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Every year, the moment Halloween is over, Mariah Carey thaws out and announces it: it’s tiiime. Consider this our version. Forty festive nail designs, from barely-there holly to full Grinch.
Christmas nails are the one manicure of the year that nobody needs an excuse for. They're on your hands when you raise a glass, wrap presents and hold a mug of something hot. So yes, they deserve some thought.
We spent weeks saving the best Christmas nail designs on Instagram, then narrowed them down to the 40 we'd actually book. Every design below comes from a real nail artist, so tap any post to see the full set, the products used and, often, a step-by-step tutorial. Where two designs looked alike, we kept the one people loved most.
Whether you want something subtle enough for the office party or loud enough to match your Christmas jumper, there's a set here for you.
✦ Jump to your style
Simple Christmas nails
The most-searched Christmas nail style of all is simple, and it's easy to see why. One tiny detail on a sheer base looks festive without trying too hard, grows out gracefully and works on short nails. For 19 more ideas, see our guide to simple Christmas nails.
01
Holly berry accent
Sheer pink short nails with a tiny sprig of holly on two fingers and one glossy red accent. The most-loved design in our whole collection.
View this design by @basecoatstories on Instagram
Design: @basecoatstories · ♥ 129K likes
02
The tiny Santa hat
A barely-there nude with one miniature character in a Santa hat. Proof that a single sticker-sized detail is all you need.
View this design by @alyxlippiatt on Instagram
Design: @alyxlippiatt · ♥ 73K likes
03
Mini Christmas details
Short, soft nude nails, each with its own little motif: a bauble, a tree, a candy cane and a Christmas pudding, plus snowflakes on the thumbs.
View this design by @peachinails on Instagram
Design: @peachinails · ♥ 34K likes
04
Sheer glitter
A sheer, sparkly glitter over a natural base. No nail art at all, yet it still feels like Christmas.
View this design by @glossytipped on Instagram
Design: @glossytipped · ♥ 11K likes
Red Christmas nails
Red is the classic Christmas nail colour for a reason. It's flattering on almost every skin tone and looks expensive on any length. If you love a moody red, our cherry noir nails make a great bridge from autumn to Christmas. For 27 more ideas, see our full guide to red Christmas nails.
05
Red sparkle
Head-to-toe red glitter on long almond nails. With almost 200,000 likes, it's the internet's favourite red Christmas mani.
View this design by @vivianmariewong on Instagram
Design: @vivianmariewong · ♥ 192K likes
06
Deep cherry gloss
A rich, glossy cherry red. Swipe through the post to see the same shade with a matte top coat, which looks just as festive.
View this design by @avrnailswatches on Instagram
Design: @avrnailswatches · ♥ 11K likes
Christmas french tip nails
A french tip is the easiest way to make a classic manicure feel festive: just swap white for red, add a tiny motif or both. For spookier tips, see our Halloween french tip nails.
07
Bold red french
Crisp red tips on soft pink almond nails. Simple, chic and one of the most-saved Christmas designs on Instagram.
View this design by @heygreatnails on Instagram
Design: @heygreatnails · ♥ 165K likes
08
Santa tips
Red french tips with a fluffy white trim, just like Santa's hat. Playful but still polished.
View this design by @beautyspace_charlotte on Instagram
Design: @beautyspace_charlotte · ♥ 145K likes
Classy Christmas nails
For the office party, the family dinner and every photo in between. Elegant Christmas nails are all about shimmer and restraint: think glitter tips, gold details and soft neutral bases.
09
Gift-wrapped silver tips
Short square nails with sparkly silver french tips and a tiny bow. Like a present, but on your hands.
View this design by @gelsbybry on Instagram
Design: @gelsbybry · ♥ 91K likes
10
Gold snowflake fade
A soft gold glitter fade at the tips, scattered with delicate snowflakes. The artist says it works with any glitter colour.
View this design by @polished_yogi on Instagram
Design: @polished_yogi · ♥ 61K likes
Christmas bow nails
Bows were everywhere last Christmas, and they're not going anywhere. A ribbon bow turns any manicure into a present, whether it's painted, gold or glittered.
11
Golden bows
Sheer nude almond nails with delicate gold bows and a soft glitter shimmer at the tips. Pure Christmas party.
View this design by @giangnail.ie on Instagram
Design: @giangnail.ie · ♥ 97K likes
12
Navy bows
Navy french tips with tiny navy bows on a sheer nude base: a grown-up alternative to red.
View this design by @nailssbyshirel on Instagram
Design: @nailssbyshirel · ♥ 52K likes
Christmas tree nails
A Christmas tree doesn't have to mean a full painting. These two designs use a single line or a simple shape, so they look modern rather than kitsch.
13
Evergreen with a tiny tree
Deep forest green with one nude accent nail and a minimal line-drawn tree. Over 125,000 people agreed it's perfect.
View this design by @bycheznails on Instagram
Design: @bycheznails · ♥ 128K likes
14
Abstract white tree
White french tips with an abstract white tree on one nail. Wintry and festive.
