Get ready to slay the holiday season (or should we say sleigh?) with these cute Christmas nails and holiday nail art ideas! There’s nothing we love more than a festive makeover during the holidays, and our nails are no exception.
From cute designs that pay homage to our favorite Christmas movies, to festive nail art that you can DIY at home, we’ve found the best nail ideas to help you countdown to December 25th in style. So grab your red and green nail polish and let’s get into it!
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What type of Christmas nails designs and holiday nail art ideas are trending in 2023?
In 2023, we’re seeing festive nail art ideas like mistletoe, snowflakes, and Christmas trees trending for the holiday season. Cute bows are also having their moment this year, and we love seeing all the nail ideas inspired by gorgeous Christmas presents — talk about instant holiday cheer!
And don’t forget the sparkle! Shimmery metallics and sparkly glitter are still very much on-trend, and we can’t think of a better time than the holidays to add a little extra shine to your nail look.
What color (or colors) should you paint your nails for Christmas?
When it comes to Christmas nail colors, you can’t go wrong with the classics. Green and red will always reign supreme during the holidays, and the same goes for snowy white. If it’s approved by Santa, then it’s the perfect look for your holiday mani!
For Christmas nail ideas that are merry and bright, we also love colors like shimmery silver and glittery gold (there is a Christmas song named after these sparkly hues, after all!). And for something unexpected, blue nail ideas are also trending this holiday season, with icy shades making a serious statement for Christmas — and beyond!
Holiday Design and Nail Art Tools – Everything You’ll Need to DIY Your Christmas Nails
Give yourself the gift of a fun at-home mani this Christmas! If you want to DIY some cute Christmas nail designs, here are the must-have nail art tools to get you started.
- A Christmas nail polish set: This one’s a no-brainer! Get all the must-have Christmas colors in one place with a holiday nail polish set, with hues like red, green, and white to create your favorite nail designs. And don’t forget a glossy top coat, too — bonus points if it features some festive sparkles!
- Nail art brushes and dotting tools: Recreating your favorite Christmas nail ideas from Instagram is easier than you think with the help of a nail art tool set. Stock up on small brushes and dotting tools to help you DIY everything from classic snowflakes to cute bows.
- Holiday nail stickers: Or for an even easier DIY Christmas mani, these cute holiday nail stickers do most of the work for you! Just press them onto your dry base coat, seal the deal with a top coat, and you have a trendy Christmas nail design in a few minutes flat.
- Nail sponges: We love ombré nail ideas for Christmas, and nail sponges are the easiest way to recreate the dreamy look at home. Instead of a brush, sponges allow you to blend your polish to achieve a hazy, ombré design. Definitely a must for your holiday nail kit!
If you want to dive into the DIY nail art world this holiday season, this nail polish advent calendar has all of the must-have tools to recreate your favorite Christmas designs and ideas at home. Plus, there’s nothing better than counting down to Christmas with 25 nail-themed presents!
GWS Pro Tip: If you’re not a DIY pro, why not opt for some press on nails instead?! There are gorgeous press on nail options for the holidays, like these Christmas tree beauties — and we’ve included more of our favorite ideas down below. Let’s get into it!
1. Festive Glitter Green Christmas Nails
photo: @pop_polished
You don’t need an over-the-top design for your Christmas nails to look festive, and these green sparklers are proof! The ultimate holiday version of a classic French manicure, these nails feature green tips and a dazzling glitter top coat. The prettiest way to add some holiday cheer to your everyday look!
2. Mid-Century Modern Design Christmas Nail Art
photo: @pop_polished
If you’re more of a Christmas maximalist, then this bright and sparkly nail art design may be more your speed. With a mid-century modern vibe and a trendy color palette, they’re the perfect nails to make a stylish statement this holiday season. The more the merrier, amiright?!
For an unexpected look that stands out from the crowd, pair your classic red and green polish with a bright pink hue. SO GOOD.
3. Shimmery Ombré Holiday Nails
photo: @melous_nails
Where these nails go, the (holiday) party follows! Dazzle your next Christmas party with these shimmery silver nails, featuring a trendy ombré design. They’ll brighten up any holiday ‘fit, whether you’re rocking head-to-toe sequins or a cozy Christmas sweater.
To get the look, use an ombré nail sponge to blend the glitter polish across your nails, starting from the top down. Finish with a glossy top coat, and you’re ready to shine!
4. Festive Red Ribbon Christmas Nail Design
photo: @disseynails
All I want for Christmas is…this festive nail design! With glittery red polish and the cutest bow design, they’re the perfect nails to get you in the present-wrapping spirit. Just use a liner brush to create the ribbon nail art, and add a pearl rhinestone for a festive finishing touch.
