When Thanksgiving arrives, the holidays season seems to suggest that more is better – but that’s not always the case, particularly when it comes to nails designs. While Christmas nails may evoke images of intricate Santa figures, excessive glitter, and an abundance of red and green, there are actually many understated options available to express your holidays spirit elegantly.
In 2022 and 2021, the trendiest holiday nail designs are variations of the minimalistic nail art that have been popular throughout the year – such as French manicures, open space designs, and subdued glitter – ensuring that they do not appear out of place when the new year arrives.
So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, put on your favorite Christmas light songs, and prepare to save pictures of our favorite Christmas nail ideas.
Gingerbread Mani
This gingerbread-inspired manicure is a unique and stylish way to show off your holidays spirit. To create this look, use a teddy brown nail polish as the base and use a white nail polish pen to add details and outlines. It is a sweet yet chic way to celebrate the holidays season.
Achieve this look by using a teddy brown nail polish, such as Chanel’s Impulsion, and outlining it with a white nail polish pen.
Candy Cane French – Holidays Nail Trend
This is a festive take on the classic French manicure. or french manis. To create this look, paint your nails with a white polish as the base. Then, using a thin brush or a nail art pen, add red stripes to the tips of your nails in the shape of candy cane stripes. It’s an elegant and fun way to incorporate the holidays spirit into your nails.
This is a fashionable version of the traditional candy cane nails design for your hand’s nail. Achieve this look by using OPI’s Big Apple Red and a white nail polish pen, or using candy cane patterned nail stickers. It’s a playful and chic way to incorporate the holiday spirit into your nails.
Chic Snowflakes
The idea that holidays nails must be red or green is not always true, this elegant design is an example of that.
Create this look by using Essie’s Infinity Cool as the base color and adding snowflake stickers on top. It’s a unique and sophisticated way to showcase the holiday spirit on your nails.
Delicate Diamonds
If you prefer a more understated look, this design is perfect for you. To achieve this look, simply paint your nails with a glazed donut shade and add a shimmery top coat like ILNP’s Poise on top. It’s a subtle and elegant way to add a touch of holidays spirit to your nails.
This design is perfect for holiday parties and special events, and it’s sure to add a touch of elegance to any outfit.
Cosmic Christmas
This abstract design is perfect for festive gatherings with friends and loved ones, it is a demonstration that holiday nails don’t have to be limited to red or green. It’s a unique and stylish way to celebrate the holidays season. If you are looking for how to do your nails for christmas, then this the one for you.
To achieve this look, use a combination of navy blue, black, and silver as the base coat colors and finish it off with a holographic top coat like ILNP’s Mega.
Pretty Presents
This design is perfect for those who want to add a little holidays flair to their nails without going over the top. You could also mix and match it with other designs such as a French tip or a glitter accent nail to create a cohesive and personalized look.
Add a touch of holiday cheer to any design or your natural nails by adding a small bow on them. It will look adorable while holding a Christmas cocktail. It is an easy and elegant way to add a festive touch to your nails.
Snowflake Nails Tips
This design features snowflakes on the tips of the nails, it is elegant, festive and easy to do it yourself. To achieve this look, paint your nails with OPI’s Happy Anniversary and then add snowflake stickers on the tips.
It is a simple and sophisticated way to add a wintery touch to your nails without being too over the top. You can also try chrome nails which is very popular in nail art.
Snowy Sapphire
This design features a blue sapphire color, it gives a new interpretation to the phrase “Blue Christmas”. To achieve this look, paint your nails with Cirque Colors’ Sapphire and then add festive decals on them.
It’s a unique and elegant way to incorporate the holidays spirit into your nails while still being different from the traditional red and green hues.
Earthy Ombré
this design is inspired by the colors of Christmas trees, it features an earthy ombre style. To achieve this look, use emerald green and gold as the base colors and add festive decals to personalize it.
This design brings a touch of natural and festive feel to your nails, it’s perfect for those who want to incorporate the holiday spirit in a subtle way.
Jolly Jewel Tones Design – nails for a holiday
This design features a metallic moss green with a fine golden shimmer that rivals the look of a Christmas tree. To achieve this look, use Lights Lacquer’s To the Nines as the base color.
