The holiday season is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about the little details that make this time of year feel extra special—like your nails!
Whether you’re headed to a family gathering, a cozy Christmas dinner with friends, or the ultimate holiday bash, your manicure can be the perfect way to show off your festive spirit.
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From classic reds and greens to shimmer and sparkle, a holiday-inspired nail color can truly be the finishing touch that pulls your whole look together.
I’ve rounded up the best shades that’ll make your manicure the star of every holiday party. You’ll find everything from subtle, wintery neutrals to bold, glittery hues that practically scream holiday cheer.
Get ready to be inspired by this season’s prettiest, most festive nail colors!
1. Classic Christmas Red
Let’s kick things off with a timeless favorite, shall we? A bright, cherry red is the LBD of Christmas nail colors – it never goes out of style. This season, I’m loving vibrant, glossy reds that pop against winter whites and look amazing while wrapping presents.
Try: OPI Nail Lacquer in Big Apple Red
Pro Tip: For an extra festive touch, add a gold glitter accent nail.
2. Emerald Green
Nothing says “Christmas” quite like a rich, deep green. This jewel tone is sophisticated, festive, and perfect for everything from office holiday parties to family gatherings.
Try: Essie Nail Polish in Off Tropic
Trend Alert: Try the “sweater nails” trend with this shade. Use a thin brush to create cable knit patterns for the coziest manicure ever!
3. Shimmering Gold
‘Tis the season to sparkle, and what better way than with a glittering gold manicure? It’s festive, glamorous, and pairs well with just about every holiday outfit.
Try: OPI Nail Lacquer in Metallic Rewind
Styling Tip: Gold looks amazing with both red and green, so don’t be afraid to mix and match for a truly festive look.
4. Snow White
For a crisp, clean look that’s reminiscent of freshly fallen snow, go for a bright white. It’s unexpected, chic, and the perfect backdrop for nail art.
Try: Essie Nail Polish in Blanc
Trend Alert: Use this as a base for the “negative space” trend. Create Christmas tree or snowflake shapes for a modern, minimalist holiday look.
5. Burgundy
If you prefer a more subdued take on holiday red, burgundy is your go-to. It’s rich, sophisticated, and pairs beautifully with all those cozy winter knits.
Try: OPI Nail Lacquer in Malaga Wine
Pro Tip: Add a matte top coat for a velvety finish that’s oh-so-luxe.
6. Icy Blue
Channel your inner ice queen with a frosty blue that’s reminiscent of clear winter skies. It’s unexpected but totally festive.
Try: Essie Nail Polish in Parka Perfect
Styling Tip: This shade looks amazing with silver accents. Try adding some silver snowflake decals for a wintery wonderland on your nails.
7. Glittering Silver
Speaking of silver, why not go all out with a glittering silver manicure? It’s like wearing tinsel on your nails – in the best way possible.
Try: ILNP Holographic Nail Polish in Mega
Trend Alert: Try the “foil” nail trend with this shade. Add some crinkled silver foil for a textured, eye-catching look.
8. Deep Forest Green
For a more understated take on Christmas green, try a deep forest shade. It’s festive without being too on-the-nose and looks super chic.
Try: Zoya Nail Polish in Hunter
Pro Tip: This shade looks amazing with gold accents. Try a gold striping tape for an elegant, geometric design.
9. Candy Cane Red and White
Why choose between red and white when you can have both? Alternating red and white nails (or a classic candy cane stripe) is peak Christmas cheer.
Try: OPI Nail Lacquer in Alpine Snow and OPI Nail Lacquer in Big Apple Red
Trend Alert: For a modern twist on the candy cane, try a red base with thin white diagonal stripes.
10. Rose Gold
Rose gold isn’t just for jewelry – it makes for a stunning Christmas nail color too! It’s warm, glamorous, and a bit unexpected for the holidays.
Try: Essie Nail Polish in Penny Talk
Styling Tip: This shade looks particularly amazing with matte black accents for a chic, modern holiday look.
11. Midnight Blue
For a twist on traditional Christmas colors, try a deep, midnight blue. It’s mysterious, sophisticated, and reminiscent of a clear winter night sky.
Try: OPI Nail Lacquer in Yoga-ta Get This Blue
Trend Alert: Add some gold star decals for a “starry night” effect that’s perfect for New Year’s Eve too!
12. Glittery Green
Take your Christmas green up a notch with a glittery version. It’s like wearing Christmas tree ornaments on your nails!
Try: ILNP Holographic Nail Polish in Staycation
Pro Tip: For maximum sparkle, apply over a dark green base coat.
13. Pearlescent White
For a softer take on snow-white nails, try a pearlescent shade. It’s like freshly fallen snow with a touch of magic.
Try: Revlon Nail Polish in 020 Pure Pearl
Styling Tip: This shade is perfect for the “glazed donut” nail trend – soft, shimmery, and oh-so-pretty.
14. Holly Berry Red
A slightly deeper red with a hint of berry, this shade is perfect for those who want a festive look that’s a bit more subtle.
Try: Essie Nail Polish in Berry Naughty
Trend Alert: Try the “velvet nails” trend with this shade for a luxurious, touchable finish.
15. Champagne Gold
For a more subdued take on gold, try a champagne shade. It’s festive, elegant, and perfect for toasting the New Year.