If you’ve been searching for a Christmas present to give yourself this year, look no further!
5. Cute Christmas Pudding Inspired Short Nails
photo: @lindseysbeautylounge1
A nail design that’s just as drool-worthy as your favorite Christmas dessert? Say no more! These short nails make a sugary sweet statement with cute heart-shaped Christmas puddings, complete with a tiny mistletoe garnish.
Use the same chocolately brown polish for your other nails to balance the festive design, and finish with a few flecks of gold. Is anyone else hungry?
6. Simple Green Christmas Tree Nail Design
photo: @nailsbyalsn
Pay homage to your Christmas tree with this cute nail art design! If you’re looking for holiday nails that are festive without going over the top, then this is the perfect look. The minimalist tree design adds such a fun accent to the otherwise simple (and trendy) forest green mani. We love!
7. Festive Mistletoe Holiday Nails Idea
photo: @_by_shelley
For Christmas nail ideas that say “meet me under the mistletoe,” look no further than this cute design! It takes a classic French manicure and gives it a festive touch, with a garland of holly berries outlining the white tips.
Plus, we found the perfect mistletoe themed nail stickers to help you DIY this Christmas design! Just add them on top of your French tips for a cute date-ready mani.
8. Deconstructed Holly Christmas Nail Design
photo: @swaknails
‘Tis the season to sparkle, and these Christmas nails definitely understood the assignment! They take a classic mistletoe design and deconstruct it for a glittery and festive manicure. It’s kind of like Christmas exploded on your nails — but in a super chic way!
Get the look by adding these green glitter flakes and these shiny red dots on top of a simple nude base. With such an abstract design, you can’t really mess it up!
9. Frosty Blue and White Christmas Nail Art
photo: @sulysnailography
Channel the chilly December weather with these icy holiday nails! Featuring a shimmery blue top coat, they’re giving us major North Pole vibes. Complete the look with some snowflake nail art (or nail stickers!) for a cold-weather look that would make Frosty proud.
10. Festive + Cute Candy Cane Christmas Nail Design
photo: @natalieholtnailartist
If a peppermint mocha is your holiday drink of choice, then these are the Christmas nails for you! Show off your love for the season with this heart-shaped candy cane nail art, which you can easily recreate using these cute nail stickers. Sweet would be an understatement!
11. Cozy White Short Christmas Nails
photo: @shelbyrenee_robbins
Manifest a white Christmas with this cute white nail art! When you can’t choose just one design for your holiday nails, this mismatched manicure gives you a little bit of everything. From frosty snowflakes to a 3D sweater design, it’s checking off all our favorite Christmas nail ideas!
To keep your mismatched nails cohesive, stick to one color palette — this snowy white + classy beige combo is perfect for the entire holiday season.
12. Velvet Inspired Press On Christmas Nails
press on holiday nails: Glamnetic
Velvet nail ideas are one of our favorite trends for the holiday season. Luxe, sparkly, and cozy, they scream Christmas — and this shimmery and festive silver design is no exception! Ultra dazzling, it’ll brighten up even the darkest December days.
And the best part? These velvet nails are actually press ons! Unlock holiday cheer in the time it takes to apply them to your fingers.
13. Abstract Red, Green, and White Christmas Nail Art Design
photo: @tessa.lyn.nails
If reindeer, candy canes, and Christmas trees aren’t your style, then switch things up with this abstract nail design! Featuring a red, green, and white color palette, these nails are ultra festive, without looking like a Christmas movie threw up on them.
Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to DIY! This nail artist didn’t use any tools to create the look — just free-hand a funky design with your nail polish brushes, and finish with a swipe of this sparkly gold flake top coat.
14. Santa Clause Inspired Holiday Nails
photo: @TheHotBlend
When it comes to Christmas nail ideas, there’s no better inspiration than Santa Claus himself. Give Old St. Nick a shout-out with this red French tip nail art, featuring a cute Santa hat accent. It’s one of our favorite ho-ho-holiday nail designs!
P.S. We found super similar press on nails to help you get this festive look at home.
15. Glitter Green Grinch Inspired Christmas Nails
photo: @disseynails
No holiday season is complete without an annual viewing of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and these are the perfect nails for the occasion. They take the Grinch’s signature hue and give it a festive upgrade with glitter green nail polish. Definitely Whoville approved!
16. Festive Red + White Christmas Nail Designs
photo: @nylove_nails
Red and white is such a timeless color combo for Christmas, and this nail design is proof! Go all out for the holiday season by mixing and matching different festive nail art in these classic hues. We’re especially digging the striped candy cane design — so cute, and so easy to DIY using these liner brushes!
