20 Festive Holiday Party Hairstyles for Glamorous Nights Out

The holiday season is basically a month-long invitation to turn up the glamour, and these holiday party hairstyles are your ticket to looking spectacular at every celebration. From office parties to New Year’s Eve, the right hairstyle transforms your whole look, adding polish, sparkle, and festive spirit. This guide brings you twenty gorgeous options, from timeless vintage waves to playful ribbon ponytails, each with practical styling tips so you can recreate the magic at home. Happy holidays and happy styling!
What makes a great holiday hairstyle? Shine, staying power, and a little bit of drama. These are nights for trying something bolder than your everyday look, whether that means accessories, volume, or a sleek finish. Browse the ideas below with your party calendar in mind, pick a few favourites to practise, and get ready to walk into every room feeling like the best-dressed person there, from your crown down. You truly deserve to shine at every single celebration this season.
Old Hollywood Curls

Old Hollywood curls are the gold standard of party glamour, with sculpted, glossy waves that channel vintage starlets. The polished, deliberate shape feels perfectly festive, pairing beautifully with velvet dresses and statement jewellery. This style photographs like a dream, giving every picture a timeless, cinematic quality. It suits medium to long hair and every face shape. For a holiday party where you want to look utterly classic and completely stunning, nothing beats these iconic waves. Pure vintage holiday magic awaits.
Curl all sections in the same direction with a large iron, pin to cool, then brush through for seamless waves. A shine serum is essential for that glossy finish. Set with a firm-hold hairspray to survive the night. Tuck one side behind the ear with a jeweled clip for extra sparkle. For more formal-night glamour, see these prom hairstyle ideas for a picture-perfect night. This is timeless festive perfection. Practice once beforehand and you will master this classic technique easily.
Sparkling High Bun

The sparkling high bun takes a classic updo and decks it out for the holidays, with glittering accessories woven through a polished bun at the crown. The height is regal and elongating, showing off the neck and shoulders beautifully with strapless dresses. Crystal pins, pearl strands, or a dusting of hair glitter transform the simple bun into something magical. This style is secure, elegant, and made for dancing the night away without a single worry about your hair. So dazzling.
Smooth hair into a high ponytail, twist into a bun, and pin securely. Add sparkling accessories generously: crystal pins, a jeweled comb, or glitter spray. The accessories do the heavy lifting, so the base can be simple. Set with strong-hold hairspray. For more elevated updo inspiration, explore these updo hairstyle ideas for weddings and formal events. This is festive glamour at its most dazzling. The sparkling finished result is absolutely guaranteed to turn heads all evening long, every single time.
Velvet Bow Half-Up

The velvet bow half-up is holiday chic personified, with a plush velvet bow securing a twisted half-up section. The rich texture of velvet screams festive season, and the bow adds a playful, feminine touch. This style keeps hair off your face while showing off length, making it both practical and pretty. It suits every hair length from shoulder down and every face shape. Choose a bow in deep red, forest green, or classic black for maximum seasonal impact. Simply adorable.
Twist the top sections back and secure with pins, then attach a velvet bow over the join. Curl the loose lengths for softness. The bow should be proportional to your hair: bigger bows for longer, thicker hair. This style is quick to create but looks incredibly thoughtful. It pairs beautifully with simple dresses, letting the bow be the accessory. The velvet texture catches light wonderfully in evening photos. This sweet, charming style never fails to earn happy compliments everywhere you go.
Sleek Glass Hair

Sleek glass hair is modern minimalism at its most striking, with every strand flat-ironed to a mirror shine. The extreme polish feels fashion-forward and confident, a bold contrast to fussy party styles. It pairs beautifully with bold makeup and minimalist dresses, letting clean lines do the talking. This style suits oval, square, and heart-shaped faces and works best on medium to long hair. The dramatic shine catches party lights spectacularly, making you glow in every photo. Now shine on, gorgeous.
Flat iron small sections with heat protectant and smoothing serum for that glassy finish. A shine spray is non-negotiable. Keep the parting sharp, whether centre or deep side. The style is low-maintenance during the party if humidity cooperates. Pair with statement earrings, since sleek hair frames them perfectly. This is a confident choice for anyone who wants to stand out through simplicity and shine. The flawless mirror-like finish will always guarantee you a truly striking, unforgettable entrance every single time.
Festive Fishtail Braid

