Christmas is right around the corner, and we all know what that means—it’s time to deck the halls and, most importantly, our nails! There’s nothing quite like adding a festive touch to your look with some creative nail art. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa by the fire, wrapping gifts, or heading to a holiday party, having those holiday vibes right at your fingertips just hits differently.
If you’re wondering how to make your nails stand out this Christmas, you’re in the right place. From classic red and green combinations to glitzy, glamorous styles, there’s something for everyone here. Get ready to feel all the festive cheer—because we’ve put together a list of 35 stunning Christmas nail designs that you simply have to try this holiday season.Ready to find some inspiration and give your nails a merry makeover? Let’s dive right in!
1. Classic Red and Gold Glam
What’s Christmas without a bit of red and gold? These two colors are synonymous with holiday cheer, and there’s just something undeniably festive about them. Imagine a bright red base adorned with delicate gold glitter on the tips or accent nails. It’s classy, timeless, and screams holiday luxury.
For a simple yet chic look, you can go for gold foiled tips on a deep red base. Alternatively, add small gold snowflakes or a single gold stripe for an extra festive flair. It’s perfect for any holiday event—elegant but still full of personality.
2. Winter Wonderland Blues
If you want something that’s wintery but not too on-the-nose Christmassy, why not try some frosty blues? Think icy blues, whites, and a little bit of shimmer to create a snowy effect on your nails. This look is perfect for those who want a more subtle holiday feel.
Consider painting a few nails in an ombre effect, going from light to dark blue, and adding some subtle white snowflakes or glitter. It’s a dreamy winter wonderland look that’s versatile enough to take you from Christmas right through to New Year. A great way to celebrate the winter season without going overboard.
3. Candy Cane Stripes
Who doesn’t love the iconic red and white stripes of candy canes? This nail look is simple, sweet, and easy to do at home. Start with a white base, then use a thin brush to paint diagonal red stripes across your nails. It’s fun and festive, ideal for those who like a playful look.
To add a bit of variation, you can include a glitter accent nail or switch up the colors with silver instead of white for extra shine. Candy cane nails are a perfect choice if you want a holiday manicure that’s cheerful and nostalgic.
4. Plaid Perfection
Plaid is one of those cozy patterns that instantly makes you feel ready to curl up by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate. A classic red and black plaid pattern on your nails will give you that warm, fuzzy feeling this holiday season. It’s a perfect design for those who love that rustic, winter cabin vibe.
For a more modern twist, mix up the colors—how about green and gold, or navy and silver? These combos keep it festive while giving you a fresh take on a traditional holiday favorite. You can even use nail stickers or stamping plates to achieve that perfect plaid pattern without the stress.
5. Sparkling Snowflakes
Nothing says Christmas quite like a delicate snowflake. A soft, neutral base color, such as baby pink or light blue, can be the perfect background for intricate white snowflakes and just a hint of sparkle. It’s a beautiful way to add a festive touch without it being too flashy.
If freehand painting isn’t your strength, nail stamping tools or stickers can help ensure each snowflake looks pristine. Finish it off with a touch of glitter or rhinestones to mimic the sparkle of freshly fallen snow. It’s a classy, understated design that’s perfect for any holiday occasion.
6. Holly Jolly Nail Accents
Holly leaves and berries make for adorable holiday nail accents. A simple nude or white base can be dressed up with tiny holly leaf and berry designs on a few accent nails. It’s a look that’s easy to achieve but adds a lot of holiday cheer to your manicure.
You can keep it simple by limiting the holly to just one or two nails, or go all out and adorn each finger with these festive motifs. The combination of green leaves and red berries is a quintessential holiday design that feels cheerful without being overwhelming.
7. Gingerbread House Vibes
Who doesn’t love gingerbread houses during the holidays? Bring that fun and whimsical vibe to your nails by adding little gingerbread men, candy dots, and icing details. It’s a cute and festive way to pay homage to one of the season’s best traditions.
Start with a warm brown shade for the base, and use white to create the effect of icing. Throw in some colorful dots for candies, and you’ve got a charming gingerbread-themed manicure. It’s festive, adorable, and will make you feel like you’re part of a holiday baking competition.
