Santa Dog Costumes: 5 Options in Time for Christmas Plus DIY Tips and Dress-Up Ideas
Quick Guide
Whether your style is “tacky-Christmas-sweater” or “formal festive wear,” there are costumes and accessories to help you and your dog coordinate your outfits. If you are hosting the holiday open house sporting a dapper Christmas lights bowtie, we are confident Sparky will want a matching bowtie or Santa dog costume.
Some people like to stay in the winter and Christmas spirit year-round, so don’t just think of Christmas-themed dog costumes as a once-a-year item! Boldly break out that Santa dog costume for the local costume contest any time of year. If you and your pooch are headed to a cosplay event, don’t be afraid to go as Santa and his elf, even in July!
Of course, Christmas and Santa-themed dog costumes aren’t the only options. You’ll find countless costumes, DIY patterns, and other dress-up ideas all over the Internet to keep your dog looking festive for every gathering and party year-round. There are dog costumes for practically every interest, hobby, holiday, and event under the sun!
What are the best Santa costumes for dogs?
Our Top Picks: Santa Costumes for Dogs
Ready to dress your pup like “Jolly St. Nick”? Check out our top picks for Santa costumes.
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Rubie’s Costume Company Santa Claus Dog Costume
Dress your puppy up in this adorable little Santa dog costume so they can get in on the Christmas festivities. It’s a classic take on Santa’s jacket, trimmed with white faux fur and a traditional belt and buckle. Finish the look with the included Santa hat.
Thanks to the fastener system, it’s easy to dress and undress your dog in this costume. The elastic chinstrap on the hat keeps it in place without being uncomfortable. Don’t forget to measure your dog’s body, neck, and chest then refer to the size guide to find the best fit.
When measuring your dog’s chest, add about 2 inches for a comfortable fit. Many customers recommend sizing up significantly for larger dogs. Customers also report that their male dogs cannot urinate without getting the costume wet.
This costume is hand wash only and some customers have commented that it not intended for rough-and-tumble play. However, it’s the perfect choice for Christmas parades, caroling, and other holiday festivities.
Customers report their dogs can walk around and play freely in this costume. If you have multiple dogs, complete the ensemble with the matching “Mrs. Clause” costume!
Midlee Santa Claus Jockey Dog Costume
We all know Santa rides in a sleigh towed by reindeer, but with this dog costume, Santa will be riding around on the back of your dog! It’s a silly little costume that turns Santa into a dog jockey.
This costume is designed for medium size dogs with 18-24 inch chests and 16-20 inch necks. Customers say they are pleased with the adjustability of the Velcro straps across the dog’s chest and belly.
Some customers report that the Velcro holding the removable Santa jockey onto the is not large or strong enough. Have no fear! The Santa jockey doubles as a squeaky toy. This costume comes with 3 dog toys with squeakers that look like Christmas presents to complete the ensemble.
This is the perfect costume to bring laughter and Christmas cheer to any Holiday occasion. Whether you’re headed to the Christmas parade or out for a walk, this costume is durable, fun, and easy to put on and off any dog. Add some reindeer antlers to complete the hilarious ensemble.
Many customers recommend sizing up as this costume runs small.
Hand Knit Red and White Santa Sweater
This adorable hand-knit Santa sweater is made with red 100% acrylic yarn and white 100% polyester yarn. It is primarily designed for small dogs (and cats), measuring 9.5 inches long and 18 inches in diameter at the belly.
There is some stretch to this sweater so your dog will be extra comfortable and move freely. It’s the perfect choice for a festive Santa costume that will double as a cozy winter sweater for your smaller dog. Customers report it also fits large cats easily.
Customers report that this costume is well made, durable, and that their dogs wear it with pride. You and your pup will most assuredly be the most festive pair wherever you go.
Make sure to hand wash this sweater and lay it flat to dry to keep this costume looking fresh.
The artist who makes this costume has high reviews for quality, responsiveness, and fast shipping.
Rubie’s Costume Company Mrs. Claus Dog Costume
Let your pooch make a fashion statement in this festive Mrs. Claus dog costume. It’s a fun twist on the traditional red Mrs. Claus dress, trimmed in white faux white fur. Accessorize with a sassy little matching hat and a white bow with pom-poms on the back.
The fuzzy fastener keeps your dog comfortable in this costume while making it easy to put it on and off. An elastic chinstrap keeps the hat in place throughout the Yuletide festivities.
This costume is perfect for family Christmas photos, holiday parties, and other events. It is available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate dogs of many sizes. For the best fit, measure your dog’s body, neck, and chest, then consult the sizing chart.
If your dog is between sizes, the manufacturer recommends purchasing the larger size. Customers report that this costume runs very small, even compared to costumes made by the same company. Customers also recommend that this costume is not made to endure rough play. Save it for the parade or annual holiday party.
While most dogs find the costume comfortable and easy to wear, many customers say their dogs do not tolerate the hat for long.
