Christmas is truly the most magical time of the year for all the family, and what's better than wearing a new Christmas outfit? While you're out shopping for Christmas gifts for toddlers and other family members, why not treat your kids to a new festive outfit too?
While Christmas outfits for kids aren't totally necessary, it can be exciting to dress your little ones in something festive - whether you're dressing them for Christmas day itself, a festive party, or just a cute outfit in the run-up to the big day. Not only will they look super cute in a Christmas-themed outfit, but it can help make Christmas day itself feel different to every other day, especially for children.
Best Christmas outfits for kids at a glance:
• Best Christmas reindeer dress: Jingle Reindeer Knit + Tulle Dress - buy here at The White Company.
• Best Christmas Fairisle jumper: Baby Forest Fairisle Jumper - buy here at John Lewis.
• Best Christmas pyjamas: Elf Christmas Pyjamas - buy here at Amazon.
So whether you're staying at home or visiting family, going to a party with friends or formal Christmas event, the best Christmas outfits for kids can add to the festive magic, even if it is just a Christmas jumper. We've listed our favourite kids' Christmas outfits below, starting with some picks direct from the mums on Team M&B.
What we're dressing our kids in this Christmas:
Best Christmas Fairisle jumper
www.johnlewis.com
This Fairisle jumper is too cute, and suitable to be worn all throughout winter, not just at Christmas. It has buttons on the left shoulder for ease of dressing, and is made from 100 per cent organic cotton – gorgeously soft on little one’s skin.
M&B contributor Sophie Knight said: “I always treat my little ones to a Frugi Christmas jumper, as they’re always the softest ones I can buy. This one is such a cute design, and my little one loves the bears. It washes brilliantly and we’ll definitely be wearing it way before Christmas, and long after it (until it doesn’t fit any more).”
Pros
- Made from 100 per cent organic cotton
- Washes well
Cons
- Not suitable for tumble drying
The best kids' Christmas outfits 2024:
Best Christmas tulle dress
www2.hm.com
As bright as Rudolph’s nose, this red tulle dress is just adorable, and perfect for Christmas morning or parties. The gathered ruffles on the skirt like candy canes add cute details. Available in sizes from 18 months to eight years.
One customer review said: “This little dress is great, design, fabric, everything stylish for a young lady.”
Pros
- Cute candy cane detail
- Perfect for parties for Christmas gatherings
Cons
- None!
Best Christmas shirt for kids
www.johnlewis.com
The ideal shirt for Christmas morning, pair with jeans or soft cords, and your little one will be warm and comfy while ripping open wrapping paper. It’s 100 per cent cotton, and available in sizes from newborn through to three years.
Pros
- Made from 100 per cent cotton
- Perfect for Christmas morning
Cons
- No online reviews yet
Best Minnie Mouse™ Christmas top
www.marksandspencer.com
One for the Minnie Mouse fans, this soft cotton Christmas top is perfect for Disney festive movie nights. Lighter and easier to wear than a chunky knitted jumper, this is a good choice if you want a kids’ Christmas outfit that will look after sensitive skin, or if your little one finds woolly jumpers a bit itchy.
Pros
- Good for sensitive skin that finds woolly jumpers itchy
- One for Disney fans
Cons
- No online reviews yet
Best Christmas dinosaur jumper
For little ones who love dinosaurs as much as they love Christmas, this is the perfect combo in one festive jumper. Navy blue with a green dino wrapped in Christmas lights, this jumper is available in sizes from two to seven years.
One reviewer said: “Really cute Christmas jumper for my dinosaur-loving grandson.”
Pros
- Perfect for kids who love dinosaurs
- Sizes up to seven years
Cons
- Not great if you don't like dinosaurs
Best Christmas reindeer jumper
www.polarnopyret.co.uk
Nothing beats a good Fairisle jumper for Christmas, and this is just gorgeous, with red and white patterns and little reindeers all around. It’s made from super-soft 100 per cent organic cotton. Available in sizes from one to nine years. You can also buy a festive green version, but it doesn’t feature the adorable reindeers.
Pros
- Classic Fairisle design
- Features super-cute reindeers
- Made from 100 per cent organic cotton
Cons
- Not suitable for tumble drying
Best Christmas Grinch dress
www.matalan.co.uk
Whether you’re a fan of the Dr Seuss book, the original Jim Carey film, or the latest animated movie, the Grinch is everyone’s favourite Christmas grump (and we know it was people he had a problem with, not actually Christmas, so we’ll forgive him). This cute Grinch cartoon dress is ideal for Christmas parties and carol singing – or simply just watching the movie with a cup of hot chocolate. Available in sizes from one to 13 years.
Pros
- Cute Grinch cartoon design
- Wide range of sizes
Cons
- Not everyone loves the Grinch
Best matching Christmas outfit for kids
tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk
We love this sweatshirt and leggings set. Not only because it’s always helpful to buy a set, knowing they’ll match perfectly, but because you can wear them separately as well. Your little one will love the soft reindeer ears on the sweatshirt. Available in sizes from one to six years.
