Christmas Dog Bow Ties: Festive Looks for the Party Season

There is something about Christmas that makes us want everyone in the household looking their absolute best, and that very much includes the four-legged members of the family. As the UK's love affair with dog accessories continues to grow, the festive season has become the single biggest time of year for dog bow tie sales. From Christmas card photo shoots to Boxing Day walks and everything in between, a well-chosen bow tie transforms your dog from beloved pet to the undisputed star of the celebrations.

In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about choosing, styling and gifting Christmas dog bow ties. Whether you are after a classic tartan for the family photo, a rich tweed for winter walkies, or a playful festive print for social media, we have the styling advice and product recommendations to help you nail the look. If you are new to dog bow ties altogether, our complete dog bow ties guide is worth a read too.

At Bailey and Coco, we have built a collection of premium bow ties that work beautifully across the festive season. Crafted from quality fabrics, easy to attach and comfortable for dogs of all sizes, our range starts from just £6. Let us show you how to make this Christmas your dog's most stylish yet.

Why Christmas Bow Ties Are a Must-Have

Dog bow ties have become a year-round staple, but Christmas is when they truly come into their own. The festive season is packed with occasions that call for a little extra effort, and a bow tie is the simplest, most effective way to dress your dog up without any fuss or discomfort. Here is why so many dog owners now consider a Christmas bow tie non-negotiable.

The Festive Photo Opportunity

Christmas cards, family portraits, Instagram reels. The festive season revolves around capturing moments, and your dog is almost certainly going to be in the frame. A bow tie gives them a polished, photogenic look that elevates every shot. Place your dog in front of the tree, beside the fireplace, or in the snow, and a well-chosen bow tie draws the eye and adds a layer of intentional style. The difference between a casual snap and a frame-worthy portrait often comes down to one small detail, and a bow tie is exactly that detail.

Christmas Walks and Family Gatherings

The Christmas Day walk is a British tradition in its own right. Parks and country lanes fill up with families, and dogs wearing festive accessories always draw compliments and conversation. A tartan bow tie on a crisp December morning looks absolutely picture-perfect. Beyond the walk, many families now include dogs in Christmas lunch gatherings, and a bow tie signals that your pup is very much part of the celebration. It is a small touch that everyone notices.

December walks can get bitterly cold, especially for smaller breeds, so check our guide on how cold is too cold to walk your dog in the UK before heading out on those frosty Christmas morning strolls.

Social Media Christmas Posts

If you share your dog on social media, Christmas content consistently outperforms everything else. A well-styled festive photo with a bow tie generates likes, shares and comments like nothing else in the calendar year. Whether you post on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook, a bow-tied dog against a festive backdrop is guaranteed engagement. Many of our customers tell us their Christmas dog photos are the most popular posts they share all year.

The Perfect Gift Idea for Dog Owners

Struggling to find a gift for the dog lover in your life? A Christmas bow tie is a thoughtful, affordable and genuinely useful present. It shows you have thought about their dog, not just them. Priced from just £6, bow ties make brilliant stocking fillers, Secret Santa gifts, or the finishing touch to a larger dog gift bundle. We will cover gifting in more detail later in this guide.

Best Bow Tie Styles for Christmas

Not all bow ties carry the same festive weight. The style you choose sets the entire tone, from understated elegance to full-on Christmas cheer. Here are the three main categories that work beautifully over the holiday period, along with our top recommendations from the Bailey and Coco collection.

Classic Tartan and Plaid

Nothing says British Christmas quite like tartan. Our Heritage Plaid and Red Tartan bow ties are perennial bestsellers during the festive season, and for good reason. Tartan carries an instant association with warmth, tradition and celebration. The Heritage Plaid features a refined mix of reds, greens and golds that complements virtually every coat colour, while the Red Tartan offers a bolder, more statement-driven look that photographs brilliantly. If you want your dog to look classically festive without veering into novelty territory, tartan is the answer.