NACOCO Dog Costume Carrying Gift Box with Santa Claus
Take Christmas cheer to a hilarious level with this adorable dog costume that makes it look like doggie reindeer is carrying a large present with Santa. It is made with cotton materials that are long- lasting and easy to dress and undress. Adjustable Velcro straps allow this costume to fit comfortably.
Because there is quite a bit of stuffing and “bulk” to this costume, it is not one your dog will likely tolerate wearing for long periods of time. It may also become too hot for some dogs in warm climates. But this costume is perfect for a visit to the holiday party, family photos, or other Christmas events.
Pay careful attention to the size guide. Many customers report that the sizing runs very small. Nearly all reviews recommend choosing at least one size larger than the chart recommends.
This costume is not really recommended for larger dogs or dogs with long torsos. Though the company recommends focusing on the circumference of your dog’s neck and back, because the costume has front and back legs, the length of the costume is very important for proper fit.
4 Accessories To Complete The Santa Look
These festive accessories will help you complete this favorite holiday-themed look.
Outward Hound Holiday Antler Headband and Bell Pet Collar
Your dog will be the king or queen of Christmas cheer in this festive reindeer antler headband and jingle bell collar. It’s the perfect accessory for any Christmas costume ensemble.
The plaid collar is elastic for a comfortable fit and includes four festive bells to help your dog jingle all the way through your next Holiday party. The headband is made with large, plush antlers and fuzzy ears. An adjustable elastic chinstrap and extra flexible headband keeps everything comfortably in place.
The set is available in three sizes to accommodate most dog (and cat) sizes.
Outward Hound Holiday Santa Bandana Pet Costume
This festive Santa hat bandana is the perfect accessory for the dog that loves Christmas cheer. It is made with soft, plush velvet and includes the traditional white faux fur trim and a large jingle bell at the end.
The bandana is available in three sizes to accommodate dogs of all sizes. Be sure to measure the circumference of your dog’s neck and add about two inches to make sure you can tie the bandana comfortably.
While this accessory is perfectly safe, make sure to keep an eye on your pooch to make sure they don’t chew on the bell.
Outward Hound Holiday Elf Hat
Turn Fido into “Santa’s little helper” this Christmas with this fun doggie elf hat. It’s the perfect accessory to complete any Santa-themed pet ensemble for holiday parties, family photos, or Christmas morning. It is made with soft, plush material and an adjustable elastic chinstrap for a snug but comfortable fit.
The elf hat comes in three sizes to accommodate most dog sizes. Most customers say their dogs aren’t crazy about wearing things around their head or ears but will tolerate this festive hat, at least for short periods of time (though some dogs love to be dressed up and enjoy the extra attention).
Red Tartan Dog Collar With Optional Bow Tie
Dress your dapper dog up in his holiday finest with this festive red tartan dog collar. The bow tie is removable so he can either go casual or formal. The bowtie attaches to any collar with double-sided Velcro straps and stays put, even during playtime.
This adorable accessory is handmade with care and is very stable and durable. It comes in a number of sizes to accommodate most dog sizes.
While it is very durable, dogs should not be left unattended when wearing the bowtie, especially if they tend to be destructive chewers. For best results, pet parents recommend reserving the bowtie only for formal occasions when your handsome dog wants to impress.
DIY Santa Costume: How To Make It At Home Yourself
If you are especially crafty or feeling adventurous you can try making your own pumpkin dog costume. There are a number of patterns and How-To guides online for cute, handmade Santa dog costumes and Holiday-themed accessories.
The pattern for this adorable Santa Claus outfit is free and easy to follow with detailed instructions for beginner and advanced sewers. For best results you will need a sewing machine, though it is possible to hand-sew this pattern.
First, measure your dog and select the appropriate pattern size. Then, cut out each piece, paying close attention to the pattern pieces that need to be cut on folded fabric and those that need two opposite pieces (one facing each direction, for the legs for example).
Next, sew each piece together with a sewing machine and add buttons or Velcro to the closures. The last step is to add whatever embellishments and decorations you and your furry friend want! Stay traditional with white faux fur or bling it up with rhinestones, glitter, or other accessories! The options are endless.
To add the belt to your simple Santa shirt, either cut a wide piece of black felt and use Velcro to fasten it around your dog’s torso or use black puff paint to draw Santa’s black belt onto the red shirt. And there you have it! An easy handmade Santa costume for your favorite pooch!
Santa Dog Costume Ideas From Around The Internet
More Ideas for Multi-Dog Families
When it comes to dressing up for Christmas and other Holiday gatherings, we say the more the merrier! Here are a few ideas to dress up your dogs to match or get your friends in on the fun.
- Santa and his elves
- Santa, reindeer, and Christmas presents
- The Grinch and his little dog
- Santa and Mrs. Claus
Whether are heading out to watch or participate in the Christmas parade, hosting a Christmas party, getting ready for family photos, or just getting into the Holiday spirit, don’t leave the dog out of the costume fun!
Final Thoughts
Whether you hand-make a dog Santa costume or purchase one, there’s always a good occasion to break out the Christmas-themed dog costumes and accessories to keep everyone in the seasonal spirit.