The festive fishtail braid is intricate beauty with holiday spirit, woven loosely and dressed up with tiny sparkly pins or ribbon. The detailed weave looks far more complicated than it is, giving you an impressive style with modest effort. Draped over one shoulder, it is romantic and practical, keeping hair controlled all evening. This style suits medium to long hair and looks stunning with off-the-shoulder and one-shoulder dresses. The texture photographs beautifully from every angle. So festive, fun, and fabulous.
Weave a loose fishtail braid to one side, pancaking it gently for fullness. Weave in a thin metallic ribbon or add sparkly pins along the braid. Secure with a clear elastic and finish with hairspray. The style is secure and comfortable for hours of celebrating. It is a lovely choice for daytime holiday parties and family gatherings, feeling festive without being overdone or too formal. It is such a charming, relaxed, and joyful choice for all lovely daytime holiday celebrations.
Golden Hour Waves

Golden hour waves are soft, touchable, and luminous, with loose waves that catch light like late-afternoon sun. The relaxed texture feels modern and effortless, perfect for holiday parties where you want glamour without stiffness. This style suits every face shape and every dress style, making it wonderfully versatile. The waves move beautifully when you do, adding life to every photo. It is the kind of style that looks expensive and feels completely comfortable all night long. Glow beautifully all night.
Curl with a large-barrel iron, alternating directions, then brush through for softness. A texturising spray adds hold without crunch. The key is imperfection: do not make the waves too uniform. Finish with a shine spray for that golden luminosity. This style is forgiving to create and easy to refresh. For more seasonal styling, browse these fall hairstyles for cosy seasonal ideas that carry into the holidays. These soft, luminous holiday waves will suit absolutely everyone at every single celebration. Truly gorgeous.
Pearl-Adorned Updo

The pearl-adorned updo is timeless elegance with a festive twist, scattering lustrous pearls through a soft, romantic updo. Pearls feel inherently celebratory and pair beautifully with the season’s velvets and satins. The updo itself can be a chignon, French twist, or textured bun; the pearls elevate any base. This style suits formal holiday galas and weddings, giving your look a refined, expensive finish. It is sophisticated, feminine, and utterly timeless in photographs. True elegance never ever goes out of style.
Create a soft updo, leaving the texture slightly loose, then place pearl pins throughout, varying the sizes. The asymmetry looks more modern than perfect placement. Secure everything with hairspray. The pearls catch candlelight beautifully. This style is secure and comfortable for long evenings. It pairs gorgeously with pearl earrings for a coordinated look. The result is understated luxury that never tries too hard. This refined, luminous look works so beautifully for all of the most elegant evenings of the season.
Side-Swept Vintage Waves

Side-swept vintage waves bring 1940s glamour to the modern holiday party, with sculpted waves swept dramatically to one side. The asymmetrical shape is incredibly flattering, elongating the neck and drawing the eye. This style pairs perfectly with vintage-inspired dresses and red lips for a full retro moment. It suits medium to long hair and photographs with stunning dimension. For a themed party or anyone who loves vintage style, this is pure magic. Pure vintage retro romance truly awaits you tonight.
Set waves with a large iron and pin to cool, then sweep to one side and pin discreetly. Brush through for that smooth vintage finish. A strong-hold hairspray is essential for the sculpted shape. Add a vintage-style clip on the pinned side. The style holds well for hours. Practice the wave pattern before the party, since the vintage finish takes some skill. The result is worth every minute of effort. The glamorous, stunning payoff is absolutely worth all the practice.
Glitter Root Braids

Glitter root braids are pure party fun, with fine braids along the parting dusted with cosmetic glitter for festive sparkle. The look is playful and youthful, perfect for New Year’s Eve and nights when subtlety is not on the agenda. The braids keep the front secure while the rest of the hair can be worn any way you like. This style suits adventurous dressers and looks incredible under party lights, where the glitter catches every beam and makes you shine.
Braid two small sections along the parting, then apply cosmetic-grade glitter gel along the parts and braids. Keep the glitter to the roots for a cool, editorial effect. The rest of the hair can be straight, wavy, or in a ponytail. The style is comfortable and secure. Remove glitter with an oil-based cleanser. This is a bold, joyful choice for the biggest party nights of the year. This fearless, joyful style guarantees you will be the talk of the night.
Low Sleek Chignon

