Christmas is the one time of year when everyone wants a photo of the dog. A small, well-chosen outfit makes the picture, but it also has to make sense for the dog: comfortable to wear, easy to take off and safe around trees, lights and a busy house.
This guide to the best dog Christmas outfits and accessories covers seven options, from a red bandana and a festive bow to a sweater, a Santa hat and a matching collar and leash. For each one you will see what to look for and what to avoid. You can start with the bandanas, collars and bows at Furry in Swag.
Key Takeaways
- Start with accessories. A bandana, bow or red collar is quicker to put on and easier for most dogs than a full costume.
- Choose comfort over cute. If your dog freezes, paws at it or tries to hide, take it off.
- Keep outfits simple. Avoid tinsel, small bells and loose trims that dogs can chew and swallow.
- Keep photos short. Take the pictures first, then remove the outfit.
- Reuse it. Red pieces carry through Diwali, Christmas and New Year, so you get more wear.
What Are the Best Christmas Outfits for Dogs?
The best Christmas outfits for dogs are light, comfortable and easy to remove, such as a red bandana, a festive bow, a red collar and leash set or a soft sweater. Costumes and headbands can work for photos, but they should fit well and never restrict movement.
Which Christmas Outfits and Accessories Are Worth Buying?
These seven options are listed from the most practical to the most playful. You can combine two or three, such as a red collar with a bandana, or a sweater with a bow.
1. A Red Santa-Style Bandana
A red bandana is the simplest Christmas outfit, and it works on every size and coat. It gives you the Santa colour without a hat to knock off or sleeves to fight, so most dogs tolerate it well.
Browse the dog bandana collection, fold the bandana into a triangle and tie it loosely. Our guide to the best dog bandanas for every season has fabric and fit tips.
Watch out for: knots that are too tight or fabric that is too thick. Leave room for two fingers.
Best for: first-time dressers and dogs of all sizes.
2. A Red Collar and Matching Leash
A red collar and leash make the whole walk festive, and they keep working after Christmas. Red is also easy to match with a bandana or bow, so the look comes together in a minute.
The FIS Premium Classic Collar in Red and the red leash are everyday pieces that suit the season. See our guide to durable and comfortable dog collars if you are choosing a new one.
Watch out for: collars that are too loose or too tight. Check the fit with two fingers.
Best for: festive walks and all-year use.
3. A Festive Bow or Bow Tie
A bow clips onto the collar, so nothing extra goes around the neck. It is a quick way to dress up for Christmas dinner or a family photo, and it suits dogs that dislike bandanas.
Explore the dog bow collection, and see our guide to dog bows vs bandanas if you are not sure which to pick.
Watch out for: bows that are too big or loose, which can flop over the face.
Best for: dinner photos and dogs that dislike bandanas.
4. A Cosy Christmas Sweater
A knitted or fleece sweater is festive and warm, which makes it the most practical outfit for cold evenings. It is especially useful for small, short-coated and older dogs.
Look for a snug fit that covers the back and chest without restricting the legs, and an easy closure. See our guides to dog accessories for winter walks and dog accessories for small dogs for more ideas.
Watch out for: sweaters that ride up or cover the tail. Take it off indoors if your dog gets warm.
Best for: small dogs, short coats and cold evenings.
5. A Santa Hat or Reindeer Antlers
A soft Santa hat or a reindeer headband is the quickest way to get the Christmas look in a photo. They are inexpensive, light and easy to pair with a red bandana.
Choose a soft, light one with a loose elastic strap, and keep it on only for the photo. Reward your dog with a treat before and after, so it learns to link the hat with something good.
Watch out for: tight straps and heavy hats. Many dogs shake them off, which is a sign to stop.
Best for: photo sessions and cards.
6. A Santa Suit or Festive Dress
Full costumes are the most playful option, with a Santa suit, an elf outfit or a festive dress. They look great, but they are also the hardest for dogs to wear, so they suit calm dogs that are used to clothes.
Choose a soft, stretchy fabric with no tinsel, bells or small buttons, and check that the legs and neck are free. Practise with the outfit for a few minutes at home before the day.
Watch out for: costumes that restrict movement or have parts your dog can chew off.
Best for: calm dogs and short photo sessions.
7. A Festive Mat for Photos and Rest
A soft mat makes a good photo spot, and it gives your dog a cosy place to settle after the party. Put it near the tree, away from lights and wires, and your dog has somewhere warm to rest.
Read our guide to the best premium dog mats to choose the right size and material, and see our ideas for dog gift ideas for dog lovers if you want a present.
Watch out for: mats near lights, candles or open flames. Keep wires and decorations out of reach.
Best for: photos and a warm resting spot.
Which Christmas Look for Which Dog?
| Dog type | Best Christmas look | Pieces to start with |
| First-time dresser | Red bandana | Bandanas |
| Dislikes things on the neck | Festive bow on the collar | Bows |
| Everyday walker | Red collar and leash | Red collar, red leash |
| Small or short-coated | Sweater with a bow | Bows |
| Calm, used to clothes | Santa suit or dress | A soft, stretchy costume |
| Photo day | Santa hat and bandana | Bandanas |
How Do You Dress Your Dog for Christmas Photos?
- Practise first. Let your dog wear the outfit for a few minutes a day or two before, with treats.
- Check the fit. Slide two fingers under the collar or bandana, and make sure nothing covers the eyes, ears or tail.
- Pick a calm moment. Dress your dog after a walk, when it is relaxed rather than excited.
- Keep the session short. Take a handful of photos in a few minutes, and reward your dog throughout.
- Take it off. Remove the outfit as soon as you have the shot, and let your dog relax.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a dog wear for Christmas?
Keep it simple: a red bandana, a festive bow or a red collar covers most dogs. Add a sweater if the weather is cold, and save headbands and hats for short photo sessions. Choose pieces your dog can walk, sit and lie down in comfortably.
Are Christmas costumes safe for dogs?
They can be, if they fit well and your dog is comfortable. Avoid heavy fabric, tight sleeves, anything that covers the eyes or restricts movement, and costumes with small parts your dog could chew off. Always supervise, and take the costume off if your dog freezes, paws at it or seems stressed.
Can dogs wear Santa hats?
Briefly, yes. Choose a soft hat with a loose elastic strap, and keep it on only long enough for photos. Many dogs shake it off, which is a sign to stop.
How long should my dog wear a Christmas outfit?
Only as long as your dog is comfortable and supervised, usually the length of a photo session or a family meal. Remove it before you leave the room, go out or settle your dog to sleep.
Final Thoughts
The best dog Christmas outfits and accessories are the ones your dog is happy to wear: a red bandana, a festive bow, a red collar and leash, or a sweater on a cold evening. Keep it simple, keep the photos short and keep tinsel and small decorations out of reach.
Ready to get your dog festive? Browse bandanas, collars, leashes and bows at Furry in Swag, and see our guide to dog outfit ideas for Diwali, Christmas and birthdays for more looks. Join the newsletter on our homepage for offers.