17. Cute Peppermint Swirl Holiday Nails
photo: @pop_polished
Or for a more unique Christmas color palette, swap your red, green, and white hues for this shimmery blue and purple nail design. Inspired by peppermint candies, it’s a sweet and unexpected look for all your holiday events!
To get the look, use this shimmery blue nail polish to create a festive swirl design on top of a cool purple base. It truly looks good enough to eat!!
18. Merry and Bright Christmas Nail Design
photo: @tessa.lyn.nails
Give your Christmas lights some competition with these festive nails! Merry AND bright, this nail art is designed to look like a string of twinkling Christmas lights, and we couldn’t be more obsessed.
Recreate the look with these Christmas light press on nails, or DIY the design with these colorful nail gemstones and gold polish. It’s the perfect manicure to rock as you decorate the Christmas tree!
19. Festive Black Holiday Nails
photo: @gelsbybry
Black nails have been having a serious moment lately, and we love this Christmas inspired take on the look! It’s the perfect balance of festive and edgy, with holographic black nail polish and a trendy mismatched design.
And since this isn’t your average Christmas manicure, you won’t have to worry about wiping it off starting December 26. Chic and versatile, it’ll last you until January!
20. Cute Pink + Red Plaid Christmas Nail Design
photo: @nylove_nail
When it comes to Christmas, plaid is an essential. Plaid PJs. Plaid wrapping paper. Plaid scarves. And now, plaid nails!
Rock the Christmas staple all December long with this cute pink and red plaid nail design. We love the mix of the preppy plaid nail art with the unique French tips. Plus, we’ll take any excuse to wear hot pink nail polish year-round!
21. Glamorous Gold Foil Short Christmas Nails
photo: @onenailtorulethemall
The perfect way to add a festive touch to your holiday nails? Two words: gold foil. Shimmery and sparkly, it’ll make any and every Christmas nail design a little more glamorous.
For an extra chic design idea, pair the gold foil with festive foliage themed nail art. We love the mix of the evergreen branches, the red holly design, and the glittery gold flakes — super cute for short nails!
22. Cute Tinsel Inspired Christmas Nail Art
photo: Aistė Haas
Decorate your nails this December with this sparkly + festive design! The glittery silver nail polish reminds us of tinsel on a Christmas tree, while the red ornaments add a bright pop of color. Such a fun way to show off your holiday spirit!
And if you’re not a nail art pro, these Christmas themed nail stickers feature cute ornaments that would be perfect for this look (plus tons of other festive designs for all your other holiday manis!).
23. Pretty Poinsettia Themed Holiday Nails
photo: @swaknails
Searching for more sophisticated Christmas nail ideas? Add a touch of class to your holiday look with this chic poinsettia themed nail art design! Paired with festive red French tips, it’s the prettiest way to pay homage to the stunning Christmas blooms.
And yes, we also found the perfect nail stickers for this look, too!
24. Festive Mismatched Christmas Nail Designs
The gang’s all here with this festive Christmas nail art design! Featuring snowflakes, Christmas lights, peppermints, and the cutest gingerbread man, it’s one of the most iconic nail ideas on this list.
Give all of your favorite holiday icons their moment in the spotlight by painting each nail with a cute design inspired by the season. Complete with colorful French tips, this mani is trendy and festive at the same time!
P.S. For the ultimate Christmas nail art starter pack, all you need is this festive nail polish set and this pack of nail tools. Happy doodling!
25. Simple White Press On Christmas Nails
press on Christmas nails: Glamnetic
Calling all minimalists! If you prefer a “less is more” approach, these are the holiday nails for you. They keep it chic and simple with a milky white base and metallic silver swirls. Another gorgeous design you can rock all season long!
Plus, these press on nails can be applied within minutes and last just as long as a professional manicure. Hello, Christmas miracle!
26. Modern Red + Green Christmas Nails Design
photo: @pop_polished
Nothing makes us think of Christmas more than a red and green color combo. For a modern spin on the classic holiday palette, look no further than this two-tone nail design!
We love how this manicure plays with negative space — start by painting half of your nail a sparkly green hue, then add a red French tip to the other half. Continue the outline of the tip over the entire nail (without filling it in) for a look that’s bold, festive, and SO cool!
27. Cute Holly Berry Christmas Nail Art
photo: @naildbykatie
You can’t go wrong with sweet little holly berries for the holidays! To make this simple Christmas design pop, add your holly berry nail art (or these cute holly nail stickers!) on top of a milky white or pastel pink base. Finish with some gold foil for a touch of sparkle, and you’re pretty much golden!
