57 Festive Holiday Nails Designs for Christmas You Will Love

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As the holidays approach, it’s the perfect time to get creative with your festive nails.

Whether you prefer long or short nails, there’s a design to suit every style this season.

From classic red and green combinations to chic French tips, holiday nails can be as bold or subtle as you like.

For an easy yet stunning look, consider adding some red glitter to your nails, or go for a more playful vibe with designs featuring Christmas trees, blue and white lights, or even black accents for a modern twist.

Almond-shaped nails are perfect for showcasing intricate designs, while short nails can still shine with glitter or festive red.

Whether you’re aiming for simple elegance or full-on festive cheer, these Christmas nail ideas for 2024 will have you covered.

Get ready to show off your holiday spirit with these dazzling designs!

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57 Trendy Holiday Nails Styles to Celebrate in Style

1. Simple Holiday Nails

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2. Snowman Accent Nails

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3. Gem Bows

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4. Santa’s Hat French Tips

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5. Candy Cone French Tips

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6. Holiday Nail Swirls

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7. Ho Ho Ho

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8. Candy Cane Red Christmas Nails

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9. Christmas Swirls

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10. Christmas Classic Nails

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11. Statement Nail Art

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12. Snowflakes on Red Christmas Nails`

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13. Snowflakes on Dark Red Nails

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14. Santa’s Hat Christmas Nails

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15. Red Christmas Nail Tips

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16. Candy Canes on Mint Nails

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17. Custom Nail Art for Christmas

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18. Simple Stylish Red Christmas Nails

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19. Elegant Christmas Nails with a Detail

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20. Red Coffin Christmas Nails

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21. Red Nails with Rudolf Nail Art

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22. Cute Red Christmas Nail with Santa

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23. Individual Nail Art for Christmas

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24. Adorable Snowman on Red and Pink Nails

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25. Christmas Classic Nails

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26. White Snowflake on Red Christmas Nails

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27. Matte Red Christmas Nails

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28. Red Nails with a Natural Plain Detail

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29. Red Nails with a Dust of Gold

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30. Christmas Ornaments on Red and White Nails

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31. Christmas Trees

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32. Santa’s Hat Inspired Nails

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33. Elegant Red Nail Tips for Christmas

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34. Simple Elegant Red Christmas Nails

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35. Red and White Nail Art for Christmas

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36. Gingerbread Man Nails

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37. Individual Nail Art with Christmas Motives

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38. Statement Coffin Nails with Red and White

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39. Red Ombre Nails

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40. Long Metallic Nails

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41. Gift Wrapped Red French Tips

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42. Red Nails with Snowflakes

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43. Christmas Nails with Stunning Nail Art

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44. Square Red Christmas Nails

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45. Modern Christmas Nails

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46. Gift Wrapped Sparkling Christmas Nails

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47. Simple Red French Tips

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48. Red and White Christmas Nails

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49. Red French Tips with Silver Glitter

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50. Reindeer Christmas Nails

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51. Almond Red Nails with Glitter

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52. Gift Wrapped Red Christmas Nails

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53. Fiery Red Christmas Nails with Gems

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54. Christmas Candy Cane Nails

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55. White Snowflakes on Red Nails

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56. Red Glitter Nails with Gems

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57. Red Glitter French Tip

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The Trends You Need to Know

Classic Red, Reinvented

Everybody understands that red is the color of holidays, but this time it is high time to make it hotter. 

So instead of the flat red apply a metallic, chrome or glitter texture.

Imagine a candy apple red with what would be a shiny second coat or red glitter that sparkles whether in the sun or in artificial light. 

Feeling extra bold? 

As well as trying ombre in the classic blue, choose to have red and shiny towards the tips but dark and matte near the cuticle. 

Although it sounds like an extension of Santa’s suit, it is way more glamorous than that.

Snowflakes and Sweater Weather Vibes

Winter is not only about cold: it’s about warm nights huddled up in front of the fireplace, the wonderful feel of warm woolen clothes, and snowy day miracles. 

Take that feeling to your nails in a snowflake of some sort. 

Whether it’s a sheer pink and white snowflake over a soft blue or a silver glitter that one places over nude polish, it’s a classy reference to the season.

If you are more into the concept of the zenned out aesthetic, then opt for a “sweater nail” style.

It is a rough surface resembling the purl of your favorite thick woolen sweater. 

The best part? 

There is no right or wrong color here – you can choose anything that corresponds to your holiday wardrobe and the texture of the polish makes it look like you have a pendant actually popping out of your nails!

Festive French Tips

French tips are timeless but the holiday remix of this design is where it is at. 

Do not use the conventional white; replace it with metallic gold or silver instead. 

Or state your desire to embrace the holiday spirit fully with colorful tips of red and green.

If you are not as daring, try going with a clear base with sparkle on the ends. 

There is no better way of gifting the fashion world with a little dose of glitter without exaggeration. 

And if you want to make the toe painting more lively and super fun, you can paint small winters elements such as stars, mistletoe, or candy canes at tips.

Glitter Everything

The holidays are all about sparkle, and that means one thing: glitter nails are a must! 

Whether a passenger wants a tiny sparkle or disco ball glitter, there is a style for a carrier.

A trend to give it a go is the glitter gradients.

 First you paint the whole nail into a solid color and then adjust the glitter color from the middle of the nail to the tips. 

You must be wearing fairy dust on your nails, excellent for a holiday party or even New Year celebration.

Another fun idea? 

Put glitter in one nail while the rest will be plain. 

It’s a nice kind of golden addition that spices up your ensemble without overdoing the shimmer.

