If there’s ever a time to go all out with your nails, it’s the holidays. Whether you’re into sparkly red Christmas nails, something elegant and minimal, or fun winter nail art, this list has you covered. I rounded up 25 holiday nail ideas that feel festive without being tacky. I’ll also link a few of my favorite clean polish colors and press-on kits, so you can save yourself a trip to the salon.
Best Nail Polish Colors for the Holidays
Red Ribbon Sparkle Nails
These shimmery silver nails with red ribbon details are the perfect mix of classy and festive. They look chic without feeling over the top. Go with this nail idea if you want something elegant but still very Christmas-themed.
Peppermint Candy Nails
If candy canes and holiday cheer had a baby, it’d be this manicure. The mix of red, green, and peppermint swirl nails is playful yet chic. This is a go-to look for December parties or cozy nights in with hot cocoa.
Gingerbread Nails
This design is pure nostalgia: red hearts, candy stripes, and tiny gingerbread men make it feel straight out of a Christmas movie. Perfect for anyone who loves a mix of cute and whimsical nail art.
Star-Themed Holiday Nails
These red and gold star nails feel like the fancier, elevated cousin of your usual Christmas mani. The design pairs perfectly with gold jewelry and a glass of champagne, making them also perfect for New Year’s Eve.
Candy Stripe Nails
Classic red and green stripes meet dainty bow accents for a manicure that screams festive and trendy. It’s bold, graphic, and surprisingly wearable.
Red Chrome French Tips
Red chrome tips with tiny starbursts, need I say more? It’s giving holiday glam without being too much. This one’s a subtle nod to the season if you’re not into full-blown Christmas designs.
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Emerald Chrome French Tips
The emerald chrome French tips with delicate golden and red stars feel festive, elegant, and slightly mysterious. They’re ideal for anyone who loves moody holiday tones.
Red French Tips with Pearls
The timeless red French tip gets a festive upgrade with pearl details along the base. It’s simple, classy, and looks like something you’d wear to a holiday dinner party.
Deep Green Gift Nails
This dark green mani with a tiny silver bow accent feels modern and understated. It is perfect if you want holiday nails that aren’t screaming Christmas but still fit the vibe.
Mistletoe French Tips
White French tips with tiny mistletoe accents. This design is soft, romantic, and perfect for anyone who loves a neutral base with a holiday twist. Totally the kind of design you’ll keep getting compliments on.
Frosted Snowflake Nails
If you want something timeless and wintery, these frosted white snowflake tips are perfect. The subtle sparkle against the nude base looks like fresh snow. It’s cozy, elegant, and totally wearable through January.
Snowman French Tips
This one’s pure holiday cheer. Tiny snowmen, snowflakes, and snowy white French tips. It’s the kind of mani that makes you smile every time you look at it and feels straight out of a Christmas card.
Gingerbread Swirl Nails
Warm caramel tones meet playful white swirls and a tiny gingerbread. Pair them with a beige sweater and a latte, and you’re good to go.
Rudolph-Inspired Nails
How cute is this? Little reindeer, metallic dots, and soft champagne tones make this set a sweet mix of festive and neutral. A great pick if you want Christmas nails that still look chic.
Polka Dot Burgundy Nails
We love a polka dot manicure, and this deep burgundy nail design is minimal but still gives major festive vibes. It’s simple enough for every day yet classy enough for any holiday dinner.
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Red Chrome Cat-Eye Nails
These metallic red nails catch the light like ornaments on a Christmas tree. The cat-eye shimmer effect makes them look luxe and moody, making them ideal if you are into a bold, modern holiday look.
Golden French Tips
For a more elevated take on Christmas nails, these gold French tips with metallic bow details are perfect. They’re understated, feminine, and pair beautifully with your gold jewelry.
Black & Gold Holiday French Tips
Classic French tips get a holiday twist with glossy black edges and gold bow accents. It’s elegant but with a bit of an edge, perfect for those who love a little contrast.
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Confetti Dot Nails
These nude nails with multi-colored rhinestone dots are the manicure equivalent of Christmas lights. It’s fun, easy to wear, and perfect if you want something festive that you can also recreate at home.
Pink Glitter Mix-and-Match Nails
If you love a little sparkle, this mix of pink glitter, candy-cane stripes, and soft snowflakes is the perfect festive combo. Every nail is different, but they still feel cohesive and fun.
Red & Gold Candy Swirl Nails
Red, gold, and nude come together in this sparkly, candy-inspired design. It’s festive but still chic, it looks equally good holding a champagne glass or a peppermint latte.
Peppermint French Tips
These peppermint-inspired French tips are the definition of holiday fun. The red-and-white stripes add a playful pop, while the soft nude base keeps it classy. Perfect for anyone who loves a subtle nod to Christmas.
Doodle Christmas Nails
If you want your nails to literally say “joy,” this one’s for you. With cute doodles of trees, hearts, stars, and gingerbread men, it’s perfect for the holidays.
Cat-Eye Silver Nails
These cat-eye silver nails look like snow under the sunlight. They are minimal, elegant, and perfect if you prefer something wintery but not too festive. A true “clean girl” holiday look.
Burgundy Star Nails
Deep burgundy nails with silver starburst accents. They’re bold, dramatic, and perfect for December parties. Pair them with a velvet dress or gold jewelry for a seriously classy look.
No matter your aesthetic, classy, cozy, or extra festive, there’s a holiday nail look here that’ll match it.
Before you go, check out my winter nail ideas or New Year’s nail inspo for more seasonal looks to bookmark for later.
