I Found the Absolute Best Festive Manicures That Are Anything But Boring
We’re in the thick of the holiday season, which means our nail mood boards are brimming with holiday-themed inspiration. Just as you might decorate your house to celebrate the festive season, your nails should also reflect the excitement and joy that swell around this time of year—and if they don’t, it’s time for a seasonal upgrade.
If you’re really looking to get into the holiday spirit, many of these designs are easy enough to do yourself at home. For manicure minimalists, now is the time to try out festive colors. And for those who love all the bells and whistles, many of these designs combine some of this year’s most popular trends to create elevated holiday nail looks. Are you tired of plain old glazed donut nails? Perhaps a glossy French update will pique your interest. Or maybe you’re a maximalist who enjoys a glistening gem on each finger? We found plenty of styles that can make your manicure the next topic of conversation at any soiree.
So, if you're hoping to squeeze in a nail appointment ahead of all of the holiday madness, or simply want to take your nail game up a notch, we've put together a list of 30 holiday nail designs to take to your nail technician. From glittery red sets to frosty rhinestone adornments and even gingerbread house-themed designs, there is no shortage of inspiration for your next salon trip. See our favorite designs below.
One Winter Night
If you are looking for a holiday manicure that isn't too on the nose, this deep blue set is the perfect way to stray from the season’s typical color palette. The deep blue ombre tips are reminiscent of the energy of a cold winter night. You can also add stars and glittery embellishments for an extra sparkle.
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Golden Globes
Get your fix of holiday cheer with this gilded French set. These small golden beads add dimension and texture to the minimal French base, as the green and red embellishments give the manicure a more festive edge.
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3D Gold Line Work
If you are more of a minimalist when it comes to your nails, this set is a chic and simple way to make a basic base look elegant. Elevate your classic nude manicure with 3D gold accents and rhinestones for an easy holiday look.
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Hot Cocoa Nails
When the weather gets colder, it is always comforting to have a steaming cup of hot chocolate—and a manicure to match. This brown manicure with a blush pink outline gives your nails a cozy touch to get you through the chilly winter days.
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Seeing Green
If you loved the long emerald manicures Cynthia Erivo wore in Wicked, this look is one Elphaba would be proud to wear. To achieve it, start with matte green polish, then use a slightly darker shade to create intricate designs like snowflakes or bows. Finally, add some green glitter to complete this monochromatic holiday look.
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Glittery Red Chrome
You can never go wrong with a red manicure for the holidays. This year, opt for glistening chrome with gold accents to dress up the classic style.
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French Tips With a Twist
If you want to spice your manicure, add 3D designs. Use clear builder gel to elevate your French tips.
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Frosty Gradient Nails
Gradient nails, inspired by artist James Turrell, have been at the top of everyone’s mood boards for the last year. The pristine rounded border opens enough space for an airbrushed, gradient effect. While the trend is most popular for mixing bold colors, this winter, opt for neutral shades like cream and white to give you a frosty finish.
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Gift Wrapped
To DIY this gift-wrapped nail design, paint two crossed lines using a glittery red polish. Next, draw the bows by placing two loops where the lines intersect. Then, finish by adding short lines to create the tails of the bows.
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Classic Red
When you don't want to go all in on elaborate themed designs, a simple one-color manicure with rhinestone embellishments will always get the job done.
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Winter Chill
Winter is officially here, and there's no better way to mark the occasion than with a frosty white ombre manicure. You can even add a marble accent to give the look some dimension.
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Frostbite
Nothing says winter like icy blue nails. With chrome line work, rhinestones, and iridescent accents, this manicure looks great year-round, but it is particularly special for the winter season.
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Burgundy Holiday Manicure
This set combines some of the most trendy nail designs. The gold foil and burgundy blooming gel scale designs mark the transition from fall to winter.
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Underneath The Tree
Just as you dress up a tree with ornaments, you can just as easily decorate your nails to match. For instance, this set uses a green ombre base on an almond-shaped nail to replicate the look of a Christmas tree.
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Christmas Swirls
If you've always loved a fun manicure, you probably remember when the DIY water marble trend took over social media a few years ago. This green marble nail set is an abstract approach to holiday nails that is reminiscent of a snow-covered Christmas tree.
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Dreaming of a Witchy Christmas
Take your manicure up a notch with this extra long pointed set. The matte green polish provides the perfect base for glistening gems and embellishments to shine, and the candy cane detail adds a touch of sweetness to bring the entire look together.
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You're Making Me Blush
Blush pink might not be the most popular holiday color, but this sparkling manicure makes a good case for why it should be. This chrome color shines beautifully under the light, but adding a string of rhinestones on one nail is the perfect finishing detail.
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Glazed French Nails
Thanks to Hailey Berber, the glazed donut nail trend has become a staple look. For an extra layer of iridescence, try adding the transparent chrome design over your French nails.
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Cozy Cocoa Manicure
Who said that neutral shades can't be fun? This chocolate brown set proves it doesn't take much step up your nail game. Go for a brown matte French design with swirling lines to easily turn your neutral manicure into a cozy holiday masterpiece.
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Winter Wonderland
Love it or hate it, winter has officially arrived, bringing a cold chill with it. But this crystal manicure makes braving the cold weather a worthwhile feat. With diamonds, glitter, foil, and a shiny top coat, this nail set mimics the frosty feeling of the season.
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Candy Cane Lane
If you're craving something sweet this Christmas, these candy cane nails are exactly what you need. Starting with a glittery red base, use white polish to draw thick curved lines to create a spiral shape that replicates a peppermint candy.
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Christmas Lights
One of the best things about the holidays is seeing Christmas lights brighten up the tree. This year, bring that same energy to your next nail appointment with this string of lights nail set.
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Winter Blues
This negative space design with a gradient detail is an unexpected interpretation of the classic holiday that still feels fitting for the cooler months.
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More Bows Please
What's better than adding one little bow to complete your nail look? Adding a bunch of little bows! After painting on your French tips, paint a small bow at the top of the nail. Et voila!
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Simple Christmas Tree Design
If you want an easy DIY design, this simple Christmas tree is worth a try. After applying a neutral base, create a winding line using a thin brush dipped in a deep green polish. Finally, top the tree with a star using a white shade or embellishments.
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A Cherry Cola Christmas
If you've been on TikTok lately, you've seen the cherry cola beauty trend emphasizing deep shades of red instead of the classic brighter hue. From accessories to clothes and now to your manicure, burgundy has officially become the color of the season.
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Gingerbread Nails
When you can't get enough of the gingerbread cookies this season, just look down at your nails for a sweet treat. Paint on a tan brown polish to create your base. Then, with a thin design brush, use white polish to draw on lines, dots, and swirls.
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Wrapped in Ribbons
The best gifts come wrapped in a little red ribbon and this manicure is proof. For nail minimalists, this set is a simple way to add a pop of color to your next set.
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Starry Night
When it comes to Christmas, there is no such thing as too much glitter. This nail set incorporates shimmering polish as well as chrome stars and foil to create the ultimate shiny manicure.
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Metallic Green
Sometimes the most simple manicure can be the most effective. This metallic green polish is subtle and chic but still adds a pop of color to get you in the holiday spirit.
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