Christmas party costumes are in ✦ Ideas & guides for every theme ✦ Sizes from toddler to plus size

Christmas Fancy Dress

Christmas fancy dress is the easiest way to turn up to the office party, the pub crawl or the school disco and instantly look like you made an effort. We’ve rounded up the best Christmas costumes on Amazon UK for adults and kids, from classic Santa suits to cheeky elves.

Not after a full costume? Our Christmas jumpers and festive accessories do the job with far less commitment, and they’ll get worn again next year.

Buying guide ↓ Elf Costumes Santa & Mrs Claus Costumes Christmas Jumpers Christmas Fancy Dress Accessories Inflatable Costumes
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Buying guide

Choosing your Christmas fancy dress

Party season creeps up fast, so start with the event. A full costume works brilliantly for a themed Christmas party or a charity Santa run, but if you’re sitting through a three-course Christmas dinner you’ll want an outfit you can actually eat in. Think about how long you’ll have it on, if you’ll be indoors with the heating cranked up, and if you need to look smart-ish underneath.

The classics are classics for a reason. Santa and Mrs Claus costumes are instantly recognisable and great for couples, while elf costumes are cheaper, lighter and much more forgiving to dance in.

Christmas costume ideas for every party

Looking for something beyond the usual? The best fancy dress costumes at Christmas time are the ones people clock straight away. A reindeer costume, a snowman costume or a Christmas cracker costume is fun, festive and perfect for group photos.

Costume ideaBest forThings to know
Santa suitGrotto helpers, couples, office partiesBudget suits are thin felt and get hot; the beard is usually the weakest part
Elf costumeGroups, families, dancing all nightComfortable and cheap, but tights and hats often run small
Christmas jumperChristmas jumper day, pub crawls, dinnerLow effort and reusable; knitted styles are warmer than printed sweatshirts
Reindeer or snowmanKids, nativity extras, fun outfitsAntlers and a red nose go a long way if you don’t want a full costume
Christmas tree or Christmas crackerStanding out in photosNovelty shapes can be bulky, so check you can sit down and get through doors

Outfits for adults, ladies, men and kids

Adult Christmas fancy dress tends to split into two camps: proper costumes and funny outfits. Ladies have plenty of choice, from velvet Mrs Claus dresses to elf tunics, and you’ll find more in our women’s fancy dress range. For men, Santa’s red suit or a hairy-chest jumper is the safe bet, and there’s more in men’s fancy dress.

For little ones, look for soft fabrics and easy fastenings, especially for a nativity play where costume changes happen in a hurry. Our kids’ fancy dress section has plenty of festive options, and matching family elf or Santa sets make for a great Christmas card photo. If you want to go big, inflatable costumes such as an inflatable snowman costume always get a laugh.

Finishing touches and sizing tips

Costume accessories

The right costume accessories can turn a basic outfit into a proper costume. Pop on a Santa hat, some flashing reindeer antlers or a tinsel headband from our fancy dress hats, or add a white beard and a bit of rosy make-up. A curly fancy dress wig does wonders for Mrs Claus.

Getting the fit right

  • Check the size chart. Costume sizing often runs small, so read our costume size guide and size up if you’re between two.
  • Order early. The festive season is peak time for fancy dress and popular sizes sell out fast.
  • Manage expectations. Cheaper costumes are thin and made for a night or two, not to last for years.

Still hunting for inspiration? Browse every party theme on our shop by theme page.

In this guide

  1. Choosing your Christmas fancy dress
  2. Christmas costume ideas for every party
  3. Outfits for adults, ladies, men and kids
  4. Finishing touches and sizing tips
  5. Questions people ask

Shop related

Not sure on size?

Costumes often run small. Check our guide before you order.

Size guide →

Questions people ask

Quick answers about christmas fancy dress: sizing, quality and what to buy. Still unsure? Our size guide and theme pages have more help.

Browse all themes →
What are good Christmas fancy dress ideas for adults?

Santa, Mrs Claus and elves are the easy crowd-pleasers. For something a bit different, try a Christmas tree, a cracker, a reindeer, a snowman or a grumpy green Grinch-style look. Group themes, like a full set of elves, work brilliantly for office parties.

What should I wear to a Christmas party if I don’t want a full costume?

A novelty Christmas jumper paired with a Santa hat or light-up antlers is the classic low-effort option. It’s comfortable, it still looks festive and you can wear it again on Christmas jumper day. Have a look at our Christmas jumpers for ideas.

Do Christmas costumes come up small?

Quite often, yes, especially budget costumes and one-size accessories. Always check the measurements on the listing rather than relying on S, M or L, and size up if you’re unsure or want layers underneath.

What can kids wear for a nativity play?

Angels, shepherds, stars, kings and donkeys are the usual roles, but plenty of schools now add elves, reindeer and snowmen too. Pick something soft with easy fastenings so they can get changed quickly backstage.

When should I buy Christmas fancy dress?

Ideally by late November. Popular sizes of Santa suits and elf costumes sell out in December, and leaving it until the week of the party means less choice.

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