50 Festive Nail Designs for the Christmas Holiday Season

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Deck the halls with boughs of holly? Nah. More like deck your nails instead!

This Christmas, you need to go above and beyond with your holiday aesthetic – which means picking from one of the many gorgeous nail designs for the Christmas holiday to sport all season long.

But which Christmas holiday nail designs are out there?

Let me tell you something—when it comes to Christmas holiday nail designs, there is a seemingly endless supply.

This article highlights the top 50 options. We also share some great ideas, from glitter and glamor to more minimalist options and beyond!

Video Tutorial: Nail Designs for the Christmas Holiday Season

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50 Festive Nail Designs for the Christmas Holiday Season:

These 50 nail designs for the Christmas holiday are sure to put you in the spirit for Christmas! Aren’t these looks so dashing?

1. Knit Pattern Christmas Green Nails

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: amanda.sudolll

2. Shiny Metallic Purple Christmas French Nails

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: jananails_germany

3. Stiletto Christmas Nail Magic

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: skyspanorwood

4. Vibrant Red and Gold Holiday Nails

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: amanda.sudolll

5. Dark Sparkling and Festive Almond Nails

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: annails

6. Diamond Snowflake Nails

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: amanda.sudolll

7. Cute Deer Shimmering Nails

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: gandziuchaa

8. Bold and Merry Red Christmas Nails

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: ewuleeek

9. Sweater Knit-Inspired Stiletto Nail Art

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: amanda.sudolll

10. Snowflake Coffin Nail Designs for Festive Fun

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: nailsbyagi

11. Dazzling Metallic Hues for the Holidays

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: amanda.sudolll

12. Snowflake Patterns on French Tip Festive Nails

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: zoi___lashes

13. Emerald Green Snowflake Nail Designs

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: lindseysbeautylounge1

14. Snowflake Patterns on Nude Nails

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: zoi___lashes

15. Elegant Christmas Tree Almond Nail Designs

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: the_nail_girl_lowestoft_

16. Sparkling Metallic Christmas Nail Art

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: borcsanails

17. Merry and Colorful Hearts on Square Nails

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: zoi___lashes

18. Festive Almond Nails in Pink Gold Hues

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: gelbyjay

19. Gingerbread Coffin Nails for Christmas

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: ashxmcgrath

20. Milky White Square Nails with Snowflakes

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: zoi___lashes

21. Almond Nails with Gold Foil

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: withlove.liberty

22. Metallic Red Christmas Nails with a Sweater Pattern

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: sandragiera

23. Festive Snowflake French Tip Nail Art

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: zoi___lashes

24. Christmas Tree Patterns on Short Nails

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: jessiepnails

25. Snowflake Patterns on Short Coffin Holiday Nails

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: zoi___lashes

26. Short Almond Festive Nails with Snowflake Patterns

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: gosh.chmielewska

27. Gleaming Metallic Nails for the Joyful Holidays

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: ewuleeek

28. Coffin Nails with Gingerbread Charm

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: zoi___lashes

29. Sleek Stiletto Nails for Christmas

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: queenbcreative_

30. Glistening Metallic Nails for Christmas

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: nailart_by_madeleine

31. Almond Nails in Dark Festive Colors

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: blush.nailbar

32. Radiant Metallic Stiletto Christmas Nail Ideas

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: swedynails_

33. Stiletto Nails with Silver Christmas Charm for the Holidays

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: beautiflyxo

34. Glittering Metallic Short Christmas Nail Designs

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: gine.beauty.parlour

35. Silver Stiletto French Tips

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: eliteclawsau

36. Gold and Sparkling Stiletto Festive Nails

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: byseherkacmaz

37. Classic French Tips with Gold

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: dianasnailsinc

38. Shimmering Metallic Christmas Nails

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: huxleynails

39. Festive Blue Metalic Short Nails

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: palom.aestetic

40. Snow Butterflies Festive Nails

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: nailsbyfatimac

41. Pearl Bows on Short Stilleto Frenchies

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: eliteclawsau

42. Gleaming Gold Holiday French Nail Designs

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: tiziana.xo.nailartist

43. Shiny Silver Metallic Christmas French Nail Ideas

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: palom.aestetic

44. Holiday Nails with Christmas Gift Designs

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: claws.byemi

45. Dark Festive Almond Nail Designs

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: diana.dianails

46. Christmas Tree Designs on Coffin Nails

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: ewuleeek

47. Snowflake Patterns on Short Holiday Nails

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: ioana_crisan_nail_educator

48. Luminous Metallic Ombre Nails for Christmas

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: ewuleeek

49. V- Cut Frenchies with Silver

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: a_plus_nail_byraksa

50. Stiletto Gold Nails with Christmas Spirit

nail designs christmas holiday
Instagram: byseherkacmaz

Classic Christmas Colors and Patterns

Plenty of people choose to go the “classic” route when it comes to nail designs for the Christmas holidays.

