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It's Christmastime, the stockings are hung by the mantel with care — and by now your nails are polished to festive perfection. But if you just reached for a shade of red or green nail polish (or other traditional Christmas nail polish colors) we encourage you to try designs that are a bit more festive for the big day. We're feeling inspired by the custom Christmas nail art that we've seen all over Instagram — including looks you can easily DIY as well as ornate details that you might want to have a professional execute. But what to try first?
Luckily, there are endless cute Christmas nail art options to choose from. From candy canes to glitter, ornaments to snowflakes, this list of impressive manicures has it all. And if you're feeling like a design on every nail might be too ambitious (or just too much!), we also have some nail art ideas that include accent nails (or a "party" nail) to spice things up without being too loud. Plus, there are easier-than-ever nail stickers and decals to get a holiday mani in a flash. 'Tis certainly the season for sparkle.
Now, without further ado, please meet the most adorable ways to paint your nails this winter. Whether you're on the naughty or nice list this year, you're sure to turn heads with these Christmas nail designs. Ahead are 40 Christmas nail ideas and cute Christmas nail designs to inspire you this season!
1
Red Christmas Nail Designs
Even a grinch can get behind a geometrical line design in a deep red velvet color. Classic, yet festive, it might be the mani you didn't know you needed this holiday season.
2
Abstract Snowflake Christmas Nails
Over the red and green? Fair enough! Might we suggest a white Christmas and opt for an abstract snowflake design instead? Don't forget to add stud embellishments for an unforgettable look.
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3
Acrylic Gift Wrapped Christmas Nail Designs
Treat yourself with present-inspired Christmas nails. It's giving Santa's nice list with its nude base topped with red tips and gold accent gift-wrapped design. Need I say more?
4
White Christmas Nail Designs
Match your mani to the weather with snow white nails. Silver half-moons elevate this simple look. It's a classic winter white look!
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5
Simple Christmas Nails Pink
Two shades of pink with a glittery gold accent feels festive and feminine. Look for two complementary pink shades, like these shown.
6
Plaid Christmas Nail Stickers
Plaid may be one of winter's most classic patterns, but there are still fresh ways to wear it. Fiery pops of plaid courtesy of nail art stickers keep this manicure interesting.
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7
Christmas Tree Nails
Create a winter wonderland on your nails with miniature Christmas trees and golden accents.
8
Easy Christmas Nail Designs
Think modern day chic Christmas lights with this dotted design on a neutral base. Easy and straightforward, all this look requires is the festive polish shades and a dot tool.
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9
Christmas Gel Nail Designs for Short Nails
Like jewelry or disco balls on your nails, this sparkly design really reflects the light. Bonus: It dresses up any outfit!
10
Christmas Gel Nail Designs With Presents
Each nail is a gift in itself thanks to a different color combo and design. This one might take a little practice, but the end result is worth it. (Pro tip: You could also do this as an accent nail with a complementary solid shade on the rest.)
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11
Red and Green Christmas Nail Designs
If you're really looking to amp up a red manicure, adding some sparkle and a wrapping paper accent is the way to go.
12
Simple 3D Christmas Nail Designs
If you love a basic white manicure but want to make it more fun for the holidays, just add a few diamond decals. Arrange them however you'd like, or follow this photo for the snowflake and icicle-like inspiration.
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13
Short Christmas Nail Designs
There's nothing more classic than a red mani, and painting each nail a different shade of rouge gives it a fun twist. With just one solid color on each tip, this is a perfect look for shorter nails. For a cool ombré effect, go from dark to light.
14
Christmas Ombre Nail Designs
This sparkly ombré manicure has tons of glitz — and star decals help take it to the next level.
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15
Christmas/New Year's Nail Designs
The easiest way to pack a two-holiday punch with your manicure? Add a smattering of gold to the tips.
16
Gold Christmas Nail Designs
Golden leaves and flowers make a maroon manicure more festive. With a thin nail pen and some practice, you can achieve this manicure at home.
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17
Green Christmas Nail Designs
Spruce up a manicure with some strategically-placed golden circles. You can do this with any color, but it's beautiful paired with a muted green for the holidays.
18
Red and White Christmas Nail Designs
Make your fingers look like abstract candy canes with a swirly red and white design.
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19
Disney Christmas Nail Designs
With a metallic green background, these hand-drawn ornaments really pop. The differing shapes and sizes feel fresh and fun, and look like they could be out of a Disney movie!
20
Cute Simple Christmas Nails
Diagonal sage green tips bring some sugar and spice to a regular nude manicure. A bit of nail tape makes this easy to DIY, perfect for the minimalist.
Dori Price
Contributing Beauty Editor
Dori Price is a New York City-based freelance writer and editor and beauty, style and wellness expert who was the Beauty & Fashion Director at Family Circle for 13 years before she joined Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman’s Day as a freelance beauty editor. She has also written for WomensHealthMag.com, Elle.com and HealthCentral.com.
Marielle Marlys
Freelance Writer
Marielle Marlys is a freelance writer at Good Housekeeping and Cosmopolitan who graduated from New York University with a degree in Journalism and Global Liberal Studies, and with a Master of Arts in International Relations and Affairs. Additionally, she has held internships at Modern Luxury, Good Housekeeping and Cosmopolitan magazines, CNBC, The Borgen Project, and Almost 30 podcast. Although Marielle is a proud Jersey girl, she has also lived in Florence, Italy and Madrid, Spain.