28. Dazzling Blue Holiday Nails
photo: @vivianmariewong
We’ll have a blue blue blue Christmas with this glittery nail design! Embrace the underrated Christmas color with this groovy nail art, complete with sparkly French tips and funky swirl designs.
Dazzling, dreamy, and dramatic, this glitter blue nail polish definitely deserves a spot in your holiday manicure line-up!
29. Cute Snowglobe Inspired Christmas Nail Art
photo: @_by_shelley
These Christmas nails remind us of mini snowglobes for your fingers! Recreate the look of falling snow with a shimmery ombré nail design — this glitter gold nail polish is perfect if you’re looking for an extra dose of glamour for your holiday mani.
Finish the design with some celestial white nail art for a look that’s just as magical as the first snowfall of the season!
30. Simple + Short Christmas Tree Nails
photo: @bobbiesioux
One of our fave classic ideas: these short Christmas tree nails. Simple but still super festive, this design is such a cute way to countdown to December 25th.
And for a similar manicure, we also love these cute Christmas tree press on nails!
31. Dreamy Pearlcore Red French Tip Holiday Nails
photo: @jadeandpolished
Pearlcore, but make it festive! If you’re still not over the pearl trend (because same), then this is one of our favorite ideas for channeling it into your Christmas nails. Start with classic red French tips, then add these pearl gems all over your nails for a dreamy 3D look.
It almost looks like falling snow — OBSESSED!
32. Festive Swirl Christmas Nail Design
photo: @disseynails
When you want to add just a hint of holiday magic to your mani, this is the perfect design for the job. It features festive swirls in the dreamiest Christmas color palette — that glittery gold polish is seriously to die for!
And since each nail showcases a slightly different swirl design, this nail art is super easy to DIY. Just grab your liner brushes and make it your own!
33. Cute Polka-Dot Short Christmas Nails Design
This is one of the best (and easiest) Christmas nail ideas for short nails! Go cute and minimal with a festive polka-dot design, complete with all your favorite holiday hues. We love how the bright colors pop on the simple nude base!
For an easy DIY, this holiday themed nail polish set has all the essential Christmas colors to recreate this look. (This would also make a great gift for nail art lovers!)
34. Rudolph Inspired Christmas Nail Art
photo: @_wifestyles_
It doesn’t get much cuter than this mismatched Christmas nail art! Give Rudolph his time to shine with an adorable reindeer accent nail, offset with classic snowflake designs and a pop of red (to match his iconic nose!).
Recreate this look at home with the help of this black + white nail art set — it makes it super easy to draw your holiday designs from scratch!
35. Classic White Christmas Nails With Snowflake Designs
photo: @lillypalm__
Stick to the classics this Christmas with this simple white nail design. We love how it alternates from timeless French tips to seasonal snowflakes — so chic for any nail shape or length! Plus, just imagine how cute these nails will look peeking out from under your favorite Christmas sweater. Perfection!!
36. Fun Rainbow Holiday Nails Ideas
photo: Kelsey Klos
Why limit yourself to just the classic Christmas colors when you could rock the entire rainbow instead?! For maximalists, this bright mix-and-match manicure is EVERYTHING. We love love love all the fun nail art, from the preppy plaid to the adorable bow.
This Christmas, let your creative flag fly with this colorful nail polish liner kit — perfect for doodling all these festive holiday designs!
37. Short Evergreen Christmas Nails
photo: @LizzyWade
Another one of our favorite Christmas nail ideas for short nails! Green nails are seriously trending right now, and we can’t think of a better color to make the most out of your holiday mani.
Give your short nails a statement look using this emerald green nail polish. Complete with two Christmas tree accents (which you can achieve using these cute nail decals), it’s fun, festive, and versatile enough to wear every day of December!
38. Boughs of Holly Christmas Nail Art
photo: @lauren_beautyby
More holly berries for your holiday nails!
Deck your nails with boughs of holly using this nail polish set from Olive & June, which has all the colors to recreate this Christmas design. Plus, it also comes with some cute Christmas themed nail stickers, perfect for DIYing a few of the other holiday nail ideas on this list!
39. Glittery Red Press On Christmas Nails
press on holiday nails: Glamnetic
For the French manicure loyalists, these chic nails are the perfect holiday version of your favorite style. They’re sparkly. They’re red. They’ll go with every holiday ‘fit. And most importantly, they’re reusable press ons that you can wear again and again!
Brb, adding to our cart as we speak.
40. Cute Mismatched Holiday Nails
photo: @Lauren_Beautyby
The mini candy canes! The glittery French tip! The sparkly stripes! It’s impossible to decide which of these Christmas nail designs are our favorite. Luckily, we don’t have to choose! Capture all the greats in one manicure by sticking to a red, white, and gold color palette. Perfection.
