inspired headpiece with little berries and leaves.
It’s bold, it’s festive, and it’s definitely a conversation starter.
I wore something similar to a holiday photoshoot and absolutely loved how the photos turned out.
Perfect for anyone who loves making a statement with their holiday style. Would you rock a full holly headpiece? I say go for it.
18. Elegant Curly Updo with Crystal Hair Jewellery
This is the fancy option when you really want to impress. Create an elegant updo with your curls pinned up loosely. Add crystal hair jewelry throughout for that extra sparkle.
I wore this to a formal holiday gala last year and felt like a million bucks.
It takes a bit more time to create but the result is stunning.
Perfect for weddings, fancy parties, or any event where you want to look glamorous. Honestly worth every minute of styling time.
19. Playful Curly Pigtails with Festive Ribbon
Don’t sleep on pigtails just because they seem childish. Part your curls down the middle and create two low or high pigtails. Tie them with festive ribbon in red, green, or plaid.
It’s cute, playful, and surprisingly versatile.
I wore this to a casual Christmas party with friends and everyone loved it.
And honestly? It keeps your curls from getting in your face while still looking festive. Sometimes the most playful styles end up being the most fun.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it — 19 curly hairstyles for Christmas that actually work in real life. I’ve tried most of these myself over the years.
Some became my go-to looks and some I only wear for special occasions. But they all made me feel festive and confident during the holidays.
The best part? You can adapt any of these to match your personal style.
More sparkle, less sparkle, different colors, different accessories. Make them your own and have fun with it. Which one are you thinking of trying this Christmas?
I’d genuinely love to hear which style catches your eye!
