20 Cute Christmas Nail Ideas to Try This Holiday Season

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There’s something about the festive season that makes a fresh manicure feel even more special. Whether you’re sipping mulled wine, wrapping presents, or dancing at the Christmas party, the right nails add a touch of sparkle to it all.

This year’s Christmas nail trends mix timeless classics with modern twists, including glossy reds, gold foil, frosty pinks, icy blues, and cute nail art. Whether you’re going all out at the salon or prefer a DIY approach, these 20 Christmas nail ideas will have your fingertips feeling perfectly festive.

1. Soft Pink Sparkle

Pink christmas nails
Source: @biosculptureuki
Sheer pink Christmas nails with fine silver glitter for a frosty effect.
Source: @yotecielomx

Delicate and elegant, this design is perfect if you love subtle shimmer. A sheer pink base with a dusting of fine glitter gives that soft, frosty look that catches the light beautifully.

Try it at home: Apply a nude or pink jelly polish, then add a fine silver glitter topcoat, focusing on the tips for a frosty finish.

2. Red Ribbon Nails

Red Christmas nails with white ribbon and bow nail art.
Source: @blossomacademy_

Classic red gets a modern twist with dainty white bow designs. Feminine, festive, and effortlessly chic, these nails capture Christmas without feeling over the top.

Perfect for: A bold manicure that still looks polished and grown-up.

3. Red Glitter French Tips

Glitter french tip nails
Source: @meraki_nails_cardiff

A sparkly twist on the French manicure, this look pairs a nude base with red and green glitter tips. Perfect for a festive yet sophisticated vibe.

DIY Tip: Use nail tape to create crisp lines before applying glitter polish.

4. Evergreen Accent Nails

Evergreen Christmas nails with minimalist gold-accented tree design.
Source: @bycheznails

Deep forest green paired with a minimalist Christmas tree accent nail creates a timeless and sophisticated look.

DIY tip: Use a thin nail art brush or striping tool to paint your tree, finishing with a gold gem or dot as a star.

5. Dotted Candy Cane Hearts

Red and white dotted candy cane heart Christmas nail design.
Source: @bycheznails

This whimsical design uses red and white dots to form candy cane hearts — simple to create but beautifully detailed.

Pro tip: Use a dotting tool or the end of a bobby pin for even spacing.

6. Metallic Green Shine

Shiny metallic green Christmas nails with mirror-like finish.
Source: @danaturenails

If you prefer bold and glossy, metallic green is your go-to. It’s eye-catching and looks stunning against cosy knits or gold jewellery.

At-home idea: Try a chrome or cat-eye finish for a mirror-like glow.

7. Holly Berry Nail Art

Holly berry Christmas nails on a blush pink base.
Source: @the.naill.room
Source: @lindseysbeautylounge1

A blush base decorated with dainty holly leaves and red berries gives a classic Christmas look with vintage charm.

Perfect for: Those who love delicate, detailed nail art.

8. Present-Inspired Nails

Red glitter Christmas nails with present-inspired bow accent.
Source: @bycheznails

Red glitter nails paired with a single bow-accented accent nail look like tiny wrapped gifts.

Pro tip: Use striping tape for the ribbon and finish with a glossy topcoat.

9. Gold-Tipped French

Gold-tipped French manicure for a festive look.
Source: @nailroomspa_morelia

For an elegant twist, swap classic white tips for gold.

DIY idea: Use a warm-toned gold polish and apply thinly for subtle sparkle.

10. Candy Cane Stripes

Classic candy cane striped Christmas nails.
Source: @blossomacademy_

Red and white stripes are an instant Christmas classic; bold, cheerful, and unmistakably festive.

At-home tip: Start with a white base, let it dry, then add red stripes with a striping brush or tape.

11. Gold Star Accents

Delicate gold star Christmas nail design on nude base.
Source: @peachinails

Tiny gold stars on a soft pink base give a twinkling, magical effect. They’re perfect for parties or New Year’s Eve.

