25 Beautiful Christmas Hairstyles with Braids Anyone Can Try

Getting ready for Christmas feels easier when you have simple braided styles that always look pretty. Braids hold well, suit every hair type, and fit casual, cozy, or dressy holiday plans. This list shares easy styles anyone can try at home with affordable pins, elastics, and ribbons. Each idea is light, wearable, and practical—perfect for mornings when you want something quick but still festive. Pick your favorites and enjoy fresh braided looks you can recreate without stress.

1. Snowy Peekaboo Braid

A peekaboo braid sits under the top layer of your hair, giving a small surprise detail that feels perfect for Christmas gatherings. Separate a thin section from underneath and braid it tightly. Let your top layers fall over it. Add tiny faux-snow beads or a small glitter clip at the end. It’s simple and doesn’t take long. If your hair is fine, apply a little dry shampoo for hold. The best part? You can make more than one peekaboo braid for a fuller effect. This works on straight or wavy hair. You can even curl the ends for extra shape. Budget-friendly bead packs from craft stores add quick decoration. This style stays comfortable all day and still looks natural.

2. Candy Cane Stitch Braid

A stitch braid gives clean lines that look striking during Christmas photos. Start with a small section at the top and keep adding thin horizontal slices as you braid downward. Thread a red and white ribbon through the braid to create a candy-cane look. Ribbons are cheap and easy to match with your outfit. Keep each section small so the pattern stays clear. This style holds well for long events. If your hair is thick, work with damp strands for smoother control. You can also stop halfway and secure it into a ponytail for a lighter style. It’s festive without being heavy.

3. Holly Vine Side Braid

This braid feels gentle and holiday-friendly. Part your hair on one side and braid downward, keeping your braid close to the cheek. Add small holly-themed clips along the braid in a vine pattern. Affordable multi-packs are easy to find. Keep the braid slightly loose for softness. If your hair slips, apply a bit of texturizing powder. You can tuck the end under your hair with a bobby pin for a cleaner finish. This style looks lovely for dinners or casual gatherings.

4. Frost-Tipped Bubble Braid

A bubble braid is playful and easy—even beginners can create it. Tie a ponytail and add elastics every couple of inches. Gently pull each section to form bubbles. Dust the edges with a tiny amount of glitter gel for a frosted effect. Glitter gels are cheap and wash out easily. You can add a bow at the base for a soft touch. This style works for all hair lengths longer than shoulder-length. It’s comfortable, cute, and perfect for holiday outings. If your hair is short, make a half-up bubble braid instead.

5. Braided Christmas Bow Tie-In

Tie your hair into a tiny braided bow for a fun touch. Make a thin braid, loop it into two small arches, and secure the center with a pin. It creates a bow made from your own hair. Add a small clip in the center if you want some sparkle. This works best on medium hair lengths. Use a little hairspray to keep the bow shape firm. It’s a cute option for school events, work parties, or family visits. It also pairs well with loose curls or waves.

6. Tiny Ladder Braid

A ladder braid looks detailed but is simple once you try it. Make two thin braids parallel to each other. Connect them using small strands pulled through both sides. It creates a ladder-like pattern. Add micro-clips for a festive touch. Elastic packs from discount stores work well for tiny sections. This braid stays flat and tidy for hours. You can leave the rest of your hair loose or curl it for texture. It’s also great for photos because the pattern is visible even from a distance.

7. Ribbon Loop Halo Braid

Create a halo braid and weave little ribbon loops through the outer edges. Choose soft satin ribbon in red, gold, or green. Satin ribbon is cheap and lasts all season. Keep the braid relaxed to avoid tightness. The ribbon loops add a gentle holiday charm without feeling heavy. This style works for long events and keeps hair away from your face. If your hair is short, make two braids and wrap them across the top. It’s lovely for church services, dinners, or winter outings.

8. Evergreen Accent Braids

Add a touch of winter greenery to your look. Make two thin braids near your temples and secure them behind your ears. Add miniature evergreen pins shaped like tiny fir branches. They’re inexpensive and easy to attach. Keep the braids soft for a natural effect. This style works beautifully with straight or curled hair. If your hair is thick, tuck the ends under for a clean finish. It’s ideal for cozy home gatherings or outdoor Christmas markets.

9. Star Trail Side Braid

This braid feels dreamy for Christmas nights. Make a loose three-strand braid on one side. Add small star clips along one edge in a downward line. Keep the braid airy by gently pulling the sides. Star clips are cheap and often sold in packs. Use gold or silver depending on your outfit. This style suits medium to long hair. If your hair is short, make a braided half-up version. It pairs well with soft makeup and cozy sweaters.

10. Warm Cocoa French Braid

Create a relaxed French braid down the back—but keep it soft and pulled for a warm, cozy effect. Start at the crown and use large sections. Pull each part slightly so the braid looks plush. This style stays comfortable for long evenings. Use a scrunchie or velvet tie at the end. Velvet ties are cheap and easy to find during Christmas season. If your hair is thin, curl the ends of the dropped sections for fullness. It’s simple but pretty.

11. Sleigh Bell Micro Braids

Add festive charm with tiny bell accents. Make several micro braids throughout your hair. Attach miniature bell charms at the end using small rubber bands. Choose ultra-light bells so the style stays comfortable. These are inexpensive in craft stores. This style works on all lengths beyond chin-level. Keep the rest of your hair loose or wavy. It’s fun for kids and adults. The bells move softly but stay secure. Avoid heavy bells—they pull too much. This look is playful without being overwhelming.