It’s a unique and eye-catching way to add a touch of holiday spirit to your nails with nail lacquer. The combination of the metallic moss green and the golden shimmer creates a festive and luxurious look.
Twinkling Tips
If you prefer a simple, sparkling look, try twinkling tips on top of a nude base color. Achieve this look by using Ella+Mila’s On Thin Ice on the tips of your nails. It’s a chic and understated way to add a touch of sparkle to your nails for the holidays, and it allows the glitter to be the focal point.
Gold Dust
A touch of gold leaf can elevate a simple manicure and make it feel special. If you don’t have gold leaf, you can use gold nail polish to achieve a similar effect.
This design is perfect for those who prefer a more understated look but still want to add a touch of luxury and festivity to their nails.
The gold dust or gold leaf adds a subtle shimmer that can be paired with any color to match any outfit or occasion.
Skittles Nails
This design features a combination of red, green and an unexpected twist of purple. To achieve this look, you can use Essie polishes in Heart of the Jungle, Adrenaline Brush and Flowerista.
This design is a fun and playful way to incorporate the traditional holidays colors into your nails with an unexpected twist of purple.
Silver Sprinkles
This design is perfect for those who want to add a little something extra to their favorite winter sweater print. The silver sprinkles create a subtle shimmer that can be paired with any color to match any outfit or occasion. A perfect art of nails for vacation beach.
A small amount of silver glitter creates a sparkle reminiscent of icicles catching the light and adds a touch of elegance to your nails. This design is perfect for those who prefer a more understated look but still want to add a touch of festivity and elegance to their nails.
Frosted French
This design is perfect for those who want to add a touch of elegance and sparkle to their nails. Icy silver tips are a trendy and elegant way to add a wintery touch to your nails.
To achieve this look, use Ella + Mila polish in Moonshadow on the tips of your nails. The combination of the classic French tip style with the frosty silver color creates a unique and stylish look that is perfect for the holiday season.
Holidays French Nails
This design combines the classic French tip style with the traditional holiday colors of red and green. To achieve this look, paint the tips of your nails with red and green. If you want to add an extra touch of fun, you could match the colors of your nails to your coffee cup.
This design adds a touch of festivity to a classic and timeless style, and it’s a perfect way to incorporate the holiday spirit into your nails.
Red and Pink
This design combines the traditional holiday color of red with a playful pink color, it is a perfect match for gold jewelry. To achieve this look, you can use a pale pink base color and then add an unexpected slanted red tip on top.
This design created by nail artist Queenie Nguyen is a unique and stylish way to incorporate the holiday spirit into your nails while still being different from the traditional red and green hues.
Red Plaid – Nails for beach holiday
This design combines the traditional holiday color of red with a plaid pattern, it’s a chic and elegant way to add a touch of festivity to your nails. The touch of gold makes it feel extra special and luxurious. This design is perfect for those who want to incorporate the holiday spirit into their nails in a unique and stylish way.
It’s reminiscent of the classic movie “Clueless” and it’s perfect for those who want to add a touch of nostalgia and fashion to their nails.
Cranberry Nails
A classic red color is always a safe choice for the holidays, and a rich berry shade such as Olive & June’s Cozy Up is perfect for the holiday season. This deep, rich shade of red is perfect for those who want to add a touch of festivity to their nails without being too bold.
It’s perfect for both casual and formal events, it’s a timeless and elegant way to celebrate the holidays.
Red Check
This design is inspired by the traditional pattern of a red plaid, reminiscent of your favorite wrapping paper. Keeping the pattern to a few nails makes it easy to do it yourself.
This design is perfect for those who want to add a touch of festivity to their nails in a unique and stylish way. The red plaid pattern gives a classic and timeless feel to the nails, it’s perfect for both casual and formal events.
Rudolph Nails
This reindeer-inspired nail art is not only adorable, but it’s also easy to recreate with a toothpick and your preferred neutral nail polishes. This design is perfect for those who want to add a touch of festivity to their nails in a cute and playful way.
The use of neutral colors makes it easy to match any outfit and it’s perfect for both casual and formal events. It’s a fun and easy way to show off your holiday spirit. A nails art for going on holiday.