Pros
- Matching set of two pieces
- Can easily be worn separately
Cons
- No online reviews yet
Best Christmas kids' shoes
www2.hm.com
The finishing touch to the best kids’ Christmas outfit, these ballet pumps with big, beautiful bows are simply gorgeous. Your little one will love the glittery sparkles on these shoes; you can also get red ones, too, just like Dorothy. Available in sizes from 7 to 2.
Pros
- The perfect finishing touch to your kids' Christmas outfit
- Also come in glittery red
Cons
- Sizes only start at infant shoe size 7
Best Christmas reindeer dress
www.thewhitecompany.com
Help your mini-me join in all the reindeer games with this adorable Jingles Reindeer Knit & Tulle Dress from The White Company. Its throw-on design makes it perfect for children this Christmas, whether you're heading off to a party or just enjoying the festivities at home. What makes this a stand-out outfit for us is the little red pom-pom nose detailing. Available in sizes from one to five years.
One review said: "Beautiful! Well made! Packaged carefully! Design is gorgeous! A perfect all occasion dress for a little princess!"
Pros
- Comfortable
- Great for both smart and casual wear
Cons
- Small children might try pulling off the pom-pom nose
Size range | 18 months - 6 years |
Material | Cotton and polyester |
Washing instructions | Machine washable |
- Available in baby sizes
- Tulle skirt
- Machine washable
- Button fastening on back
Best Christmas smocked dress
www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
What's not to like about this adorable tartan party dress? We fell for the tiny velvet Peter Pan collar and puff sleeves, which add a touch of elegance for Christmas Day. There's a button back opening for easy dressing, and a cute velvet ribbon tied around the waist. It's short-sleeved, so we recommend pairing with a cardigan and pair of tights to keep your child nice and warm. It's available in sizes from six months to six years.
One grandparent reviewer said: "I've bought this dress for my little granddaughter to wear on Christmas day, it is absolutely gorgeous and lovely quality."
Pros
- Lovely velvet details
- Button back opening
Cons
- Short sleeves could be chilly without a cardigan
Material | 100 per cent cotton |
Washing instructions | Machine washable at 40 degrees |
Age range | 6 months - 6 years |
- Button up back
- Smocked front
- Peter Pan collar
- Cotton lined
Best fancy dress Christmas outfit
Are you hosting a party? This Santa Girl costume will bring the magic of Christmas to life. This set features a red dress with pom-pom buttons and pocket detailing. It also has a black belt and faux fur-trimmed red shawl. The sweetest little Santa girl costume.
One parent reviewer said: "My daughter loved wearing this, great costume for the price."
Pros
- A fun outfit for Christmas
- Good fit
Cons
- Pom poms are a bit loose
Size range | Small ,Medium, Large |
Material | Polyester |
Washing instructions | Hand wash only |
- Includes belt and shawl
- Available in three sizes
- Perfect for Christmas parties
Best Christmas pyjamas
Although these are pyjamas, the fun elf design can also double up as a great costume for Christmas. As well as the adorable print, we love that these elf Christmas pyjamas are available for children aged two to eight - meaning you can get matching sets for siblings.
One parent reviewer said, "Bought these in size 4-5 and fitted perfect, plenty of space for our little one but perfect size. Very good quality material and the print is decent. Our little one loved it."
Pros
- Great for all day festive comfort
- Elastic waistband for easy dressing
Cons
- PJs might not be the warmest outfit if you go outdoors
Age range | 2 - 10 year |
Material | 100 per cent cotton |
Washing instructions | Machine washable |
- Elastic waistband
- Soft fabric
- Great range of sizes
How to choose kids Christmas outfits for the festive season
When considering the best Christmas outfits for your kids this winter, there are a few things to look out for. According to our mum shopping experts, you need to watch out for:
Fabric quality: Anything cotton should be your go-to. Why? Well, cotton is strong, flexible, and easy to wash and dry. You also don't want a new Christmas jumper or T-shirt to be worn once and thrown away because it falls apart when your child is playing.
Style and functionality: You don't want to buy anything that is going to restrict your kids from being able to play with their new scooter on Christmas Day, or that might be too warm or too chilly.
Size: Consider items of clothing that are comfortable and the right size for them. It can be tempting to buy a size up, but this can restrict your little one significantly. Instead, gift this to friends and family.
Cost: As Christmas outfits for kids are seasonal, you must take the price of clothing into account when buying new items. We'd recommend picking items from £7 to £50 - a great way to save costs is to check out the sales.
It is great to dress up your kids this Christmas, but don’t forget yourself, or if you are expecting it might be nice to think about a glam maternity Christmas outfit if you're pregnant so bump doesn’t feel left out of the celebrations. The kids will also be excited if mum and dad join them and you all wear matching outfits on Christmas day. But whatever you all wear, make sure you are comfortable so you can all enjoy the fun, there’s nothing worse than a tight waistband for you or your little one after that second helping of Christmas pudding.
Laura Healy is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby. She is a mum-of-two girls and loves writing about all things parenting. She has a PhD in Creative Writing and enjoys reading and attending literary festivals, as well as writing fiction.