8. Glittering Christmas Tree Tips
For a more subtle holiday look, consider adding glittering Christmas trees just to the tips of your nails. Use a nude or pale pink base and paint little Christmas trees along the tips using green glitter polish. It’s a unique twist on the classic French manicure, with a festive flair.
Add a tiny gold star to the top of each tree to complete the look. It’s elegant and understated while still being undeniably festive—a great option if you want something that’s seasonal but office-appropriate. It’s all about the small details that make a big impact.
9. Reindeer Accents
Reindeer nail art is a great way to add a bit of fun and whimsy to your look. Paint a cute reindeer face on just one or two accent nails, using shades of brown for the head and a pop of red for Rudolph’s iconic nose. It’s playful and perfect for adding a bit of festive cheer.
For a more sophisticated twist, try gold or glitter reindeer silhouettes against a deep green or navy background. This way, you keep the festive theme but with a more mature look. It’s a design that’s sure to get compliments at every holiday gathering.
Nothing says ‘cozy’ quite like a knitted sweater, so why not bring that pattern to your nails? The textured look of cable knit nails is perfect for the cold months, giving your manicure a warm, comforting vibe. It’s like wearing your favorite winter sweater on your fingertips.
To create this design, use a matte base color like beige, grey, or soft pink, and add 3D sweater-like details with the same color for a monochrome look. This design feels like a warm hug, perfect for those chilly December days. It’s a great choice for a relaxed, cozy winter look.
11. Silver Bells and Sparkles
For a bit of classic holiday elegance, you can’t go wrong with silver bells and sparkles. Use a silver glitter polish to create a shimmering, bell-like effect on a couple of accent nails, while keeping the rest of your nails in a simple, muted shade. This look is sophisticated and adds a touch of holiday magic.
You could even add tiny rhinestones to resemble little bells for a textured, three-dimensional element. It’s classy, timeless, and just the right amount of bling for the season. Perfect for a more refined holiday party.
12. Bold Christmas Ornaments
Ornament-inspired nails are a great way to incorporate all your favorite colors into one fun holiday look. Choose a variety of rich jewel tones—like emerald, ruby, and sapphire—and add gold details to create the look of Christmas ornaments. It’s a colorful, vibrant way to celebrate the season.
You can paint individual ornaments on your nails or use the same rich, shimmery colors for each nail and add tiny gold accents for decoration. This design is bright, festive, and sure to draw attention. It’s an ideal choice if you love a colorful and lively holiday aesthetic.
13. Minimalist Christmas Lights
If you prefer a simple yet festive look, how about a minimalist Christmas light design? Start with a nude or pale base, and use thin black lines to draw the cords of the lights across a few of your nails. Then, add little colored dots to represent the bulbs—red, green, blue, and yellow.
This design is cute, easy to achieve, and looks great without being overly complicated or flashy. It’s a great way to embrace the holiday spirit in a subtle, stylish manner. Perfect if you want something festive but understated.
14. Frosted Glitter Tips
For a delicate wintery look, consider frosted glitter tips. This design is similar to a classic French manicure but with a snowy twist. Use a clear or nude base color, and then add glitter to the tips to create the look of frosted snow. It’s a simple yet effective way to add a bit of holiday charm.
It’s classy, and works well with any holiday outfit. Plus, it’s versatile enough to wear well into the New Year. A perfect choice for someone who loves a minimalist but festive manicure.
15. Santa Hat Accents
Santa hats are iconic and instantly recognizable. Paint a red triangle at the tip of your nails to resemble Santa’s hat, and use white polish to add the fluffy trim and pom-pom. It’s a playful and cute design, ideal for a fun holiday look.
This design is perfect if you’re attending a Christmas-themed party and want your nails to reflect the festive spirit. It’s lighthearted and fun, great for those who love the playful side of the holidays.
16. Mistletoe Magic
Mistletoe nails are a beautiful way to add a hint of romance to your holiday manicure. Start with a soft, neutral base like light pink or beige, and add green mistletoe leaves and red berries on a couple of accent nails. This look is elegant and festive, perfect for any holiday gathering.