The low sleek chignon is quiet luxury, with glassy-smooth hair gathered into a polished bun at the nape. The severe sleekness feels modern and confident, letting your dress and jewellery shine. This style suits formal holiday events and pairs beautifully with high necklines and statement earrings. It is incredibly secure, surviving the longest nights without loosening. The minimalist elegance photographs with a timeless quality that never looks dated, making it a sophisticated choice. Simply pure, quiet, understated perfection always wins.
Smooth hair with serum and a strong-hold gel, then gather low and twist into a chignon. Pin securely and set with firm-hold hairspray. The key is absolute smoothness at the crown. Add a single striking hairpin for interest. This style is comfortable and lasts for hours. It is perfect for anyone who prefers understated elegance to obvious glamour, proving that simplicity can be the most striking choice. With this beautifully refined choice, less truly becomes so much more elegant. So refined.
Romantic Loose Updo

The romantic loose updo is softness incarnate, with loosely pinned curls and tendrils creating an effortlessly dreamy shape. The undone texture feels modern and feminine, perfect for candlelit holiday dinners and romantic evenings. Loose face-framing pieces keep it youthful and flattering. This style suits every face shape and works on medium to long hair. It photographs with beautiful softness, giving your holiday pictures a warm, glowing quality that feels intimate and special. So dreamy, soft, romantic, feminine, and utterly delightful.
Curl the hair, then loosely pin sections up, leaving tendrils free. Do not aim for perfection; the beauty is in the softness. Secure with bobby pins and finish with a flexible-hold spray. Add small sparkly pins for festive touch. The style is comfortable and actually improves as it loosens. It is a forgiving style to create, since the texture hides imperfections. This is romance made wearable for the holidays. It is beautiful softness you can wear with total confidence tonight.
Twisted Crown Braid

The twisted crown braid circles the head like a halo, creating a regal, romantic style that feels made for the holidays. The crown shape is flattering and keeps hair completely secure, perfect for long nights of celebrating. It suits every face shape and works on medium to long hair. The intricate detail looks impressive but is simpler than it appears. This style pairs beautifully with elegant dresses and gives your whole look a graceful, almost royal quality. Fit for royalty.
Twist two sections from each temple and pin them around the crown, tucking ends underneath. Pancake the twists for fullness. The rest of the hair can be left down or gathered. Secure with pins and hairspray. Add sparkly pins along the crown for festive shine. The style is very secure and comfortable. It is a beautiful choice for formal holiday events where you want to look polished and special. You will truly feel like the beautiful belle of the ball.
High Textured Ponytail

The high textured ponytail is party energy in hairstyle form, with voluminous, tousled texture piled high for maximum impact. The height is elongating and the texture adds playful volume that moves beautifully when you dance. This style keeps hair off your face and neck, perfect for warm, crowded parties. It suits every face shape and gives your look a youthful, celebratory feel. Teased texture and a few sparkly accessories make it completely party-ready. Turn the festive party volume right up.
Tease the crown for volume, gather high, and secure firmly. Backcomb the ponytail for texture and finish with texturising spray. Wrap a section around the base. Add a sparkly scrunchie or pins for festive flair. The style is secure and survives dancing easily. It is comfortable and fun, perfect for nights when the priority is celebrating. This is joy made visible, and it photographs with fantastic energy. This bouncy, joyful style keeps your whole celebration going all night long. Pure joy.
Satin Ribbon Ponytail

The satin ribbon ponytail is charming holiday sweetness, tying a luxurious satin ribbon around a sleek or textured ponytail. The ribbon adds colour, texture, and festive spirit in one simple step. Choose deep jewel tones or classic black for seasonal elegance, and let the ends trail for romance. This style suits every hair length and is wonderfully quick to create. It is perfect for office parties and family gatherings, feeling festive without being over the top. Sweet, simple, and charming.
Create a ponytail at any height, smooth or textured, then tie a satin ribbon around the base in a bow. Curl the ponytail for extra polish. The ribbon should be wired or stiff enough to hold its bow shape. This is a five-minute style with maximum charm. It pairs beautifully with simple dresses, letting the ribbon be the statement. The satin catches light softly, adding a lovely sheen to your holiday look. The pretty satin ribbon does all the talking.
Elegant French Twist

The elegant French twist is timeless sophistication, sweeping hair up into the classic vertical roll that never goes out of style. The sleek, sculptural shape feels perfectly formal for holiday galas and black-tie events. It elongates the neck beautifully and pairs gorgeously with statement earrings and high necklines. This style suits medium to long hair and gives your look a polished, grown-up glamour. For a style with true staying power through decades of trends, the French twist is unmatched. Classic.
Smooth hair to one side, twist upward, and tuck the ends, pinning securely along the seam. A strong-hold hairspray is essential. The twist should be smooth and tight for classic elegance. Add a jeweled comb along the seam for festive sparkle. Practice before the party, since the technique takes skill. The result is worth it: pure, timeless elegance that looks stunning in every photograph. Master this timeless, elegant technique once and you will use it for years to come. Timeless beauty.
Loose Curly Half-Up with Clips