12. Rosy Twine Braid

Wrap your braid with soft rosy twine for a warm Christmas vibe. Create a side braid and wrap the twine around it in spaced loops. Twine is cheap and easy to find in multiple colors. Choose soft varieties to avoid friction. This braid works for casual or dressy holiday events. Keep the braid loose to make the twine stand out. If your hair is short, wrap twine around a half-up braid. It adds color without needing heavy accessories.

13. Crisscross Back Braids

This style adds interest to the back of your hair. Make two small side braids and cross them in the back. Pin them in an X shape. Let the rest of your hair flow. Add a small holiday clip where the braids cross. This looks lovely in photos because the design sits at the center. Use matching bobby pins to keep everything secure. This works on short and long hair. If your hair is very straight, add a bit of wave for softness.

14. Cinnamon Twist Braids

Twisted braids feel warm and simple. Take two thin sections from each side and twist them tightly before braiding the rest of your hair in a low braid. The twists create a cinnamon-stick effect. Add a soft bow at the end. This style holds well and doesn’t require much skill. Budget bows or scrunchies pair well with it. Keep the twists snug so they show clearly. This is great for holiday breakfasts, travel days, or home gatherings.

15. Winter Wreath Braid

Create a braid around the back of your head to mimic a wreath. Part your hair in a circle and braid following the shape. Add small green accents or mini faux leaves. Craft stores sell cheap leaf packs. Keep the braid close to your head for a clean look. This style looks beautiful for holiday pictures. It works best on long hair. Use strong bobby pins to keep it secure.

16. Snowflake Pin Lattice Braid

A lattice braid looks fancy but is easier than it appears. Make several thin braids and interweave them across the back. Pin them where they cross. Add tiny snowflake clips. Snowflake clips are affordable and come in multipacks. Keep the rest of your hair curled or straight. This style is perfect for winter events. If your hair is short, create a smaller lattice at the crown.

17. Loose Fir-Twist Braid

Twist two small strands on each side before braiding everything down the back. The twists mimic fir branches. Keep the braid loose for a natural effect. Add a tiny clip at the base. Use low-cost green or gold pins for a festive feel. This style suits medium and long hair. If your hair is fine, add mousse before braiding. It keeps the twists from slipping.

18. Tinsel Thread Side Braid

Add tinsel strands into your braid for a subtle shimmer. Choose lightweight tinsel so the style stays comfortable. Weave it through the braid from top to bottom. Secure with a small elastic. Tinsel accessory packs are cheap and last through many uses. This style suits parties, photos, or evening plans. Keep the braid slightly loose so the tinsel shows clearly. If your hair is short, create a smaller half-up tinsel braid.

19. Cozy Knit Braid

A knit braid uses small overlapping loops to mimic the look of knitted fabric. Start with three small sections, then loop them in a pattern, pulling gently to shape the design. It looks cozy and winter-themed. Add a small ribbon at the end. This braid works best on medium or long hair. It stays flat and pretty for hours. Use cheap clear elastics to divide sections. Pair it with a sweater for a warm holiday look.

20. Garland Tie-Back Braids

Make two small side braids and tie them at the back with garland-themed clips. These clips are inexpensive and add instant holiday charm. Keep the braids loose. Let your hair fall naturally. If you want more texture, curl the bottom half lightly. This style is comfortable for all-day wear. It also looks sweet on kids. Use matching bobby pins if the braids feel too loose.

21. Frost-Kissed Spiral Braid

Create a diagonal spiral braid across the back of your head. Start near one ear and braid downward in a curve. Add a light touch of glitter gel along the edges for a frosty effect. Glitter gels are cheap and rinse out easily. Keep the braid medium-tight so the spiral shape shows. This style is lovely for evening events and holiday dinners. Works best on long hair.

22. Starburst Crown Part Braid

Part your hair in the center and create several small braids radiating outward. Pin them back gently so they fan out. It creates a starburst pattern. Add one star clip at the crown for a festive touch. Use cheap tiny elastics for each braid. This look works well on medium or long hair. Keep the braids soft to avoid a tight feel. It’s fun, light, and eye-catching.

23. Ribbon Lace Pull-Back Braid

Weave a thin ribbon through a lace braid and pull it back gently. Tie it with a small bow. Lace braids look layered and soft. The ribbon adds color without needing many accessories. Use satin ribbon—it’s inexpensive and easy to match with holiday outfits. This style stays light and comfortable. Works well for medium or long hair. If your hair is fine, add a touch of dry shampoo for grip.

24. Sleigh-Path Back Braid

Make a central braid and place small clips in a dotted line along one edge. The pattern looks like a path trailing down the braid. Use small round clips or pearl pins—cheap and easy to find. Keep the braid loose for softness. This style works for school events, gatherings, or photos. If your hair is thick, divide the top section before braiding for easier control.

25. Warm Lantern Braid-Up

Create a soft upstyle using several small braids pinned upward in a lantern-like shape. Braid three or four sections, then tuck and pin them to form a rounded structure. Add a small clip at the base. This style feels festive yet comfortable. Affordable pins work fine for this look. Smooth the edges with a bit of cream to keep flyaways controlled. It’s lovely for evening gatherings, parties, or family photos.

Conclusion

Braided Christmas hairstyles bring charm without stress. With a few ribbons, clips, and simple techniques, you can create pretty looks that match any holiday plan. Try different styles from this list and see which ones fit your hair and mood. Each idea is simple, comfortable, and perfect for both busy days and festive nights.