57 Festive Christmas Nail Designs to Get You Into the Holiday Spirit
These very merry manicure ideas bring the holiday season straight to your fingertips.
Everyone has a different way of celebrating the holidays. Some go full-throttle, wearing a different "ugly" Christmas sweater for every day of December, decking their halls (and the entire exterior of their homes) with more lights than Paris, and practicing for a perfect cork-pop on New Year's Eve. Others prefer a more subtle approach, hardly dabbling in the traditional red and green shades of the season, preferring hints of sparkle over in-your-face festiveness. The same goes for Christmas nail designs.
If you're picturing your nails covered in three-dimensional merry motifs — perhaps a cotton-bearded Santa and all of his reindeer, complete with pointy antlers and working light-up nose for Rudolph — don't hold back. Prefer simple Christmas nails, like a coat of silver glitter that will take you through winter to 2022? Your polish options are endless.
There's really no wrong way to do Christmas nail art, but if you're having a hard time deciding on what manicure to get in these jovial last couple weeks of the year, we've rounded up some of our favorites. Find inspiration in Instagram's greatest nail artists, Fashion Week fabulousness, our very own editors' hands, and more. You'll find the perfect holiday mani that's right for your particular level of spirit.
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Sliver of Silver
There are a million ways to do a French manicure these days, but none feel quite so festive as silver tips. We love how nail artist and jewelry designer Betina Goldstein makes this manicure feel simultaneously simple yet dazzling by keeping the base clear and the tips teeny-tiny — yet they're a glamorous, shimmery silver.
Retro Ornaments
Old-fashioned ornaments add charm to any Christmas tree and even more appeal to a manicure. Nail artist Savannah Walker painted a different classic ornament on each nail in a variety of shapes and colors — yellow, orange, red, pink, and blue — all of which stand out against the chrome-like green base that gives this nail art even more holiday spirit.
Sealed-In Sequins
Nothing says Christmastime glam quite like red lips and red nails. Take the latter to the next level with some creatively encased sparkle. Nail artist RLnails coated extra-large, sequin-esque pieces of glitter in Madam Glam Soak Off Gel Polish in the dramatic crimson shade Very Chic. It takes the concept of a glitzy holiday manicure and makes it more subtle — but just as joyous.
Wisps of White & Blue
Take the prettiest Hanukkah wrapping paper you've ever seen and turn it into nail art: That's what you get with this gorgeous manicure. Atop a pretty beige base are waves of white, light and dark blue, and silver flowing down from the squared-off tips. The freestyle design looks just as beautiful in any combination of traditional holiday colors; try it with a clear base for an even more modern vibe.
Courtesy of Kiss
Clusters of Crystals
These nails might have appeared in Rebecca Minkoff's Spring 2021 runway show, but they're perfect for wintertime, too. Nail artist Gina Edwards used Kiss Power Flex Nail Glue to place crystals on every millimeter of nail space. Do they look like ice? Diamonds? Doesn't matter — both concepts fit right into holidays celebrations.
Festive Retrofuturism
Is it Christmassy? Yes. Could it believably be inspired by vintage toothpaste packaging? Also yes. But that's why we love this manicure. It feels both retro and super modern at once. A white polish is used to sprinkle snow-like dots on a nude base, as well as highlight swoops of sparkly teal. That same dark, cool green makes up the prettiest eight-point stars on each nail.
Jewel Tones & Gems
Of all the jewel tones with which you can do a manicure, emerald green is obviously the most Christmassy. In this manicure, a sparkling, metallic version of the hue alternates with a darker, glossy green shade — The Gel Bottle's Ivy and Jungle respectively. To really give it an extra-festive feel, both middle fingers feature a vertical row of crystals.
Gems & Geometry
Even with super long nails, you can opt for nail-art simplicity and still send a message of holiday spirit. In this stunning set by nail artist Mimi, a pale pink base is given a seasonal touch with burgundy geometric accents. To really emphasize the manicure's merriment, the middle finger — the only nail that has no red polish — gets crystals along the cuticles.