The loose curly half-up with decorative clips is playful festive charm, gathering the top section back and adorning it with sparkly clips. The curls add volume and romance while the clips bring the holiday sparkle. This style suits naturally curly girls beautifully and works on wavy hair too. It keeps curls off the face while showing off their gorgeous texture. For more curl celebration, see these curly hairstyle ideas for natural curls. It is joyful, pretty, and perfect for the season.
Define curls with cream, gather the top section loosely, and pin it back. Place sparkly clips, stars, or pearl pins around the pinned section. The clips should complement your outfit. Finish with a flexible-hold spray. The style is comfortable and secure for celebrating. It is a wonderful choice for holiday parties where you want to look festive and feel like yourself, with curls as the star. These playful, sparkly clips add the perfect festive finishing touch to your beautiful curls.
Slicked-Back Wet Look

The slicked-back wet look is high-fashion edge, with hair combed back with gel for a glossy, just-out-of-water finish. It is bold, modern, and incredibly striking, perfect for fashion-forward holiday parties. The severe style shows off bone structure and pairs beautifully with strong makeup. It suits oval and heart-shaped faces and works on short to medium hair best. This is a statement look that guarantees you will be remembered, giving your holiday style a daring, editorial twist. Dare to be different.
Apply a generous amount of strong-hold gel to damp hair and comb straight back. The finish should look wet and glossy, so do not skimp on product. Set with a shine spray. The style is very secure and lasts all night. Pair with bold earrings and dramatic makeup to balance the severity. This is not for the faint-hearted, but for the right person on the right night, it is absolutely unforgettable. It is absolutely unforgettable, without any question at all.
Soft Romantic Curls

Soft romantic curls are timeless party beauty, with loose, touchable curls that frame the face and fall gracefully. The softness feels feminine and approachable, perfect for holiday dinners and gatherings. This style suits every face shape and every dress, making it wonderfully versatile. The curls catch light beautifully, giving your hair gorgeous dimension in photos. It is the kind of style that never looks overdone, just effortlessly, beautifully you on a special night. Beautifully effortless and elegant every single time.
Curl with a medium-barrel iron, leaving the ends slightly straight for modernity, then brush through gently. A flexible-hold hairspray keeps the softness. The style is comfortable and easy to refresh. Add a delicate clip on one side for festive touch. This is a forgiving style that suits everyone. For nights when you want to look beautiful without trying too hard, soft romantic curls are always the right answer. These timeless, romantic curls will flatter absolutely everyone, every single time. Always lovely.
Braided Low Bun with Sparkle

The braided low bun with sparkle combines intricate detail with festive shine, weaving a braid into a low bun adorned with glittering pins. The braid adds craftsmanship and texture, while the sparkle brings the holiday magic. This style is secure, elegant, and perfect for formal celebrations. It suits every face shape and works on medium to long hair. The combination of braid and sparkle feels special and thoughtful, like you planned every detail of your look. Such stunning festive detail.
Braid a section from the temple, then gather everything into a low bun, wrapping the braid around it. Pin securely and add sparkly pins throughout. Finish with hairspray. The style is very secure for long nights. The sparkle catches candlelight beautifully. This is a lovely choice for holiday weddings and formal parties, feeling festive and refined in equal measure. The intricate woven braid, the sparkling pins, and the polished low bun combine together into one truly unforgettable festive holiday masterpiece.
Voluminous Party Blowout

The voluminous party blowout is big, bouncy, joyful hair with maximum body and shine. The volume feels celebratory and looks incredible in motion, perfect for nights spent dancing. This style suits every face shape and every party dress, making it a universally winning choice. The bounce and shine photograph with fantastic energy. If you want a style that radiates happiness and confidence, the blowout delivers. It is classic party hair, polished to holiday perfection. Pure joyful holiday celebration awaits you.
Blow dry with a round brush, lifting at the roots, then set in large rollers while cooling. A volumising mousse boosts longevity. Finish with shine spray and flexible-hold hairspray. The style holds for hours on freshly washed hair. It is forgiving to create and always looks polished. This is a wonderful choice for anyone who wants gorgeous hair without complicated techniques, just pure, bouncy, beautiful volume. This bouncy blowout guarantees gorgeous hair from the very first song to the last.