These styles pair exceptionally well with a matching collar for a coordinated look. Browse our collar collection to find your perfect match.

Rich Winter Tweeds

For dog owners who prefer a more sophisticated, understated approach to festive dressing, our tweed bow ties are a revelation. The Mulberry Tweed delivers a rich, berry-toned warmth that feels inherently wintery. The Forest Tweed brings deep greens that echo Christmas wreaths and pine trees. And the Charcoal Tweed offers a refined neutrality that works with absolutely everything. Tweed bow ties look especially striking on lighter-coated dogs, where the deep, textured fabric creates a beautiful contrast.

The beauty of tweed is its versatility. These bow ties work just as well at a November bonfire night gathering as they do on Christmas morning. They transition seamlessly from autumn into the full festive season and right through to the New Year, making them excellent value for the style-conscious dog owner.

Fun Festive Prints

Sometimes Christmas calls for full, unapologetic festive fun. Seasonal prints featuring snowflakes, candy canes, Christmas trees and other holiday motifs bring an immediate smile and are perfect for more casual, playful settings. These prints work brilliantly for social media content, children's Christmas parties where dogs are invited, and any gathering where the mood is relaxed and celebratory. If your dog is the life and soul of the party, a festive print bow tie lets their personality shine.

Christmas Setting	Recommended Style	Top Pick
Christmas card photo shoot	Classic Tartan	Heritage Plaid
Christmas Day walk	Rich Tweed	Forest Tweed
Family Christmas lunch	Classic Tartan	Red Tartan
Instagram / social media	Fun Festive Print	Seasonal Print
Boxing Day gathering	Rich Tweed	Mulberry Tweed
New Year's Eve party	Rich Tweed	Charcoal Tweed
Office / workplace visit	Classic Tartan	Heritage Plaid

Christmas Dog Bow Tie Styling Ideas

Owning a great bow tie is one thing. Styling it properly for the occasion is what takes your dog's festive look from good to unforgettable. Here are our favourite ways to style a Christmas bow tie across the key moments of the holiday season.

The Christmas Card Photo

The annual Christmas card photo is serious business for dog-owning households, and rightly so. To get the best result, choose a tartan or plaid bow tie for that classic, timeless feel. Position your dog in front of the Christmas tree, beside a wreath, or on a blanket near the fireplace. Natural light is your best friend here; try to shoot in the morning or early afternoon near a large window. Get down to your dog's eye level for a more engaging composition, and have treats ready just behind the camera to hold their attention.

For colour coordination, the Heritage Plaid works beautifully against both dark and light fur, and its red and green tones echo the traditional Christmas palette. If your dog is a darker colour, the Red Tartan provides a striking pop of contrast. Keep the background relatively uncluttered so the bow tie and your dog's face remain the focal point.

Christmas Day Walkies

The Christmas morning walk deserves a special look. A tweed bow tie paired with a quality collar creates an outfit that is both practical and stylish. The Forest Tweed is our top recommendation here, as its deep green tones look spectacular against winter landscapes, bare trees and frost-covered fields. If you want to take the coordination further, check out our collar and lead sets for a fully matched look.

If your dog wears a harness for walks, our matching harness range is available in the same tweed patterns, so your pup can look perfectly coordinated on Christmas morning.

For the family that loves to coordinate, consider matching your dog's bow tie colour to your own Christmas jumper or scarf. A tartan bow tie paired with a tartan scarf creates a subtle but charming family look that makes for wonderful photos along the walk. Many of our customers love styling the whole family this way, and the results are always impressive.

The Boxing Day Look

Boxing Day calls for something a little more relaxed. The festivities are still in full swing, but the formality drops a notch. This is where the Mulberry Tweed really excels. Its rich berry tones feel festive without being overtly Christmas-themed, making it perfect for the day-after vibe. Whether you are heading out for a country walk, visiting family, or simply lounging at home with leftovers, the Mulberry Tweed strikes exactly the right balance between dressed up and laid back.