Snowflake Accent
Break up an icy white mani with a simple snowflake design.
Chic Squares
A chic way to decorate your nails for the holidays is by layering a pale pink color over a metallic red. The combination of the contrasting textures and the unexpected use of a pastel color creates a sophisticated look.
True Red Nail
If you’re looking for a festive and classic option for Christmas gel nails, consider a cherry red color. This timeless shade is sure to be a hit at any nail salon.
Pearls and Studs
Why leave the fun only to your nails when you can deck your whole hand? Follow in nail artist Miss Pop’s footsteps by using eyelash glue to attach beads and pearls to your fingers.
Silver Snowflakes
This manicure, which features a silver accent nail and delicate snowflakes, is highly appealing. If you’re not skilled at using a nail brush, consider using stickers to achieve a similar effect. Additionally, be sure to explore more snowflake-inspired nails for inspiration.
Rich Red
Negative space techniques add a touch of elegance to holidays nails designs, and the combination of red and gold is a timeless classic for Christmas.
Spangled Stripes
This design features sparkling stripes that resemble ribbon candy. You don’t need to worry about coordinating colors when it comes to glitter as anything goes.
This pattern, called “Spangled Stripes,” adds a touch of sparkle to your decor with its colorful stripes that resemble ribbon candy.
The glitter adds a festive and eye-catching element, making it perfect for any occasion. The best part is that you don’t have to worry about matching colors, as anything goes when it comes to glitter. It’s a playful and fun addition to any room.
French Tips
A subtle and stylish way to add a touch of holiday spirit to your nails is by opting for French tips with a hint of green. The addition of white and brown gives it a unique and unexpected look that will stand out.
The French tips design, also known as “French manicure”, is a classic and elegant way to style your nails. By adding a hint of green to the tips, it brings a festive and holiday touch to the look.
Festive Tweed
The “Festive Tweed” nail design is a great way to bring a touch of fashion to your holiday look. Tweed is a classic fabric that is often associated with preppy style. By incorporating it into a nail design and using shades of green and burgundy, it gives it a festive and holiday feel.
The result is a unique and stylish look that is perfect for any holiday occasion. The use of tweed pattern and the combination of green and burgundy shade are a perfect match for the festive season.
Achieve a preppy and festive look on your nails by incorporating classic tweed design in shades of green and burgundy.
Glitter Trees
To achieve the sparkling and glittery effect on these small tree designs, use a technique (like this trick) to make the glitter as vibrant as possible. China Glaze’s “A Grouchy New Year” color works well for this purpose.
Gold Stars
This design is perfect for those who want to add some shine to their nails without going too bold. It’s a great option for everyday wear, or for special occasions when you want to add a touch of glamour.
If you prefer a more subtle look, opt for glittery stars on your nails. You can find a variety of shapes and sizes of nail sequins on Amazon.
Shades of Red
The “Shades of Red” nail design is a beautiful and subtle way to add some holiday cheer to your nails. By using a gradient of different shades of red, it creates a subtle yet fun alternative to flashier nail art.
This design is perfect for those who prefer a more understated look but still want to add a touch of festive spirit to their nails.
A gradual transition between different shades of red on your nails creates a subtle yet playful alternative to more elaborate nail art.
Snow Scene
The “Snow Scene” nail design is a charming and cute way to add a wintery touch to your nails. It features a whimsical depiction of a snow scene with elements like little birds, snowflakes and trees. Although it might look easy to achieve, it is a little difficult to do it yourself unless you have advanced skills in nail art.
If you want to achieve this look, it is recommended to visit a salon or a nail artist that can help you get the desired outcome. This design is perfect for the winter season, and it will make your nails look festive and fun.
Red and Gold
The “Red and Gold” nail design is a festive and elegant alternative to the traditional red and green holiday colors. By pairing red with gold, it creates a sophisticated and stylish look that is perfect for the holiday season.
For a more subtle holiday look, opt for a combination of red and gold instead of the traditional red and green.