It’s also a little flirty—ideal for holiday date nights or mistletoe moments at your Christmas party. It’s a great way to keep things traditional yet romantic.
17. Gold Foil Elegance
Gold foil nails bring an effortless touch of luxury to your look. Start with a dark base—think deep green, navy, or even black—and then add gold foil accents. The contrast between the dark base and shiny gold creates an eye-catching look that’s perfect for the holidays.
This design is simple yet sophisticated, making it a great choice for any holiday event. It’s understated but glamorous, making it ideal for those who want something chic and elegant.
18. Peppermint Swirl
Nothing says Christmas quite like the red-and-white swirl of a peppermint candy. Create this sweet-inspired design by painting red and white swirls across your nails. It’s fun, festive, and perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.
You can even add a bit of glitter to some of the stripes for extra sparkle. This design is ideal for those who love the traditional holiday sweets and want a playful, nostalgic manicure.
19. Midnight Christmas Eve
Capture the magic of Christmas Eve with a deep blue base and twinkling star accents. Use a navy or midnight blue polish for the base, and add tiny white dots or silver glitter to represent stars. It’s a dreamy, elegant look that feels like a peaceful winter night sky.
This design is understated but magical, perfect for those who want something subtle yet enchanting. It’s ideal for any holiday event, adding just the right amount of sparkle.
20. Gingerbread Man Accents
Add a playful touch to your holiday nails with gingerbread men! Start with a nude or light brown base and paint cute gingerbread men on a couple of accent nails. It’s a whimsical and fun design that’s sure to bring some holiday joy.
Add some white icing details and tiny candy buttons to make these little guys really pop. It’s perfect for anyone who loves the fun, lighthearted side of the holiday season.
21. Festive French Manicure
A festive twist on a classic French manicure can be the perfect holiday nail look. Swap the traditional white tips for red, green, or even glittery gold. It’s a simple way to make a classic look more festive.
For something even more holiday-themed, try alternating colors on each nail tip, or add a tiny snowflake or holly design to one accent nail. It’s elegant, with just enough holiday flair to make it special.
22. Pine Branches and Pinecones
For a more nature-inspired look, try painting delicate pine branches and tiny pinecones. Start with a neutral base color, and use greens and browns to add intricate pine branch details. It’s a great way to embrace the natural beauty of the season.
This design is elegant, subtle, and evokes that cozy, woodsy feeling of Christmas time. It’s perfect for anyone who loves understated designs that still celebrate the festive season.
23. Rudolph Red Nose Accent
Pay homage to everyone’s favorite reindeer by painting a red-nosed Rudolph on one or two accent nails. Keep it simple with a small reindeer face and a bright red nose, or add in other details like antlers and twinkling stars.
This look is playful and sure to bring a smile to anyone who sees it—a great way to add a touch of fun to your holiday manicure. It’s an excellent choice for anyone who loves the playful side of the season.
24. Christmas Garland Nails
Garland-inspired nails are a beautiful way to incorporate greenery into your holiday look. Start with a nude or pale base and use a deep green polish to create garland-like designs across your nails. It’s an elegant and festive look that’s perfect for any holiday gathering.
Add tiny red, gold, or silver accents to mimic baubles or berries. This design is a great way to add a classic Christmas feel without being too flashy.
25. Elegant Starry Night
Create a starry night effect with a deep, dark base color—navy or black works well—and add tiny silver or gold stars across each nail. This design is elegant, understated, and perfect for those who love the magic of a starry winter night.
It’s an excellent choice if you want something sophisticated yet still festive. The stars add just the right amount of sparkle for the holiday season.
26. Festive Stripes
Festive stripes are always a good choice if you want something easy yet impactful. Use classic Christmas colors like red, green, white, and gold to create horizontal or diagonal stripes on your nails. It’s simple and cheerful, perfect for adding some holiday fun.
You can mix and match the width of the stripes and even throw in some glitter for added sparkle. This design is a fun way to celebrate the season and works well with any holiday outfit.