View this design by @nailsbyalsn on Instagram
Design: @nailsbyalsn · ♥ 51K likes
Candy cane Christmas nails
Red and white stripes are the most joyful Christmas nail art there is. Keep it to the tips for something wearable, or go all in.
15
Candy cane & red
Glossy red nails mixed with candy cane stripes and red french tips. Peak festive.
View this design by @vivianmariewong on Instagram
Design: @vivianmariewong · ♥ 64K likes
16
Candy cane tips
Candy cane stripes just on the tips, over a soft pale base. The easiest way to wear the trend.
View this design by @heygreatnails on Instagram
Design: @heygreatnails · ♥ 39K likes
Snowflake Christmas nails
Snowflakes are the most versatile winter motif: they work from early December right through to January, long after the tree comes down.
17
Baby it's cold outside
A nude base with delicate white snowflakes on the tips. Clean, wintry and very wearable.
View this design by @thehotblend on Instagram
Design: @thehotblend · ♥ 42K likes
18
Snowy ombré
A milky white ombré with tiny snowflakes, like a frosted window.
View this design by @monika__nails on Instagram
Design: @monika__nails · ♥ 15K likes
Gingerbread Christmas nails
Cosy, sweet and a little bit nostalgic. Gingerbread nails are perfect if red and green feel too obvious.
19
3D gingerbread
Hand-sculpted gingerbread details in clay gel, finished with candy cane accents. Possibly the cutest gingerbread in existence.
View this design by @brydiedoesnails on Instagram
Design: @brydiedoesnails · ♥ 69K likes
20
Gingerbread men & snowflakes
Medium almond nails with little gingerbread men, candy canes and snowflakes on a sheer pink base.
View this design by @nylove_nail on Instagram
Design: @nylove_nail · ♥ 30K likes
Grinch Christmas nails
For anyone who loves Christmas a little bit ironically. Go subtle with green glitter or go full Grinch.
21
Subtle Grinch
Sparkly Grinch-green tips, a white snowflake and a peppermint swirl. All of the Grinch's spirit, none of his face.
View this design by @bymichaela.studio on Instagram
Design: @bymichaela.studio · ♥ 28K likes
22
Full Grinch
The full Grinch moment: his grin, candy stripes and red glitter. Not for the faint-hearted.
View this design by @nailzz_by_kat on Instagram
Design: @nailzz_by_kat · ♥ 5.4K likes
Green Christmas nails
Deep green is red's sophisticated sister. Emerald and forest shades look luxurious, especially with a touch of gold.
23
Forest green french
Deep green nails with green french tips and a festive accent nail. Rich, glossy and so elegant.
View this design by @heygreatnails on Instagram
Design: @heygreatnails · ♥ 56K likes
24
Green tips & holly
Dark green french tips with a hand-painted holly accent. A softer way to wear green.
View this design by @nailsbysuman on Instagram
Design: @nailsbysuman · ♥ 39K likes
White Christmas nails
Dreaming of a white Christmas? White nails feel fresh and wintry, especially with a little silver sparkle.
25
Dreaming of a white Christmas
White french tips mixed with a candy stripe and silver glitter. The artist's own favourite Christmas look, and nearly 100,000 people agree.
View this design by @vivianmariewong on Instagram
Design: @vivianmariewong · ♥ 98K likes
26
Milky white
One perfect milky white shade on short nails. The quietest way to do Christmas, and it goes with every outfit.
View this design by @raelondonnails on Instagram
Design: @raelondonnails · ♥ 15K likes
Pink Christmas nails
Who says Christmas has to be red? Pink Christmas nails feel playful, girly and a little bit unexpected.
27
Pink Santa hats
Pink french tips with a fluffy white trim, like Santa's hat redone in pink.
View this design by @beautyspace_charlotte on Instagram
Design: @beautyspace_charlotte · ♥ 70K likes
28
Glazed pink chrome
A pink chrome finish that shifts in the light, like a sugared Christmas sweet.
View this design by @thehotblend on Instagram
Design: @thehotblend · ♥ 21K likes
Blue Christmas nails
Icy blue, baby blue or navy: blue nails capture the frosty side of Christmas and carry on beautifully into January.
29
Polar bear blue
Dusty blue nails with a little polar bear and snowy dots. Wintry, cute and over 80,000 likes.
View this design by @thenaillologist on Instagram
Design: @thenaillologist · ♥ 84K likes
30
Navy glitter
Sparkly navy glitter paired with soft pink. Like a starry winter night.
View this design by @annagasienica_ on Instagram
Design: @annagasienica_ · ♥ 62K likes
Cat eye Christmas nails
Cat eye nails use a magnet to create a shifting, velvety shine. It's perfect for Christmas, because it looks like bauble glass catching the light.
31
Candy cat eye
Red cat eye nails with peppermint swirls. Sweet, sparkly and very Christmas.
View this design by @thenaillologist on Instagram
Design: @thenaillologist · ♥ 80K likes
32
Emerald velvet
A deep teal-green cat eye that glows like stained glass. Extremely chic.
