Dressing Your Children in Fancy Dress for Christmas: A Festive Guide

The festive season is upon us, and with Christmas just around the corner, parents everywhere are thinking about how to add a touch of magic to the celebrations. 

One delightful tradition that’s gaining popularity is dressing children in fancy dress outfits for Christmas. 

Whether it's for a family party, school event, or simply to create enchanting memories at home, fancy dress is a fantastic way to enhance the festive spirit.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why dressing your children up for Christmas is such a charming idea, share some creative outfit inspirations, and offer practical tips to ensure your little ones are both comfortable and festive!

Why Choose Fancy Dress for Christmas?

1. Creating Lasting Memories

There’s something truly special about seeing children light up with excitement when they’re dressed as their favourite Christmas characters. Whether it’s a little Santa, a sweet angel, or a mischievous elf, fancy dress allows children to fully embrace the magic of the season. These are moments you’ll want to capture in photos that will be cherished for years to come.

2. Encouraging Creativity and Imagination

Christmas-themed fancy dress is a great way to stimulate your child's imagination. Letting them take on the role of a character can be a lot of fun and can encourage imaginative play. Who knows? Your child might come up with an impromptu Christmas performance or story, adding even more cheer to the season.

3. Bringing the Family Together

If you’re planning a family gathering or a Christmas party, dressing the kids in festive costumes can be a great icebreaker. It’s a wonderful way to involve children in the festivities and make them feel part of the celebrations. Plus, it adds a touch of whimsy and joy to the occasion, making Christmas feel even more magical.

Festive Fancy Dress Ideas for Your Children

1. Santa Claus and Mrs Claus

You can’t go wrong with a classic Santa costume. For boys, a Santa suit complete with a red hat, fluffy white trim, and a faux beard can be a big hit. 

For girls, consider a Mrs Claus dress or a festive red outfit with white lace detailing. 

Add a sack filled with "presents" (perhaps small treats or toys), and they’ll be ready to bring joy to everyone!

2. Cheeky Christmas Elves

Elves are synonymous with Christmas cheer and mischief, making them a fantastic choice for energetic children. Elf costumes are typically green and red, with pointed hats and curled-toe shoes. Consider adding a pair of striped tights and a jingle bell or two for extra fun. Elves can also carry small toy hammers or paintbrushes to act like they’re helping in Santa’s workshop.

3. Angelic Angels

For a softer, more elegant look, an angel costume is a lovely choice. Opt for a white or gold dress with delicate wings and a sparkly halo. To keep it practical, look for costumes with comfortable fabrics and avoid anything too heavy or overly embellished. Your little angel will look ethereal whether they’re singing Christmas carols or playing in the living room.

4. Frosty the Snowman

A snowman costume is an adorable option, especially if you're looking for something cosy and warm. A white outfit with a padded belly, a carrot nose, and a top hat can be charming and comfortable. This costume is perfect for outdoor Christmas markets or chilly winter events, as it can be layered for extra warmth.

5. Christmas Puddings and Reindeers

For something a bit quirky, why not dress your child as a Christmas pudding or a reindeer? These costumes are often adorable and can be found in soft, plush materials that are perfect for keeping little ones warm. A reindeer costume can also come with antlers, a red nose, and a fuzzy tail, making it a popular option for young children.

Practical Tips for Dressing Your Child in Fancy Dress

1. Comfort is Key

While fancy dress costumes can be delightful, they should also be comfortable for your child to wear, especially if they'll be in them for an extended period. Choose costumes made from soft, breathable fabrics to avoid itching or irritation. Make sure they have enough room to move freely and stay active.

2. Layer Up for Warmth

Since Christmas falls in the winter months, it’s important to keep your child warm. Choose costumes that allow for layering underneath, such as thermal tops or leggings. This way, they can still enjoy the festive fun without feeling cold.

3. Keep It Simple for Younger Children

If you have toddlers or babies, opt for simpler costumes that don’t have too many parts or accessories. Onesies or soft bodysuits with festive patterns work well and are much easier to manage. Avoid costumes with small detachable pieces that could pose a choking hazard.

4. Add Personal Touches

Get creative by customising shop-bought costumes with a few personalised touches. Add a bit of glitter, sew on festive patches, or let your child help decorate their costume with fabric pens. This can be a fun pre-Christmas activity that gets everyone involved. Or consider making your own, if you are skilled in dressmaking and sewing.

5. Capture the Moment

Don’t forget to take plenty of photos! Dressing your children up in festive costumes is an opportunity to create beautiful memories. You could even use these photos for your Christmas cards, making them extra special this year.

The Joy of Fancy Dress at Christmas

Incorporating fancy dress into your Christmas celebrations is a delightful way to enhance the festive atmosphere. Whether your children are dressed as little Santas, sparkling angels, or cheeky elves, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season.

So, gather your family, pick out those costumes, and get ready for a Christmas filled with laughter, creativity, and heartwarming memories. After all, the festive season is all about creating magical moments that your children will remember for a lifetime.

Happy Christmas and happy dressing up!

Alternative Nativity Costumes Proving Popular According To All Fancy Dress

It used to be the case that children would only wear the traditional kinds of costumes for nativity plays, such as Mary, Joseph and the ‘little donkey’. But, according to costume retailer All Fancy Dress, more and more nativity plays are featuring ‘alternative’ costumes.

According to Marketing Director Matt Foden, "Many of our customers are now purchasing alternative nativity costumes for their children. Indeed it’s not unusual for school nativity plays to feature a whole variety of animals nowadays, including penguins, bears, and even giraffes. And whilst the use of such animals may not be ‘historically accurate’ it’s fair to say that it does encourage more diversity and a sense of playfulness and fun. It’s quite a sight to behold such a wide array of fancy dress costumes on display!"

Sales of the more traditional nativity costumes are still strong however, with the most sought after being Mary, Joseph, and an array of different shepherd outfits. The Little Donkey makes an appearance in the top 10 costumes, as do the three kings.

According to Matt, "It’s great to see that schools are widening the range of animals being featured in nativity plays. Many would argue that it goes against the traditions of Christmas, but personally I think it adds a greater sense of colour and fun to the event."

All Fancy Dress is a top supplier of costumes and accessories in the UK. They hold over 3,000 different costumes in stock, and serve the UK and Europe. Orders can be placed online or via their dedicated sales hotline, which offers customers advice on all aspect of fancy dress costumes and accessories. You can find their website at: www.allfancydress.com