Christmas nails are the easiest way to feel festive from the first party to New Year's morning. Red, green, gold and sparkle all work, and so do softer winter whites.
Here are 15 Christmas nail ideas, from minimal to full holiday glam.
1. Classic Glossy Red
A deep glossy red is the timeless Christmas manicure that goes with every party outfit and still looks polished in January.
You'll need:
- Cherry or crimson polish
- Glossy top coat
- Almond or oval shape
2. Candy Cane Stripes
Thin red and white diagonal stripes turn your nails into tiny candy canes, a playful look that is easy with striping tape.
You'll need:
- White base
- Red striping polish
- Striping tape
3. Snowflake Accent Nail
Paint every nail a soft blue or nude and add one delicate white snowflake on the ring finger for a subtle wintry touch.
You'll need:
- Icy blue or nude polish
- White nail art pen
- Fine dotting tool
4. Gold Glitter Ombre
Fade chunky gold glitter up from the tips over a nude base so your nails catch the light at every holiday dinner.
You'll need:
- Nude base
- Gold glitter polish
- Makeup sponge for the fade
5. Emerald Green Velvet
Rich emerald velvet nails made with magnetic cat-eye polish feel luxurious and look stunning with gold jewelry.
You'll need:
- Green magnetic polish
- Nail magnet
- Glossy top coat
6. Red French Tips
Swap classic white tips for bright red ones over a sheer pink base for a festive twist on a clean French manicure.
You'll need:
- Sheer pink base
- Red polish
- Thin liner brush
7. Christmas Tree Accent
Add a tiny green tree with a gold star to one nail on each hand and keep the rest glossy red or nude.
You'll need:
- Green and gold polish
- Detail brush
- Small star stud
8. Chrome Silver Nails
Mirror-shine silver chrome looks like a glass ornament and pairs perfectly with sequins and party dresses.
You'll need:
- Gel base
- Silver chrome powder
- No-wipe top coat
9. Plaid Holiday Nails
Red, green and white tartan plaid nails feel cozy and classic, especially with a sweater or a plaid skirt.
You'll need:
- Red base
- Green and white striping polish
- Detail brush
10. Burgundy and Gold Leaf
Deep burgundy polish with flecks of gold foil is a grown-up holiday look that feels rich and elegant.
You'll need:
- Burgundy polish
- Gold foil flakes
- Glossy top coat
11. Milky White Winter Nails
Soft milky white nails with a light shimmer look like fresh snow and work for every holiday event.
You'll need:
- Milky white polish
- Fine shimmer top coat
- Short square shape
12. Gingerbread Nails
Warm brown nails with tiny white icing swirls look like gingerbread cookies and are fun for a cookie party.
You'll need:
- Caramel brown polish
- White nail art pen
- Matte top coat
13. Ornament Dots
Dot small red, green and gold circles on a nude base so each nail looks like a string of holiday ornaments.
You'll need:
- Nude base
- Red, green and gold polish
- Dotting tool
14. Matte Forest Green
Dark forest green finished with a matte top coat feels modern and moody, and it lasts well into winter.
You'll need:
- Forest green polish
- Matte top coat
- Oval shape
15. Red Glitter Statement
Full red glitter nails are bold, cheerful and perfect for a Christmas party where you want to sparkle.
You'll need:
- Red glitter polish
- Glossy top coat
- Peel-off base coat
Keep a bottle of glossy top coat handy and refresh your manicure before each holiday event.
Simple nails with one accent finger are the fastest way to look festive.