Retro Curves
This '70s-inspired nail art by artist Ravi is a stylish and low-key way to incorporate a little spirit into your beauty look. It dabbles in two of the key colors of the holidays — The Gel Bottle's light blue Michelle and dark green Jungle — makes them all the more wearable with off-white, and swirls them in different curve combinations over a sheer nude base. It's ideal for anyone who loves a less obvious way to celebrate the season through beauty.
Merry Minimalism
Red and white is a color combination that will always evoke a Christmas vibe, and there's so much room for interpretation. If you're not really one to channel Santa into your manicures, consider this super simple, super chic nail art by Goldstein. On each nail, atop a sheer wash of beige, is a white vertical line; toward the cuticle on each line is a dark red dot. Worn any other time of year, it may not feel like a holiday look, but worn in December, the intent is obvious.
Colorful Candy Cane Tips
No, you're not the only one who prefers the fruity candy canes over the minty ones. Wear your preference proudly with a candy cane-inspired French manicure that pays tribute to the underappreciated version of the holiday treat. Walker switched up the stripy shade combo on each tip — a mix of pastels and brights that feel just as Christmassy as red and green.
Instagram/Michelle Lee
Asymmetrical Twinkling Tips
Former Allure editor in chief Michelle Lee's glittery gold manicure would look holiday-ready with or without her fabulous matching baubles. She used Paint Box Nail Lacquer in Like Gilded to top off her otherwise nude nails with glitzy asymmetrical tips that dip down to one side. It's fresh, modern, glamorous, and — best of all — easy.
Instagram/Betina Goldstein
Wrapping Paper Pretty
Goldstein calls this manicure "red ribbons," but we think it more closely resembles pretty windowpane-plaid wrapping paper you'd find covering a holiday gift. She created the crisscrossing design on two nails with Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Ballerina as the base and Essie's Bubbles Only for the stripes, carrying that burgundy shade over to the other nails for a simple, solid finish. Truly a gift to yourself.
Courtesy of brand
Dashing Through the Gems
Getty Images
Pretty, Punk, and Pointy
Golden tips on long, pointed nails is a bold look for the holidays, but it's downright avant-garde with a partial perimeter of gold, matte gems made to look like a chain. If hanging and home this year is making the holidays feel a little less fun, giving yourself this nail-art project — inspired by The Blonds' Fall/Winter 2020 presentation's manis — will lift your spirits, and so will the glam-punk results.
Courtesy of Paintbox
Negative-Space Green Glitter
Paintbox put it best in describing this option available at its salons: "Sophisticated negative space tempers ultra-luxe, luminous glitter." And while this would look amazing with a glitter polish in any color, the green makes it a perfect, festive pick for the holidays.
Courtesy of Olive & June
Simple Yet Shimmering Stars
Stick-on star nail art was trending all summer, but it carries over beautifully into the winter, especially with the extra touch of glitter alternating between the tips and cuticles on otherwise bare nails, like in this Olive & June masterpiece.
Courtesy of Betina Goldstein
Superstars
Courtesy of Savannah Walker
Green Tortoiseshell
Tortoiseshell nails have been having a capital-M Moment, and they're made holiday-perfect by simply switching up the usual color scheme of browns and yellows to one focused on greens, like this manicure by Walker.
Courtesy of Essie
Sparkly Mint French Manicure
Seen on the runway during Christian Siriano's Spring 2020 New York Fashion Week show, these nails are perhaps the most holiday-ready take on the French manicure resurgence. The light green tips (Essie's Turquoise & Caicos) pick up on the minty vibes of the season, while the sparkly silver flecks feel like snowfall.
Courtesy of Betina Goldstein
Snowball Pearls
No polish is required for this elegant nail art idea by Betina Goldstein. Glued-on faux pearls in two rows down the center of each nail are reminiscent of snowballs ready to be thrown at family members visiting for the holidays.