27. Christmas Present Nails
Turn your nails into tiny Christmas presents by painting them in different colors and adding little bows. A classic red or green base with a gold or silver bow painted on top makes each nail look like a mini gift. It’s a fun, festive way to add some holiday cheer to your manicure.
You can also mix and match different colors for a playful look. It’s the perfect design for someone who loves wrapping gifts and spreading holiday joy.
28. Frosty the Snowman
Frosty the Snowman is a beloved holiday character, and he makes for a cute nail design! Start with a light blue or white base and paint a snowman on one or two accent nails. Add details like a carrot nose, coal buttons, and a little scarf.
It’s a playful design that brings a smile to everyone’s face and is perfect for spreading holiday cheer. It’s ideal for those who love whimsical and fun holiday themes.
29. Shimmering Icicles
For an elegant and wintery look, consider shimmering icicle nails. Start with a pale blue or white base and add glitter to create the effect of icicles hanging from your nails. This design is perfect for anyone who loves the icy beauty of winter.
Use a fine glitter polish to add a frosty touch to the tips of your nails, making it look like shimmering ice. It’s a classy, sophisticated design that’s perfect for any winter event.
30. Nutcracker Nails
The Nutcracker is a Christmas classic, and incorporating it into your nail design is a great way to celebrate the season. Paint a couple of accent nails with nutcracker details—think bold colors like red, blue, and gold.
Add tiny nutcracker faces, soldiers, or other iconic details. It’s a unique design that’s sure to get people talking at your next holiday gathering. Perfect for anyone who loves the tradition of the Nutcracker.
31. Snow Globe Nails
Snow globe nails are a whimsical way to bring a bit of magic to your manicure. Start with a clear or light blue base and add tiny white dots for falling snow. It’s a charming and festive way to celebrate the season.
On one or two accent nails, paint a tiny snow globe with a wintery scene inside—like a little house or a Christmas tree. It’s a detailed design, but it’s incredibly charming and festive, perfect for the holidays.
32. Peppermint French Tips
Put a holiday twist on the classic French manicure by swapping the white tips for peppermint-inspired red and white stripes. This playful twist makes the traditional French manicure look extra festive. It’s ideal for those who love the sweet side of the holidays.
You can add a touch of glitter to some of the stripes for a bit of sparkle, or keep it simple for an understated yet festive look. It’s perfect for someone who wants something a little different without being too over-the-top.
33. Red and Green Color Block
For a bold and modern holiday look, try a red and green color block design. Paint each nail in alternating sections of red and green, and add a bit of gold or silver striping to separate the colors. It’s festive, bright, and ideal for those who love bold designs.
This design is fun and perfect for someone who loves bright, bold colors. Add a glitter accent nail to take the look up a notch and make it even more festive.
34. Tinsel Tips
Tinsel is a holiday classic, and incorporating it into your nail design is a fun way to bring some sparkle to your manicure. Use a nude or light pink base and add silver or gold tinsel-like glitter to the tips of your nails. It’s an easy way to add some holiday shine.
It’s simple yet eye-catching, perfect for holiday parties or any festive event. It’s also versatile enough to work with any outfit you choose, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.
35. Festive Animal Print
If you’re a fan of animal prints, why not give it a holiday twist? Try a leopard print in festive colors like red, green, and gold, or add some glitter to give it a more festive feel. It’s a unique, bold design that’s sure to stand out.
This design is perfect for someone who loves to mix their favorite styles with a holiday theme. It’s a great way to incorporate your favorite print into your holiday look while still keeping things fun and festive.
Conclusion
There you have it—35 Christmas nail designs that are perfect for adding some extra holiday cheer to your look. Whether you prefer something simple and understated or bold and eye-catching, there’s a design here for everyone. Don’t be afraid to mix and match styles or add your own creative touches to make these designs your own.
The holiday season is all about joy, creativity, and a little bit of sparkle, so why not let your nails join in the fun? Whichever design you choose, your nails are sure to be the talk of every holiday gathering. Now, grab your favorite polishes, get creative, and let your nails shine bright this Christmas season!
Happy holidays and happy painting! 