After all, there’s no mistaking what these nails are curated for, and they always look incredible.

To put yourself in the holiday cheer with classic Christmas colors and patterns, here are the top ideas:

Make Sure To Choose the Right Color

When choosing the right color for your manicure, it’s best to choose one of these three shades: red, green, and gold.

These colors are iconic to the holiday season, and there will be *no* question that they’re being utilized to bring the Christmas spirit to your nails.

Opt for Christmas-inspired Patterns

While you could keep it simple with the “Christmas color trio,” why stop there?

Bring even *more* of the good cheer to your manicure by placing classic Christmas-inspired patterns onto your nail bed.

Lots of ladies love the cute appearance of candy canes, while others enjoy the elegance of holly.

You can’t go wrong with whimsical snowflakes, either.

Glitter and Glamour

Classic nail designs for the Christmas holiday may be too tame for some fashionable folks out there.

If you’re a gal who prefers more razzle-dazzle in her aesthetic, don’t worry – you can add glitz and glam!

If you want some sparkle, there are three great ways to do it: glitter, metallic finishes, and gemstones.

Glitter, metallic finishes, and gemstones can be added to nails, immediately creating interest and glamor for your holiday outfits.

The best part is that these kinds of nails can easily be transferred to New Year celebrations, too, especially if you choose gold and/or red nail polish as your base.

Two-in-one holiday nails? Gotta love it!

Minimalist Holiday Nails

We’ve mentioned something for the ladies who love to go classic, and we’ve also discussed some sparkly options for those who like to go full force in the shiny department.

But what about those who prefer minimal styles?

We’ve got you covered here, too, ladies!

Minimalist nail designs for the Christmas holiday present a subtle nod to the holiday season, and here are three ways to do it:

  • Tiny Stars – Although these stars may be small, they have a significant impact. Plus, they can attend Christmas and New Year parties without skipping a beat.
  • Simple Stripes – Striped designs always look flawless. Choose Christmas colors for your stripes and enjoy a simple yet stunning aesthetic.
  • Single Color with Gloss – Sometimes, it’s best to stick with a single hue and call it a day. This will present a Christmas-ready stay that’s neat, clean, and polished. Add a pinch of gloss to finish off the look.

DIY Nail Art Tips

OK, let’s talk about something real quick.

Ladies, if you’re not good at doing your own nails, that’s OK—personally, I’m not that great, either.

If you don’t want to fuss with DIY, don’t!

Let your nail artist take over the process of bringing your nail designs for the Christmas holiday to life.

On the other hand, those who love doing their own nails or want to take on the challenge of trying to create their nail designs for Christmas holiday from home should follow these simple tips for success:

  • Always use a base coat. This will protect your nails and help your manicure last longer.
  • Use thin layers of polish until you’re satisfied with the color saturation. Thick layers will clump and fall off quickly.
  • Use handy and easy tools, such as dotting tools, nail tape for striping, stickers or decals, rhinestones, or glitter, to bring your Christmas holiday nail designs to life.
  • Try to keep your hands as steady as possible during application. Otherwise, you’ll end up with polish all over your fingertips and wonky-looking designs!
  • Always finish your manicure with a top-notch top coat, which will lock in the color and design and make your nails appear beautiful and shiny.

Seasonal Nail Care

During the winter season, it’s more important than ever to perform proper nail care.

That’s because the winter is known for causing dryness and breakage, which can obviously wreak havoc on your beautiful Christmas holiday nail designs.

Here are my top four tips for seasonal nail care that you should follow:

  • Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize! Basically, you need to be hydrating at least once a day. This includes using a hand cream and cuticle oil!
  • Avoid Chemicals and High Temperatures – Both of these will destroy your nails, especially during the winter. 
  • Strengthen Those Nails, Girl – There are plenty of high-quality nail strengtheners on the market. Use them!
  • Stay Hydrated and Eat Right – Your diet plays a big role in nail health. That said, ensure you drink enough water and consume foods rich in vitamins and minerals.

Do these four things, and you won’t have to worry about your nails becoming a brittle nightmare.

Conclusion

Who doesn’t love to decorate for the holidays?

But decor doesn’t have to stop at the inside and outside of your home.

You can decorate yourself, too, and one great way to do it is by expressing holiday cheer through creative Christmas holiday nail designs!

We highly recommend experimenting with different styles until you find the style that best expresses your personal holiday spirit. 

So go ahead, gal pals – get festive with your nail art and have a happy holiday!

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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.