Courtesy of KB Shimmer
Snowy Pine
Another shade that looks super-festive when it's especially shimmery: green, of course. This KB Shimmer nail polish shade, Vested Interest, is a multichrome color pack with holographic flakes that will remind you of snow glistening on evergreen trees.
Courtesy of Savannah Walker
Ombré Snow
An ombré French manicure (sometimes called a "baby boomer" manicure) seems like just another pretty mani any other time of year, but it has a magically snowy feel around the holidays. Dress it up a little for holiday parties by adding a metallic dot near the cuticle, like Savannah Walker did.
Courtesy of Zoya
Diagonal Cherry Red
Courtesy of Paintbox
Green and Gold
The curved, deep green polish partially covering each nail is dressed up in this Paintbox manicure with a wavy swipe of glimmering gold, making the manicure look like beautifully wrapped little gifts.
Buffalo Plaid
Allure editor chief Michelle Lee's red and black buffalo plaid manicure will make you want to throw on some flannel and chop down your own Christmas tree.
Courtesy of Meredith Modzelewski
Dark Green Details
New York City-based manicurist Marilyn Garcia gave her client a sophisticated spin on wintry dark green with striped tips and a pretty, pale base.
Abstract Strokes
Artsy swipes of red, green, gold and black really stand out on the white base painted by New Orleans' M.A.D. Nails.
Sparkling Stars
Worried you can't paint 10 perfect stars? Miss Pop proves that painting partial stars on a few nails gives this manicure a stylish twist, especially with all the rhinestones added on top.
Holly Berry
There's no snow in South Florida, but Boca Raton's Nails by Marcy proves there's still plenty of holiday spirit with this holly-inspired manicure. The red berries are even three-dimensional.
Pretty Polka Dots
There was no need to expertly dot polish onto the red and gold base of this manicure — manicurist Marisa Carmichael used tiny, reflective stickers for an extra-perfect finish.
Gems Galore
Who says a manicure requires nail polish? Naomi Yasuda attached crystals of different shapes and sizes to Tina Leung's long, uncolored nails, adding glamour to literally everything she'll do with her hands.
Peppermint
Manicurist Mar y Sol Inzerillo is responsible for our latest holiday nail obsession: this red-and-white-striped candy cane imitation she posted to Instagram with the caption, "🤤❣️❌⭕️❣️🤶🏻🎅🏻🎄🎁 Candy cane peppermint patty #nails are always a good idea! Don't you agree?" Of course we do.
Holographic Glitter
This mesmerizing manicure by Hamptons-based nail artist Regina Rodriguez is all you need to accessorize any basic black and white party look. The shimmering rainbow hues will catch the light wherever you walk, so people are bound to be asking you about your digits all night.
Christmas Criss-Cross
The nail artist known as @fresh.claws on Instagram made this gorgeous holiday look come to life with different colored jewels and metallic accent, which gave the finished look a whimsical "Christmas lights" effect.
Winter Details
Nail artist Katie Masters took Christmas cuteness to new levels with this nail look, which consisted of tiny bird-inspired Santas and dainty holiday trinkets, like cranberries and hanging ornaments.
Starry Night
Inspired by the night sky, Natalie Minerva of @nail_swag on Instagram created this magical star and moon-studded masterpiece, which stood out beautifully against the pale, shimmering ivory base shade.
Pink & Gold
Allure's senior social media manager Danielle Odiamar is the brains behind this gorgeous, millennial-pink and glitter nail look. "Some pre-holiday sparkle ✨ I painted the glitter polish onto a foundation sponge and dabbed it on the tips of each nail — a super easy and fast #nailart hack I snagged from @heymichellelee!" she wrote on Instagram. Running late to a holiday soiree? This five-minute look will save the day.
Candy Cane Core
Allure's commerce editor Lauren Swanson got in the holiday spirit this year with nail art; namely this adorable candy cane creation she says was inspired by Paintbox. To get the look, she used Jin Soon's red and gold glitter polishes (and scotch tape for the precise diagonal lines.)
