27 Christmas Nail Ideas That’ll Have You Jingling All the Way to Your Next Mani
If you haven’t already planned your Christmas mani, then we suggest getting a strategy together, pronto. Not because we’d judge you if you didn’t (hey, bare nails are chic too) but simply because we’ve heard that donning a festive set of nails can boost your festive spirit by around 100%*.
(*Not a real study)
So, if you’re in need of some merry inspiration, we’ve got 27 designs to keep your nail creativity cup full.
From sparkly baubles, fairy lights and festive bows to chic tree greens, golden French tips and snowy whites, this article will have you booking your December manicure faster than you can say jingle bells.
1. Classy twinkly baubles
What’s the only thing better than Christmas baubles hanging on the tree? Christmas baubles on your nails.

Image – @thehangedit/Instagram
2. Chrome gold French tips
Almond nails with a chrome Christmassy French tip? Chef’s kiss.

Image – @jark.nails/Instagram
3. Cute Christmas nails, all wrapped up
These gorgeous present-inspired nails are the gift that keep on giving.

Image – @hangedit/Instagram
4. Candy pink mix and match
When you can’t decide which Christmas look to go for, order them all. We love the clash between candy pink and festive red.

Image – naileditbychelsey/Instagram
5. Red velvet bows
For those wanting a subtle Christmas finish, a red bow is all you need to tie the look together.

Image – @jark.nails/Instagram
6. Twinkly stars, but make them pink
If you’re less of a red and green girl, more multicoloured, these nails stick to the brief whilst being super Christmassy.

Image – @hangedit/Instagram
7. Marshmallow white chrome
Look at the shine on this simple white mani. Reminding us of festive eggnog and toasting marshmallows.

Image – @hicarmelina/Instagram
8. Simple Christmassy candy canes
A nude nail with a touch of sweetness. These candy canes might be simple, but they’re oh-so effective.

Image – @thehangedit/Instagram
9. Glitter-gold french tips
Why have one tip when you can have two? Make your French mani a festive double.

Image – @hangedit/Instagram
10. Cute Christmas lights
Add a bit of glitter to your tips then switch on the fairy lights to make them twinkle.

Image – @jark.nails/Instagram
11. All the trimmings on short nails
A new take on the French mani, and proof that short nails can have fun too.

Image – @hangedit/Instagram
12. Gold stars
A nude manicure with a hint of Christmas, these nails are the perfect way to get the best of both worlds.

Image – @nonadoesnails/Instagram
13. Gel gingerbread mix n´ match
A red and green feast of festive merriment. Why have one design when you can have them all?

Image – emilygilmour.nails/Instagram
14. Cute festive penguins
Need we say more? It’s the little Christmas hats for us.

Image – @hangedit/Instagram
15. Snowflakes, with a touch of black
Add a touch of darkness to your snowflakes. We love this design’s contrast between snowy day and snowy night.

Image – @hangedit/Instagram
16. Acryllic festive plaid
Everyone loves a touch of tartan at Christmas, so why not extend it to your mani?

Image – @jark.nails/Instagram
17. Shades of wintery blue
We love how this cobalt blue is mixed in with a denim swirl. It’s a new take on block colour for winter.

Image – @hangedit/Instagram
18. Acrylic Christmas tree assortment
Everything about this mani screams warm and cosy. Choose gingerbread browns, festive reds and a pop of pink.

Image – @jark.nails/Instagram
19. Classy forest green
The most Christmassy colour of all, in nail form. Apply your best top coat to avoid unsightly chips.

Image – @hicarmelina/Instagram
20. Pink sugarplum snowflakes
Iridescent finish, pink in colour and a sprinkling of snowflakes? Now it’s Christmas.

Image – @jark.nails/Instagram
21. Holly berry gel red
The absolute epitome of a classic Christmas red, this looks best on perfectly oval nails.

Image – @hicarmelina/Instagram
22. Jolly snowmen on black
Black mani, but make it a snow fight! Leave some of your nails plain black to get the full effect.

Image – @jark.nails/Instagram
23. Simple snow white
Oh how we love this pure white on short, neat nails. You can almost feel the snow falling.

Image – @clairestarkmanicurist/Instagram
24. Short nails full of joy
Who says long talons can have all the fun? This design works perfectly on super short nails and will bring a little joy to the run up to Christmas.

Image – @hangedit/Instagram
25. Jolly holly red and green
If you don’t want to go full on red and green, but it’s Christmas, choose this simple holly design as a gesture.

Image – @jark.nails/Instagram
26. Fir tree green chrome
Will you just look at how the light catches on these beautifully green cat eye nails? Choose a colour with a lot of shimmer.

Image – @gloss.surrey/Instagram
27. Short nails with a frosty ombre
Ombre glitter, a nude pink and a reverse Frenchie, on short nails? It can be done.

Image – @hangedit/Instagram
