The magic of the holidays exists in the details. Oftentimes, the smallest design choices make the biggest impact. And usually, little acts of kindness can shift someone’s mood for the better. But it’s during the festive season that this truth shines the most. From selecting your holiday decor to planning your gatherings—putting everything together is harder than it looks. (And from all the Pinterest boards we’ve been scoping, it looks pretty hard.) Of course, there’s the holiday attire as well. But luckily, your manicure can speak a thousand words. And like ornaments on a tree, fun holiday nails make all the difference.
You can choose to show them off at the dinner table or opt for something that will last through your festive food prep. Holiday nails come in all shapes and sizes, but they’re always a delight. Keep reading—the best holiday nail trends are right at your fingertips.
Featured image from our interview with Cyndi Ramirez by Belathée Photography.
25 Festive Holiday Nails Ideas
Ring in the new year with the trendiest holiday nail ideas. A pop of red or a delicate design might be just what you need to add that extra bit of magic to your holiday season. From the viral trends that are taking over TikTok to timeless classics that even your mom will compliment, ahead you’ll find all the inspo you need for festive holiday nails.
@momentswithbella brown is the perfect transitional colour for the fall to winter season ????????? #winteraesthetic #holidaytok #cozylittlechristmas #winternails2023 #winternailinspo #chocolatebrownnails #fallnailinspo ? R o c k i n A r o u n d C h r i s t m a s T r e e – phoebe • 89k
1. Cocoa
Still holding onto autumn? This cocoa shade is the perfect transitional color to take you from fall into the festive season. They’re made for cradling mugs of hot chocolate—spiked or otherwise.
@nailsbycalliemarie its giving cool (?) girl winter #holidaynails #holidaynails2023 #holidaynailinspo2023 #almondnails #almondnailinspo #christmasnails #christmasnailinspo #christmasnails2023 #christmasnailinspo2023 #sparkle #sparklynails #cooltonesaesthetic #winternails #winternailinspo #winternails2023 #winternailinspo2023 ? Sleigh Bells (PhatCap! Trap Remix) – Ronettes
2. Ice Queen
Romanticize the sleet and snow with a slate grey manicure. Add some rhinestones for an icy, iridescent touch.
@sunnevaeinars fav szn ????? #holidaynails2023 #christmasnails2023 #winternails2023 ? winter things – audios for you
3. Party Szn
Sometimes, more is more. These glamorous, glittery nails pair well with a sequined dress and holiday party plans. All you need a disco ball.
@hayleylombard_ Not over the chrome trend. #chromenails #neutralnails #cleangirlnails #neutralchromenails #nailtrends2023 #nailideas #naildesignideas #trendynails2023 ? if u use this sound ur automatically hot – ?
4. Clean Girl Chrome
The chrome trend is still going strong. This semi-neutral shade is a versatile but eye-catching option for a lowkey look that still brings the glamour.
@racheletonkin Your sign to get red chrome nails for the Holidays????? #christmas #holidaynails #holidaynailsinspo #holidaynails2023 #redchromenails #redchrome #christmastime #holidays #holiday #holidayseason #christmasnails #christmasnailinspo ? Holly Jolly Christmas (Sped Up) – Michael Bublé & Sped Up Songs + Nightcore
5. Red Chrome
For a more festive take on the trend, go for a red chrome look. Your nails will look like laminated, freshly wrapped presents.
@aminaoui Who’s excited for holiday content ? using @GELCARE® Coconut Milk Morello ** use code AMINA to save 15% off #holidaynails #christmasnails #nailarttutorial #holidaynails2023 #candycanenails ? winter things – audios for you
6. Candy Cane Cutie
Is it weird to say that I want to take a bite out of these nails? (But actually… ) Add a candy cane swirl to your classic French and thank us later.
@maddybockett Nailed it ? #nailinspo #christmasnails2022 #nailart #chrimenails ? Snowman – Sia
7. Snow Dust
For another neutral option, try this subtle, snowy shade. The barely-there dusting makes these a new Christmas classic.
@overglowedit Easy ombré glitter tips using a makeup sponge ? #nailartvideos #summerstyle #nailarttrick ? luxurious – milo
8. Golden Glitter
For an easy DIY, this golden tip is a less messy way to indulge in glitter this holiday season.
@overglowedit A golden french mani inspired by my new jewelry collection with @Local Eclectic (link in my bio ?) #nailinspo #frenchmanicure #nailartideas #fallnails ? More Than A Woman – SG’s Paradise Edit – Bee Gees & SG Lewis
9. Starry Night
Whatever you celebrate, nothing feels more festive than adding a celestial touch. Stars make this golden French manicure stand out without being gaudy.
@connie.wi I never wanna take these off ?? #holidaynails2022 #rhinestonenails #rhinestonenailart #diynailset #diygelx #athomenails #gelxtutorial ? original sound – marianne
10. Holiday Rhinestones
These nails look like they were dusted with the sprinkles from your holiday sugar cookies. Personalize them with your own color combinations.
11. White Christmas
Whether it snows or not, guarantee yourself a white Christmas with this milky mani.
12. Mistletoe Mani
Like the cherry designs that were so trendy this summer, these mistletoe decals are a great step up to the classic French.
13. Tuxedo
Black tie events? Black nails. This tuxedo coat is a classic shade for any event you have on your holiday lineup.
14. Emerald City
Green might feel cliche for the holidays, but this deep emerald will never go out of style.
15. Plaid PJs
Matching pajamas are one of the more divisive holiday traditions. But I say embrace the season’s parade of plaid—especially since it makes for a cute nail pattern.
16. Midnight Chocolate
This neutral take on the starry pattern is like a box of chocolates with allll the options. It’s like a true Christmas treat.
17. Bows and Ribbons
I’m not the best at wrapping presents. But this manicure might make up for it.
18. Dulce de Leche
Indulge in another sweet treat with this delicious dulce de leche shade.
19. Mulled Wine
This cozy winter drink is also the inspiration for your next holiday red. It’s warm and classic for a reason.
20. Icy Blue
This light blue isn’t just a trendy shade—it also doubles as a subtle nod to the Hanukkah season.
21. Arctic Aura
A blue aura translates to a deep, pensive thinker. If you have an existential crisis on your holiday agenda, this is the mani for you.
22. Snowflakes
Snowflakes look good with any shade, but I’m partial to this cool blue French.
23. Ornaments
Like little baubles or Christmas confetti, this colorful polka dot pattern is a fun pop of holiday spirit.
24. Christmas Lights
Christmas lights might be a hassle, but you can’t deny how good they look. The same goes for your nails. Plus, if you use a glow-in-the-dark polish, they can really light up the room
25. Wreath It Up
Once you’re done decking the halls, it’s time to take the festive fervor to your nails. This delicate wreath design is a holiday fave.