Cute Dots
This design is perfect for those who want to add a touch of quirkiness to their nails without going for the traditional holiday designs. It is a great way to express your creativity and you can play around with different colors, patterns and sizes to make it your own.
The “Cute Dots” nail design is a fun and playful way to add some art to your nails. It is inspired by the iconic dot-based artworks of Yayoi Kusama, one of the most famous contemporary artists known for her use of polka dots.
Pearl Nails
Pearl nails are an elegant look that can be achieved by placing a single pearl at the base of each nail. Keep in mind that this design is delicate and may not be practical for tasks such as opening gifts.
Festive Dots
A simple and festive way to decorate your nails for Christmas is by creating dots of different colors on a base shade of your choice using the end of a bobby pin. Try using red, green, silver, and gold colors for a cute Christmas-themed design and christmas nail art.
Red Stripe
You can achieve the look of a “Red Stripe” on your nails by using nail striping tape to create clean lines. Even those who are not typically fond of red polish can appreciate this touch of color.
Cozy Stripes
Get ready to add some extra holiday cheer to your look with cozy striped nails. From muted tones to vibrant shades, you can find the perfect color palette to suit your style. And don’t forget to check out Chanel Le Vernis in Brun Fumé and Rouge Brun for the perfect finishing touch!
Grinch Green
This year, why not try something new and capture your inner Grinch with some Grinch Green nails? Betina Goldstein created this beautiful look using Pearnova’s One Piece Wonder nail polish. Get ready to make a statement and show off your festive spirit!
If you want to take it up a notch, why not add some Grinch Green to your wardrobe this year? From festive sweater weather to stylish accessories, find the perfect way to bring a little bit of holiday cheer into your life. And don’t forget to check out Pearnova’s One Piece Wonder nail polish for the perfect finishing touch!
Translucent Shine
Are you looking for something sparkly and eye-catching for your next event? Look no further than translucent shine! You’ll have all the glitter and dazzle you need to make your occasion truly special.
For your next party, why not add some extra sparkle with translucent shine? Get all the glitter and dazzle you need to make your occasion truly special and impress your guests. From shimmering eyeshadows to glossy lipsticks, you’ll find everything you need to shine like the star you are!
Silver and Gold
Combining different metals is a stylish and modern way to embrace the holiday spirit. By mixing silver and gold with a negative-space French manicure, it creates a look that is both festive and sophisticated.
Green Dots
This design is perfect for those who want to add a touch of holidays spirit to their nails without going for the traditional Christmas tree designs.
If you prefer an abstract style, this design features green dots that suggest a Christmas tree without being too obvious. To achieve this look, try using different shades of green such as Nailtopia in Yacht Week and Juice Cleanse.
The “Green Dots” nail design is a fun and abstract way to add a holiday touch to your nails. It features a pattern of green dots that suggest a Christmas tree, without being too literal.
The design is perfect for those who prefer an abstract style and it can be achieved by using different shades of green such as Nailtopia in Yacht Week and Juice Cleanse.
Art Deco
o achieve a similar mesmerizing effect as seen in this Art Deco manicure, try using a high-gloss topcoat like Static’s Liquid Glass over traditional Christmas nail colors.
The Art Deco style is characterized by its bold geometric shapes, bright colors, and shiny metallic accents, and using a topcoat with a high shine can help to enhance these elements and bring the look together.
Confetti Nails Art for Holidays in Winter
To enhance the confetti effect on your nails, focus on placing the sparkles at the base of your nails. This keeps the look fresh and playful, just like tossing confetti in the air at midnight
Buffalo Plaid
To give the classic Buffalo Plaid pattern a festive update, add a pop of blue on the thumb. This keeps the design interesting while maintaining the cozy winter vibes associated with the print.
Buffalo Plaid is a popular pattern that has become synonymous with winter fashion and home decor.
The combination of red and black checks gives it a rustic and traditional feel. Adding a pop of blue on the thumb can give it a fresh and modern twist, making it perfect for any festive occasion.
Colorful Gems
The bright and shiny rhinestones can make your nails look like they are sparkling like diamonds. Using them over a glitter overlay can create a mesmerizing effect, making your nails the center of attention in any event.
