What is the easiest DIY Christmas costume?

An ugly Christmas sweater paired with a Santa hat or reindeer antlers is the easiest, most comfortable, and most accessible DIY holiday look.

How do I make a DIY Christmas tree costume?

Wear a green dress or t-shirt, wrap green tinsel garland around your body, and safety-pin lightweight plastic ornaments and a yellow felt star to the fabric.

What should I wear under a Santa suit?

Wear lightweight t-shirts and shorts or leggings, as plush velvet and polyester Santa suits can get very warm indoors.

AI-generated example

Christmas Costumes

Spread holiday cheer with classic Santa, elf, and festive character looks.

Christmas costumes are a beloved way to bring festive cheer to holiday parties, parades, and family gatherings. Whether you want to dress as the jolly man in red, a helpful workshop elf, or a decorated holiday tree, these looks are instantly recognizable and always bring smiles. This guide covers how to assemble the most popular holiday characters using simple wardrobe pieces and classic accessories.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~20 min
Budget: $25–120

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40 Christmas costume ideas

Ranked by how many people are searching for them this season. Open any one for the full guide and to try it on.

What you need for a Christmas Costumes costume

Red Santa Suit or Velvet Dress
A classic crimson red velvet or fleece coat with white faux-fur trim along the collar, cuffs, and hem.
DIY: Use a plain red sweater or dress and fabric glue to attach white faux-fur trim or cotton batting to the collar and cuffs.
Amazon
Black Belt with Gold Buckle
A wide black faux-leather belt featuring a prominent gold-colored square buckle to cinch the waist.
DIY: Cut a strip of black felt or vinyl and wrap it around your waist, securing it with a cardboard buckle wrapped in gold foil.
Amazon
Santa Hat
A matching red velvet cone hat with a white faux-fur band and a fluffy white pom-pom at the tip.
DIY: Roll red felt into a cone shape, glue the seam, and attach white cotton balls or trim to the base and tip.
Amazon
White Beard and Wig Set
A curly, snow-white synthetic beard and matching wig to capture the classic jolly look.
DIY: Glue white cotton balls or polyester fiberfill onto a soft fabric mask base with ear loops.
Amazon
White Gloves
Simple, clean white cotton or nylon gloves to complete the formal holiday look.
DIY: Use any pair of plain white winter gloves you already own.
Amazon
Black Boots or Boot Covers
Tall black boots or black vinyl boot tops worn over your regular dark shoes.
DIY: Wear clean, dark black dress shoes or rain boots.
Amazon

How to put it together

1
Put on the base red suit, robe, or velvet dress.
2
Secure the wide black belt firmly around your waist over the red garment.
3
Pull on the tall black boots or slip the black boot covers over your everyday shoes.
4
Adjust the white wig on your head, then secure the white beard using the elastic straps behind your ears.
5
Place the red Santa hat on your head, tilting the pom-pom slightly to one side.
6
Put on the white cotton gloves and carry a gold handbell or a red velvet sack filled with lightweight boxes.

Makeup & hair

Keep natural hair tucked under the wig cap. For makeup, apply a generous amount of pink blush to the apples of your cheeks and the tip of your nose to create a cheerful, cold-weather flush.

Christmas Costumes for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair Santa Claus with Mrs. Claus in a matching red dress, white apron, and wire-rimmed glasses.
group: Go as Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a team of workshop elves in green and red tunics with pointed ears.
kids: Dress children as adorable workshop elves, reindeer with headband antlers, or miniature snowmen.
Plus size: Classic Santa suits are naturally roomy and look excellent on all body types; use a padded belly insert if desired.
pet: Dress your dog in a red holiday sweater or a lightweight reindeer antler headband.

Tips

Stay cool by choosing lightweight fleece or velvet fabrics if you plan to wear the costume indoors for long periods.
If using a fake beard, bring a straw for drinks so you do not get liquids on the synthetic fibers.
Carry a small gold handbell to ring as you enter the room to instantly draw attention and spread cheer.
Stuff a red velvet sack with crumpled newspaper or empty wrapped gift boxes to keep it looking full without adding weight.

Christmas Costumes costume FAQ

What is the easiest DIY Christmas costume?: An ugly Christmas sweater paired with a Santa hat or reindeer antlers is the easiest, most comfortable, and most accessible DIY holiday look.
How do I make a DIY Christmas tree costume?: Wear a green dress or t-shirt, wrap green tinsel garland around your body, and safety-pin lightweight plastic ornaments and a yellow felt star to the fabric.
What should I wear under a Santa suit?: Wear lightweight t-shirts and shorts or leggings, as plush velvet and polyester Santa suits can get very warm indoors.

Did you know? The modern image of Santa Claus in a red suit trimmed with white fur was popularized in the 19th century by illustrator Thomas Nast and later cemented by Coca-Cola's winter advertising campaigns in the 1930s.