Looking for some Christmas nail ideas? There is one thing both holiday minimalists (sry, can’t relate) and full-on Christmas enthusiasts can agree on: Sporting a set of Christmas nails is the easiest and ~chicest~ way to feel festive during the holiday season.
Whether you’re slapping on a nail sticker, decking the halls your nails in glitter, or covering your entire nail in a Grinch decal (see below!!), you can get all the festive vibes without going full cheese. Just check out this massive list of Christmas nails, including simple nail designs, accent nail ideas, winter nail art, and more.
Christmas nail ideas for 2023…
1. Garland French tip nails
If you’re all about classic, hometown Christmas vibes, try incorporating a lil garland into your standard French tip mani. I especially love how the garland follows the French tips—it keeps this look design simple and clean with a festive twist.
2. Gold bow nails
Via @overglowedit on Instagram
Honestly, this chic Christmas nail design is about to be my Christmas gift to myself. Go for a shimmery white shade for the French tips (try Cirque Colors in Moonbeam or Sally Hansen Color Therapy in Fleur-t), then stick on a gold bow decal in the center and layer on a top coat to lock it all in place.
3. Mint candy-cane nail design
Candy canes and mint chocolates are one of the most underrated part of the holidays IMO. This Christmas nail design finally gives them their moment—it’s subtle with the French tips, yet still totally festive.
4. Minimalist Christmas tree accent nails
Via @iramshelton on Instagram
5. Holiday hearts
You don’t have to look like Christmas threw up on your nails to get in the spirit. Exhibit A: This heart nail design, which looks fresh but still a bit Christmas-y, all thanks to the color scheme. And it would be majorly easy to DIY with a set of nail stickers.
6. Christmas French tips
Via @disseynails on Instagram
If your vibe is a bit more on the cutesy side, try creating a whole Christmas scene with your nails. Personally, I love how this design combines gradient French tips with a different design on each nail to match, but I also love the idea of just choosing one as inspo for a singular accent nail too for a more minimalist vibe.
7. Silver snowflake nails
I, for one, will be manifesting a white Christmas with these snowflake nails. I’ll prob just paint on a base coat and add some silver snowflake stickers. But if you’re heading to the salon, ask your artist to do the snowflakes in silver chrome for a shinier finish.
8. Metallic gold nails
Via @mikkelz_nails on Instagram
What says “holiday cheer” better than holographic gold shimmers? Nothin’! This glittery set is still fairly subdued IMO, but if “more is more” is your vibe then def opt for a chrome effect by dusting on a gold chrome powder and a glossy top coat.
9. Tree press-on nails
Need some holiday cheer in less than 10 minutes? Pop on these evergreen tree press-ons from Olive and June. (Or if ya don’t like Christmas trees, they’ve got hella options, like holiday plaid, snowflakes, and bows.)
10. Silver and gold flakes nail art
Via @izzylilybeauty on Instagram
Listen, I’m a firm believer that no one should ever have to choose between gold and silver, especially when pairing them together looks this damn good. Just make sure to place the gold and silver foil flakes on your nails with a pair of tweezers to get a precise application, then layer on a top coat to set them (and if you really want to make ’em stay, opt for gel polish and cure under an UV nail lamp).