For a dazzling and festive effect, place tiny rhinestones on your nails, resembling little ornaments. To make it even more sparkling, apply a glitter overlay over the rhinestones.
Glittery Gold
For a bold and striking glittery gold manicure, opt for a polish with large chunky glitter flakes. The slapdash stripes of glitter will give a perfectly imperfect look.
Textured Stars
To elevate the look of textured star nails, try using a crystal kit. These blingy stars are perfect for New Year’s Eve, even if you’ll just be celebrating at home.
Gold Leaf
To achieve a modern and striking look, apply a gilded holographic foil over forest green for a touch of gold. Then, add a matte topcoat over everything for a soft and modern feel.
The use of gold leaf on nails can give a luxurious and elegant look. The holographic foil can add dimension and shine to the nails, making them stand out.
Striking Red
For a striking and sophisticated red manicure, use a tiny detail brush to create clean edges on circles. This simple design is perfect for even the most minimalistic fashion lovers.
Emerald Green
For a sophisticated and festive emerald green manicure, consider using forest green as an alternative to brighter options. This is a subtle nod to Christmas trees without being too obvious.
Red Half-Moons
A red velvet half-moon manicure adds a touch of holiday spirit to your nails, while still being appropriate after the holiday season is over. The red velvet half-moon design is a classic look that can be worn all year round.
The bold red color gives a nod to the holiday season, while the half-moon shape gives a vintage and elegant look. This design will add a touch of festivity to your nails without looking out of place after the holiday season is over.
Green and Gold Nails Design for Holidays
A color-blocked base with a swish of gold over it gives the appearance of a ribbon on top of a present. The combination of metallic and matte creates a lot of visual interest.
The green and gold combination is a classic holiday look, perfect for adding a touch of festivity to your nails.
The green color gives a nod to the holiday season, while the gold swish adds a touch of elegance and luxury.
The contrast between metallic and matte finishes creates a unique and visually striking look that will make your nails stand out.
Silver Stars
This silver star manicure is not only beautiful but also incredibly easy to achieve. Simply use star stickers and a reliable topcoat. The use of silver stars on nails can add a touch of festivity and elegance. The silver color can give a nod to the holidays nails season, while the stars can add a touch of fun and playfulness.
Glitter and Green
To achieve a unique and easy glitter and green manicure, try using Essie in Off Tropic and a gold Luxeffects Top Coat along the sides of the nails. This will give a hint of sparkle which adds interest to the design.
Shimmering Stripes
For a shimmering and festive manicure inspired by your favorite wrapping paper, try creating red and gold stripes. Using Chanel’s Chain D’Or and Pirate will give you a similar look at home.
The combination of red and gold is a classic holiday look and the stripes pattern adds a touch of fun and playfulness.
The red and gold colors mimic the colors of the wrapping papers that we see during holiday season. Using Chanel’s polishes Chain D’Or and Pirate will give you a similar look to the wrapping paper and can add a touch of luxury and elegance to your nails.
Subtle Snowflakes
To emulate a cozy and subtle snowflake pattern like your favorite Fair Isle sweater, try using snowflake decals. This eliminates the need for free-handing the design.
The snowflake pattern is a classic winter motif and is often associated with the holidays season. It gives a nod to the winter season and the Fair Isle sweater pattern is a traditional sweater pattern which is cozy and comfortable to wear.
Nails for cancun vacation and nails holiday ideas
There are many different nail designs that can complement a Cancun vacation. Some popular options include:
- Bright and bold tropical colors such as fuchsia, orange, and yellow
- Palm tree or tropical leaf designs
- Sunset-inspired ombre nails
- Nautical-inspired stripes in blues and whites
- Starfish or seashell designs
- Glittery accents to add a touch of glamour
- Gold accents to complement a beachy vibe
- A pineapple design for a fun and playful touch
- A beachy gradient using sandy colors
- A tropical flower design for a feminine touch
- Watercolor-inspired designs with a mix of tropical colors
- A geometric design with a mix of bright colors
You can also opt for a simple and classic manicure in nude or pale pink shades, or a French manicure in a fun and bright color. Whatever design you choose, make sure it brings out your vacation spirit and makes you feel comfortable and confident.