Icy Blue and Cool Tones

Red and green might be the colors of the holiday season but let’s not dismiss the colors of winter as being cool and rather tranquil. 

Cooling tones including icy blue, frost silver and soft gray are sweeping fashion this season. 

They are highly suitable for those people who are interested in chic and simple holiday options. 

Never underestimate the power of blue nail polish paired with holographic nail polish which will make it look as if the nails are made of ice. 

Or if you love something more sophisticated and cool then you can go for a silver that is less bright but has that shine.

I love how you’ve made the color palette cool and hazy at the same time; it is so slick and contemporary and yet so wintery.

Minimalist Holiday Nails

Not into elaborate designs? No problem! For those of you who like simple holiday nails, here they are.

Envision monochromatic nails heaven colors with chic holiday type hues that include emerald tone, deep plum, or white snow for that simplicity, accompanied by plain ornaments.

For instance, you can opt to do the shinny of gold star on each nail or silver line on the middle of each nail.

The main goal is to keep it clean looking but Christmas enough to get me in the mood for Christmas.

It’s negligent but it is like saying “I’m completely ready for the holidays.”

Plaid Perfection

Trust plaid nails to be one hot fashion trend this holiday season, and we couldn’t agree more!

Flannel is nothing else but perfectly invincible, and no one can stay indifferent to the warm associations with the feeling of comfort, like when wrapped in a warm shawl and sitting in front of the fire with a cup of hot cocoa.

There are normal colors like plaid red and black or you can add more flavor into it by going for pale baby blue or pink.

If you’re a beginner in plaid nails, begin by completing an accent nail and the rest nails in a plain and matching shade.

For those who feel up for a bit more, do different patterns of plaid on each nail.

The way to ski in it is to enjoy and get as warm as possible.

Metallic Madness

In general if you’re the person who adores and appreciates everything that glitter and sparkles, metallic nails are your best friend during the holidays.

Gold, silver, bronze – and that is not a bad idea to go for it if you decided to choose your favourite metallic!

These nails are classy, chic, and looking gorgeous: she may just receive compliments from the shine reflected in every movement of her hands.

If you want to go the extra mile in terms of the contemporary tip, then you ought to combine metallic.

You could venture and rock silver on some nails, gold on others or you could even do half silver and half gold on the same nail!

Cute Holiday Characters

Well if going all out is your style for the holidays why not bring some cute characters into the mix? 

This refers to small sized reindeer, jovial santas or even mischievous gingerbread men. 

These designs are fun and focused on celebration in the most playful ways you can possibly imagine.

For those who like their designs to be detailed, it is easier to draw holiday lights, tiny Christmas trees, or even wreaths. 

It’s a fun way to go over the top with your holiday nails and give the world a glimpse of your amazing nail art abilities .

Nail Shape Matters Too

Hold up, though: don’t forget that the shape of your nails is also important for holiday nails! 

Wait, nail shape can completely swing the look of your manicure! 

Here’s a quick rundown:

  • Almond: If you want to look more chic and graceful in the New Year then almond nails design is for you, since it’s more suitable for glitter gradients or metallic designs.
  • Coffin: If you want a darker, grungier look, then coffin shape is perfect for bright and dark colours, elaborate designs or those striking metal effects.
  • Oval: Oval nails are the best for ladies who want a glamour touch in their nails. That makes them great for less rigid Christmas designs such as geometrical shapes or fresh blue colorings.
  • Square: This shape is very ideal as it complements; in fact it’s almost universal to almost all the designs. It can add stripes, French tips, glitter and all sorts of design to the square nail.

Caring for Your Holiday Nails

Everyone is always busy during the holidays and therefore they cannot be reminded often to exercise caution while taking care of their nails. 

But, who wants to wake up to chipped polish or a broken nail in the middle of a holiday party?

Here’s how to keep your festive nails looking fab all season long:

1. Use a Good Base and Top Coat

Vacation nails that are healthy and intact for days on end is all about. 

A strong base and top coat. 

The base coat provides a shield to your real nails while offering the polish a surface on which to stick, the topcoat seals off your creation while adding some luster to it. 

Bonus tip: the application of a fine coat of polish may help flatten the glitter and make your nails look even more neat if you are using glitter polish.

2. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Winter takes a tough toll on your skin—and the nails are not exempt. 

Maintain these two by frequently moisturizing the cuticles. 

It’s recommended to opt for a cuticle oil or even a nice hand cream – this will help avoid dryness and to keep your nails strong.

3. Avoid Hot Water

Of course we understand that the outside seems to be freezing and the only thing one wants is to get a warm shower. 

Hot water also tends to soften nails and make them significantly fragile and easy to break. 

Attempt to use water that is not hot, and wash dishes with your hands gloved if possible. 

Your nails will thank you!

4. Touch Up Regularly

Sometimes even the most perfect nail design might look gorgeous but may require a little touch up at some point. 

Any time you chip or see wear, feel free to take a few minutes and do a very quick-on with your polish. 

It will ensure that your nails are as festooned throughout the entire holiday season.

Final Thoughts

Whether you love sparkly glitter nails or feel drawn to cozy sweater patterns, you’ll find a holiday nail style that suits you. 

The main thing is to enjoy yourself—this time of year celebrates so your nails should join in the fun too! 

So go on, choose the design you like best, and get set to spruce up your look with some festive nails.

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Lindsey Harris
Author
Lindsey is a professional nail artist based in Utah, US. Her specialties are party and occasion nails, she loves to work with glitter and gemstones in her nail studio. She loves sharing her knowledge of the nail industry and curating the latest nail design trends. She is contributing to a number of other industry related magazines.