41. Twinkling Celestial Holiday Nails
photo: @lauren_beautyby
Mystical, magical, mesmerizing…we could go on! Give your Christmas nail art a dreamy makeover with this celestial holiday design. We love the shimmery green French tips paired with the twinkling gold nail art. They capture the childhood feeling of waiting up for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve — SO GOOD!
Get the same silent night vibes with these celestial gold nail stickers and this holographic green polish. It’s a match made in holiday heaven.
42. Cute Snowflake + Holly Christmas Nail Art
photo: @the_nail_girl_lowestoft_
Can’t choose between holly nail art or snowflake designs? Why not do both?! These Christmas nails give you the best of both worlds with dainty seasonal designs — perfect for short nails or anyone who loves a minimal mani.
And for the DIY pros, you can easily recreate this design using these nail art dotting tools!
43. Shimmery Magnetic Blue Christmas Nail Art
photo: @jadeandpolished
Shimmer and shine this holiday season with this trendy Christmas nail design! Similar to the velvet nail trend, this holographic look can be achieved using magnetic cat eye nail polish in a shimmery blue hue. We also love the mismatched nail art — it’s the (literal) bow on top of the festive design!
44. Dreamy White Ombré Holiday Nails Design
photo: @naileditwithshay
Is there anything more magical than a white Christmas? We think not — and that’s why this white design is one of our favorite ideas for the holidays! Channel the perfect December snowstorm with white ombré nails, which you can DIY using a nail sponge (or a beauty blender) and snowy white polish.
Finish the design with a few white snowflakes for the ultimate blizzard inspired holiday manicure!
45. Cute Reindeer Christmas Nail Design
photo: @nylove_nail
Celebrate the most famous reindeer of all with your Christmas nail art! We love the combo of a cute Rudolph accent nail and that festive red + green foliage. Plus, these reindeer nail strips are the perfect way to get the look!
Just add them on top of your natural nails for a chic gel manicure that doesn’t require a trip to the salon.
46. Glimmering Gold Holiday Nails
photo: @natalieholtnailartist
If you love all the Christmas nail art ideas on this list but want that extra somethin’ somethin’ to make them stand out, then prepare to fall in love with this golden holiday design! It takes the cute icons of the season and gives them a trendy metallic makeover. Perfect for matching with all your seasonal jewelry!
For maximum shine, use this mirrored nail powder on top of your holiday nail art. We’re in love!
47. Cozy Pastel Christmas Nail Designs
photo: @ashwisdom
Like a Hallmark Christmas movie, these nails are pure holiday magic. They check off the cutest Christmas nail designs, all in one pretty pastel color palette. And don’t even get us started on that 3D sweater accent nail! Such a cozy look for your next Christmas movie marathon.
And if you love sweater inspired Christmas nail ideas as much as we do, definitely check out these 3D sweater nail strips! They make DIYing the festive design a breeze.
48. Rainbow Glitter Short Christmas Nails Idea
photo: @onenailtorulethemall
Here at GWS, we believe there’s no such thing as TOO much sparkle during the holidays. Case in point: this glittery nail design! A rainbow flake top coat is the easiest way to give your nails instant holiday cheer — perfect if you’re looking for some low-key Christmas nail ideas.
And if you want to take your holiday nails to the next level, add a sparkly Christmas tree to your sparkly ensemble. Complete with a shiny star on top, it’s guaranteed to dazzle at all your holiday events!
49. Fun + Festive Holiday Nails
photo: @nailitmedia
Last but certainly not least, this nail art is the epitome of Christmas! With reindeer, Christmas trees, candy canes, and more, it captures everything we love about the holiday season in one cute mani.
DIY this nail art at home for a fun Christmas self-care night, or mix and match these holiday nail stickers for a quick and easy design that will never go out of style. (At least, not until December 26th!)
Nail Your Christmas Look With Our Most Popular Holiday Season Fashion Guides
Festive Christmas nail ideas? Check. Now it’s time to nail the rest of your holiday look, and we’ve created the perfect guides to help!
For alllll the holiday fashion inspo, don’t miss this list of chic Christmas outfits for every celebration, from your holiday work party to your annual gift exchange with friends. And if you’re attending a wedding this holiday season, we’ve also rounded up the best dresses for the romantic occasion!
And of course, don’t forget the most important Christmas attire of all: your holiday PJs. We’ve found the cutest matching pajamas for couples in every style — perfect for everything from your Christmas cards to your next holiday movie marathon!
Which of these Christmas nail ideas are you trying out first? Let us know in the comments below!