If you attended a wedding bow ties event earlier in the year, you will already know how effective a well-chosen bow tie can be at elevating your dog's look for special occasions. The same principle applies here, just with a cosier, more wintery twist.

New Year's Eve Party Pup

If your dog is joining you for New Year's Eve celebrations, the Charcoal Tweed is the move. Its sophisticated, dark-toned elegance suits an evening setting perfectly. Charcoal works with every coat colour and every party setting, from a quiet dinner at home to a larger gathering with friends. Pair it with one of our best dog collars in a complementary tone for a look that is polished and party-ready.

For New Year's Eve specifically, consider photographing your dog just before midnight. The combination of party lighting, a smart bow tie and the excitement of the evening creates some truly magical shots. Just remember to keep your dog comfortable and give them a quiet space to retreat to if the fireworks or celebrations become overwhelming.

Gift Guide: Dog Bow Ties as Christmas Presents

If you are looking for a Christmas gift that is affordable, thoughtful and guaranteed to raise a smile, a dog bow tie is hard to beat. Here is how to turn a simple bow tie into a genuinely brilliant gift.

The Perfect Stocking Filler

At £6 to £10, our bow ties sit in that sweet spot for stocking fillers. They are affordable enough to buy on impulse but feel considered and premium when unwrapped. The packaging is gift-ready too, so there is no need for elaborate wrapping. A tartan bow tie tucked into a Christmas stocking is a lovely surprise on Christmas morning, whether it is for your own dog or a friend's.

Pair with a Collar for a Gift Set

For a more substantial present, pair a bow tie with a matching collar from our collar collection. A Heritage Plaid bow tie alongside a coordinating collar makes a beautiful gift set that looks far more expensive than it actually is. You could even add a lead from our collar and lead sets range for the complete package.

For the Dog Owner Who Has Everything

We all know someone whose dog already has a wardrobe that rivals their own. For these dog owners, a seasonal bow tie in a pattern they do not already own is the answer. Tweed styles are particularly good for this purpose, as they offer something genuinely different from the everyday collar and lead combination. The Mulberry Tweed or Forest Tweed in particular feel special and are unlikely to duplicate what they already have.

The Ultimate Dog Lover's Bundle

For the dog owner who deserves a truly impressive gift, build a bundle. Start with a festive bow tie, add a matching collar, and finish with a practical accessory like a quality walking bag. Our dog walking bag guide can help you choose the right one. This kind of curated gift shows real thought and comes in at a price point that still represents excellent value.

Keeping Your Dog Comfortable During the Festivities

While we love seeing dogs dressed up for Christmas, your dog's comfort always comes first. Here are a few practical tips to make sure your pup enjoys the festive season as much as you do.

Never Force It

If your dog seems uncomfortable or stressed by wearing a bow tie, do not push it. Most dogs take to bow ties within minutes, especially the lightweight designs in our collection, but every dog is different. Introduce the bow tie gradually if your dog has not worn one before. Put it on for a few minutes at a time in a calm environment, reward them with treats, and build up from there. The vast majority of dogs are completely unbothered, but patience is always the right approach.

Supervision Is Essential

Remove the bow tie whenever your dog is unsupervised, whether that means nap time, when you leave the room, or when they are left in the car. This is a straightforward safety precaution that applies to all dog accessories. A bow tie is designed for wearing during supervised activities and events, not for extended unsupervised wear.

Watch for Chewing

Some dogs, particularly puppies and young dogs, may try to chew or pull at their bow tie. If this happens, distract them with a toy or treat and keep sessions short until they lose interest in fiddling with it. Our bow ties attach securely to the collar, which minimises the chance of your dog getting hold of the fabric, but keeping an eye on things is always sensible.