View this design by @heygreatnails on Instagram
Design: @heygreatnails · ♥ 13K likes
Chrome Christmas nails
Chrome gives any colour a mirror-like shine, so it's an easy way to look extra festive with almost no nail art.
33
Red chrome
Glossy red chrome with a single snowflake accent. Nearly 100,000 likes, and it's easy to see why.
View this design by @thehotblend on Instagram
Design: @thehotblend · ♥ 94K likes
34
Vanilla chrome
A pearly vanilla chrome with a tiny snowflake. The clean-girl take on Christmas.
View this design by @thehotblend on Instagram
Design: @thehotblend · ♥ 38K likes
Goth Christmas nails
For the ones who'd rather wear black to the Christmas party. Black and glitter look surprisingly festive, and they're a great match for our gothic coffin nails.
35
Midnight snowflake
Black glitter on short square nails with one nude accent and a black snowflake. Dark but still festive.
View this design by @nailsbypaulin on Instagram
Design: @nailsbypaulin · ♥ 53K likes
36
Wednesday Christmas
Black french tips with a snowflake, inspired by Wednesday Addams. Festive for the goths among us.
View this design by @thehotblend on Instagram
Design: @thehotblend · ♥ 28K likes
Plaid Christmas nails
Tartan is the most classic Christmas print there is, and it looks just as good on nails as on a scarf. Keep it to one or two accent nails, or go all in.
37
Plaid & bows
A mix of tartan accents, little bows and festive details. Every nail is different, which makes it so fun.
View this design by @beautybycasshtx on Instagram
Design: @beautybycasshtx · ♥ 19K likes
38
Red tartan
Full red tartan on natural nails. Bold, cosy and very Christmas.
View this design by @wildflowerr.studio on Instagram
Design: @wildflowerr.studio · ♥ 7.5K likes
Sweater Christmas nails
Christmas nails that feel like your favourite jumper. For more knitted designs, see our guide to sweater nails.
39
Knitted holly
3D knitted white tips with tiny holly berries. Like wearing a Christmas jumper on your nails.
View this design by @sansungnails on Instagram
Design: @sansungnails · ♥ 12K likes
40
Cable-knit french
Chunky knitted white french tips with festive details. The artist says she'll never get tired of this design, and neither will we.
View this design by @nailz.by_lily on Instagram
Design: @nailz.by_lily · ♥ 8.5K likes
Shop Christmas press-on nails
No time for a salon appointment before the Christmas party? Press-on nails are the shortcut. They go on in about ten minutes, last up to a week or two, and come off without damaging your nails.
Our favourite Christmas press-ons
Festive nails in ten minutes, no salon needed.
Glamnetic Mint To Be
Short almond candy cane nails mixed with festive red nail art. The full kit comes with everything you need.
Shop on Amazon
CurvLife Santa Hat
Red glitter nails paired with soft pink Santa hat tips. Soft gel, medium oval and reusable, with 7 to 14 days of wear.
Shop on Amazon
Modelones Cherry Red
A glossy deep cherry red in a short oval shape. The easiest classic Christmas mani, with up to three weeks of wear.
Shop on Amazon
Glamnetic Velvet Pine
Deep green short oval nails with delicate little Christmas tree accents. Elegant enough for every holiday party.
Shop on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
✦What colour nails are best for Christmas?
Red is the classic Christmas nail colour, followed by deep green, white, gold and silver. For something less traditional, try pink, icy blue or black glitter. If you can't decide, a sheer nude base with one festive detail works with every outfit.
✦What are simple Christmas nail ideas?
Try a single holly sprig or snowflake on a sheer pink base, red or green french tips, candy cane stripes just on the tips or one glitter accent nail. Simple designs look festive, grow out gracefully and work well on short nails.
✦What are classy Christmas nails?
Classy Christmas nails keep the festive touch subtle: think glitter french tips, a soft gold fade, a tiny bow, deep red or emerald gloss, or a pearly chrome. Neutral bases with a little sparkle look elegant at any Christmas event.
✦Are almond nails good for Christmas?
Yes. Almond nails are the most popular shape for Christmas designs because they make fingers look longer and suit everything from candy cane tips to cat eye. Square and short round nails work just as well for simple designs.
✦When should I get my Christmas nails done?
Book a gel manicure about a week before your first Christmas event, so it still looks fresh on the day. Gel usually lasts two to three weeks. Salons fill up fast in December, so book early.
✦What Christmas nails are trending this year?
Bows, cat eye, chrome and candy cane tips are some of the most popular Christmas nail designs right now, alongside classic red and deep green. Subtle designs, like a single detail on a sheer base, remain the most searched style.
Looking for more nail inspiration? See our cosy autumn nail ideas or the glossy Korean jelly nails trend.
Which Christmas nails are you booking? Tell us in the comments.
✦
Our promise
Why trust Cult Confidential
Cult Confidential exists to separate the hype from the holy grails. We don't take money to feature products, and we don't trust a product just because it has a big campaign behind it. Every nail design here is credited to the artist who created it, and you can tap through to their post to see the full set and the products they used.