Santa, Baby
Ugly Christmas sweater was the name of the game when it came to this Santa and candy cane-centric design, which was crafted by Elle, aka @enamelle on Instagram.
Burgundy Base
We adore the contrast of the deep, moody merlot base color paired with silver and gold crystals — the perfect design for completing any holiday party ensemble this season.
A Martini, Please?
Holiday nail inspo courtesy of Blake Lively's digits. The same Elle of @enamelle on Instagram gave the A Simple Favor star a basecoat of glittery black polish before crafting an adorable mini martini glass for Lively's ring finger.
Winter Wonderland
To re-create these majestic, winter snowstorm-themed nails, you'll need crystals from your local craft store, a tiny detail tool to make your snowflake, and various shades of white, creamy ivory, pale pink, and blue.
Sparkle Sensation
We can't get over this ornate creation by nailee_yj, which used tiny pearl, crystal, and sequined appliques to form Christmas trees.
Glitter Galore
An organized cluster of sequins, diamond studs, and stars made for the most epic festive mani on Glossier founder, Emily Weiss, which was created by nail extraordinaire Naomi Yasuda.
A Hint o' Bronze
These geometric, sequin-emblazoned nails are the work of nail technician Damisa Ramdin, who used shimmering bronze and ivory accents against the baby-pink base shade for a festive finish.
courtesy of instagram/@luxebytracylee
Emerald Emphasis
International nail artist Tracylee is the mastermind behind this holiday-perfect creation, which is complete with emerald appliques and glittery half moons to match. One, solid shimmering gold nail ties everything together.
Stars & Circles
Mia of @superflynails on Instagram is responsible for this work of art consisting of little gold stars and silver circles set over a clear base.
Sparkling Stripes
Brooklyn-based nail artist Savannah Walker incorporated the most prominent colors of the season into glittery vertical stripes. She switched up the order of the colors on each finger to make the look even more interesting.
Glittery Green
It's simple yet super festive: Los Angeles nail artist Glennis McCarthy coated her client's nails in what she calls a "green glitter bomb" as a glamorous way to celebrate with a single color.
Mireya Acierto/Getty Images
Minty Tips
Seen backstage at New York Fashion Week, these low-key jolly nails take the traditional white tips of a French manicure and add a cool swipe of mint green. It's a perfect holiday manicure for minimalists.
Icy Elements
Miss Pop used real diamonds from nail-art jeweler Vero Krew to create this especially luxurious holiday manicure for Nail Pro. There's no better season for nails covered in ice.
Plaid Accents
Classic red is perfect for Christmas on its own, but the stripes expertly placed by London-based nail artist Jay Deau make her client's ring-finger nails look like they're wrapped in pretty, plaid paper.
Crystal Confetti
New York nail artist Naomi Yasuda created a manicure that works all the way through New Year's Eve with multicolored metallic glitter in various sizes and shape. The crystal-confetti effect looks especially gorgeous on stiletto nails.
Seasonal Symbols
There's so much to celebrate about these nails. Florida-based nail artist Devin Strebler incorporated multiple themes into this manicure, from a cable-knit texture in royal blue to a red gift bow to an incredibly detailed nutcracker. Shimmering gold details and Swarovski crystals make it especially festive.
Anna Webber/Getty Images
Snowy Silver
Spotted backstage at New York Fashion Week, this silver manicure gets a wintry upgrade with snow-like dots scattered not only on the nails, but on one of the fingers as well.
Golden Arches
Prefer gold over silver? Try a look like this one sported by Allure editor in chief Michelle Lee. "I’m not opposed to Santa or snow globe nails but if you don’t wanna get that wild, I love a metallic on negative space or a neutral base," she says of her manicure on Instagram.
Marci Robin is a contributing editor at Allure. She previously served as senior beauty editor at GoodHousekeeping.com, executive editor of xoVain, and senior online editor at NewBeauty; her writing has also appeared in publications such as InStyle, MarthaStewart.com, and Refinery29. She graduated from Florida State University with a degree... Read more