Provide a Quiet Retreat

Christmas gatherings can be noisy and overwhelming for dogs, with or without a bow tie. Make sure your dog has access to a quiet room or their crate where they can retreat if the festivities become too much. Remove their bow tie when they settle down for a rest, and let them rejoin the party on their own terms. A relaxed, happy dog always looks better in photos than a stressed one, bow tie or not.

The Bailey and Coco Festive Edit

Our Christmas edit brings together the very best bow ties for the festive season. Every piece is crafted from premium fabric, designed to be comfortable for dogs of all sizes, and built to last well beyond a single Christmas. Here is what we recommend.

The Heritage Plaid remains our number one bestseller during the festive period. Its blend of traditional tartan colours works with virtually every breed and coat colour, making it the most versatile Christmas bow tie in the collection. The Red Tartan offers a bolder alternative for owners who want maximum festive impact.

For something more refined, our tweed collection is unmatched. The Mulberry Tweed delivers warmth and sophistication in equal measure, while the Forest Tweed brings a deep, natural green that feels perfectly wintery. The Charcoal Tweed rounds out the collection as the go-to choice for evening events and more formal settings.

All our bow ties start from just £6, making them an accessible luxury for every dog owner. They slide easily onto any collar, so there is no complicated fitting or adjustment needed. Explore the full festive bow tie collection to find your dog's perfect Christmas look, and consider pairing with pieces from our broader tweed range for a fully coordinated winter wardrobe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Christmas bow tie colour for dogs?

Red tartan and heritage plaid patterns are the most popular choices for Christmas. They photograph beautifully and carry an instantly festive feel. For dogs with darker coats, the Red Tartan provides a striking contrast, while the Heritage Plaid works universally across all coat colours. If you prefer something less traditional, the Forest Tweed offers a subtle nod to the season without being overtly Christmas-themed.

Can my dog wear a bow tie on Christmas Day?

Absolutely. Our bow ties are designed to be lightweight and comfortable for extended wear during supervised activities. Your dog can happily wear a bow tie through the morning walk, the family lunch and the afternoon festivities. Just remember to remove it during nap times or whenever your dog is unsupervised, and check periodically that it has not shifted out of position.

Are dog bow ties a good Christmas gift?

They are one of the best Christmas gifts for dog owners. At £6 to £10, they make perfect stocking fillers, and the quality of our fabrics means they feel far more premium than the price tag suggests. For a more substantial gift, pair a bow tie with a matching collar or a walking bag to create a thoughtful bundle that any dog lover would appreciate.

How do I get the perfect Christmas photo with my dog?

Choose a tartan or plaid bow tie for the most classically festive look. Position your dog near the Christmas tree or fireplace, use natural light wherever possible, and get down to their eye level for the most flattering angle. Have treats ready behind the camera to hold their attention, and take plenty of shots. Patience is key, as the best photo often comes when your dog relaxes between the posed attempts.

Can I match my dog's bow tie to my Christmas jumper?

This is one of our favourite styling tips, and it works brilliantly. The Heritage Plaid matches most tartan or red-themed Christmas jumpers, while the Forest Tweed coordinates beautifully with green knitwear. You do not need an exact match; complementary tones work just as well. Coordinated family and dog photos are hugely popular on social media and make wonderful Christmas card shots.

Are bow ties safe for dogs at parties?

Yes, provided you follow basic safety guidelines. Our bow ties attach securely to the collar, so they stay in place and cannot easily be pulled off. Always supervise your dog while they are wearing any accessory, remove the bow tie if your dog shows signs of stress or discomfort, and take it off when they settle down to rest. At noisy gatherings, make sure your dog has access to a quiet space where they can take a break from the festivities.

What size bow tie does my dog need for Christmas?

Our bow ties are designed to suit dogs of all sizes, from small breeds like Cavapoos and French Bulldogs to larger breeds like Labradors and Golden Retrievers. The bow tie slides onto your dog's existing collar, so the fit adjusts automatically based on their collar size. If you are unsure about sizing, check our complete dog bow ties guide for detailed sizing advice.