12. Minimalist Christmas Nails

Minimalist christmas nails
Source: @nailsbyalsn

Simple yet stylish; a nude base with tiny white stars, dots, or fine line art keeps things understated and classy.

Perfect For: Office-friendly nails that still feel festive.

13. Fun Christmas Nails

Nude Christmas nails with mini festive icons and candy canes.
Source: @peachinails
Source: @blossomacademy_
Source: @nails_and_beauty_by_daisy

Mix-and-match nails with candy stripes, snowflakes, and reindeer for a cheerful, creative look.

At Home: Use decals or stickers for easy application if hand-painting isn’t your thing.

14. Peppermint Swirls

Peppermint swirl Christmas nails with red and white design.
Source: @thenaillologist

Playful and glossy, red and white swirls mimic peppermint sweets. Perfect for anyone who loves bright festive looks.

Salon tip: Add a glitter accent nail to make it pop.

15. Christmas Lights Nails

Festive nude nails with hand-painted Christmas light string.
Source: @vs_nails_lincoln

A string of colourful Christmas lights across nude nails adds instant cheer and personality.

At home: Draw the wire with a fine pen, then dot on bright colours for the bulbs.

16. Festive French with a Twist

Candy cane French tips alternating with red polish.
Source: @nailsbyalsn

Alternate between red and candy cane-striped tips for a modern French manicure that’s both polished and playful.

Try it if: You love a neat, classic mani with a hint of fun.

Source: @studio75___

A bolder take on the French with glossy red tips over a nude base that lasts well past Christmas.

Pair with: A gold ring or bracelet to tie the festive tones together.

17. Stripe Nails

Festive red and green striped nails with holly berry details.
Source: @palm.nailsbyemma

Red, pink and green stripes for a clean yet festive manicure that’s easy to DIY.

At Home: Nail tape helps achieve crisp, professional lines.

18. Green and Gold Mix

Source: @bycheznails

Deep green with subtle gold foil accents makes for a luxe, grown-up manicure.

Tip: Apply gold foil irregularly for that organic, modern finish.

19. Blue and Silver Frost Nails

Source: @blossomacademy_

Cool, shimmering tones of blue and silver glitter bring icy elegance, like snowflakes on your fingertips.

Pro Tip: Use a silver glitter topcoat over pale blue polish for depth and dimension.

20. Holly French Tips

Source: @_by_shelley

This design combines a timeless white French tip with delicate holly detailing along the edges. The mix of red berries and green leaves adds just enough colour to make it festive while keeping the overall look soft and elegant.

Products to Help You Recreate These Looks

  • Base & Top Coats:
    • OPI Nail Envy Strengthener
    • Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat
  • Festive Polishes:
    • Essie “Forever Yummy” (classic red)
    • Barry M “Green Origin” (forest green)
    • Sally Hansen “Golden-I” (metallic gold)
    • OPI “Happy Anniversary!” (soft shimmer)
  • Nail Art Tools:
    • Dotting tools for hearts and berries
    • Striping brushes and tape for clean lines
    • Gold leaf flakes and glitter topcoats

Pin it for later!
Save your favourite designs to your Christmas Nails Pinterest board for easy inspiration before your next manicure. Check out my Christmas Glow Up Guide and Party Makeup Looks posts for more festive inspo!

FAQs About Christmas Nails

What are the most popular Christmas nail colours?
Red, gold, green, and silver are timeless favourites. Pink and nude shades with shimmer are great for a modern, understated twist.

Can I do Christmas nail art at home?
Absolutely! With dotting tools, striping brushes, or stickers, you can recreate many designs yourself.

How long do Christmas gel nails last?
Gel manicures typically last 2–3 weeks, making them ideal for the entire festive season.

What nail shape looks best for Christmas designs?
Almond or oval shapes show off intricate designs beautifully, while short squoval nails are great for subtle sparkle.

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