Try: ILNP Holographic Nail Polish in Iconic
Pro Tip: This shade looks amazing with a glossy top coat for extra shine.
16. Gingerbread Brown
Who says Christmas nails have to be all reds and greens? A warm, spicy brown is unexpected but totally festive.
Try: Essie Nail Polish in Off The Grind
Styling Tip: Add some white polka dots for a gingerbread house effect!
17. Metallic Copper
For a warm metallic that’s perfect for Christmas, try a shimmering copper. It’s festive, eye-catching, and complements all those cozy holiday sweaters.
Try: Essie Nail Polish in Not So Silent Night
Trend Alert: Try the “chrome” nail trend with this shade for a high-shine, futuristic look.
18. Glittery Red
Take your Christmas red up a notch with a glittery version. It’s like Dorothy’s ruby slippers for your nails!
Try: China Glaze Nail Polish in Ruby Pumps
Pro Tip: For maximum impact, apply over a dark red base coat.
19. Evergreen
For a more natural take on Christmas green, try an evergreen shade.
Try: Essie Nail Polish in Off Tropic
Styling Tip: Add some tiny gold studs for ornament-inspired nail art.
20. Icy Silver
For a cooler take on metallic nails, try an icy silver. It’s perfect for a winter wonderland vibe.
Try: OPI Nail Lacquer in Chrome Clawz
Trend Alert: Try the “snow globe” nail trend with this shade. Add some iridescent glitter for a magical, shimmery effect.
21. Cranberry
A deep, rich cranberry shade is perfect if you want a festive look that’s not too bright.
Try: Essie Nail Polish in Bahama Mama
Pro Tip: This shade looks amazing with gold leaf accents for a luxe holiday look.
22. Mistletoe Green
A bright, cheerful green that’s perfect for spreading holiday cheer.
Try: OPI Nail Lacquer in Rated Pea-G
Styling Tip: Pair with a sheer white glitter top coat for a snowy effect.
23. Holographic Red
For a modern twist on classic Christmas red, try a holographic version. It’s like your nails are wrapped in shimmering gift paper!
Try: ILNP Holographic Nail Polish in Stopping Traffic
Trend Alert: This shade is perfect for the “jelly sandwich” nail trend. Layer it between clear glitter polishes for depth and dimension.
24. Frosted Blue
For a cool, wintry look, try a frosted blue. It’s like capturing a crisp winter morning on your nails.
Try: Opi Nail Polish in Angels Flight to Starry Nights
Pro Tip: Add some white snowflake decals for the ultimate winter wonderland manicure.
25. Glitter Bomb
When in doubt, go all out with a multi-colored glitter or confetti polish.
Try: Orly Nail Lacquer in Turn It Up
Styling Tip: Use this as a top coat over any solid color for instant holiday glam.
Now that we’ve covered the colors, let’s talk about some popular Christmas nail trends and how to wear them:
Sweater Nails
This cozy trend involves creating a cable knit pattern on your nails. It works best with cream or pastel shades.
How to wear it: Use a thin brush to create overlapping curved lines on your nails. Finish with a matte top coat for an authentic sweater look.
Gingerbread Nails
Turn your nails into mini gingerbread! This whimsical trend is perfect for the holiday season.
How to wear it: Start with a light brown base. Use white polish to create the “icing” outlines of windows and doors if making gingerbread houses. Add colorful dots for “candy” decorations.
Snow Globe Nails
Create a magical, shimmery effect that looks like a snow globe on your nails.
How to wear it: Apply a clear base coat, then add a layer of iridescent glitter. Top with another clear coat for a glossy finish.
Plaid Nails
Nothing says cozy Christmas like plaid! This trend works great with traditional holiday colors.
How to wear it: Start with a solid base color. Use striping tape to create a criss-cross pattern, then fill in the spaces with different colors.
Abstract Holiday Nails
A modern, minimalist take on holiday nails.
How to wear it: Paint your nails with a neutral base. Use striping tape to create triangle shapes, then fill them in with green polish. Remove the tape to reveal your chic Christmas trees!
Metallic French Tips
Give the classic French manicure a festive twist with metallic tips.
How to wear it: Paint your nails with a neutral base. Use gold, silver, or rose gold polish to create thick French tips.
Gradient Glitter
Create a sparkly ombré effect that’s perfect for New Year’s Eve.
How to wear it: Apply a base color, then use a makeup sponge to dab on glitter polish, concentrating it at the tips and fading towards the base of the nail.
Holly and Berries
A classic Christmas motif that’s always in style.
How to wear it: Paint your nails red or green. Use a dotting tool to create clusters of red berries, then add green leaves with a thin brush.
Candy Cane Stripes
A fun, festive look that screams Christmas.
How to wear it: Paint your nails white. Use striping tape to create diagonal lines, then fill in alternating stripes with red polish.
Foil Accents
Add some metallic flair to your holiday manicure with nail foil.
How to wear it: Apply a base color, then press on pieces of nail foil while the polish is still tacky. Seal with a top coat for a long-lasting shine.
Remember, the key to rocking any of these Christmas nail trends is confidence! Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors and techniques to create your own unique holiday look.
And here’s a pro tip: if you’re not confident in your nail art skills, don’t worry! There are tons of nail stickers and decals available that can give you a professional look without the hassle. Try these nail stickers for an easy way to add some holiday cheer to your manicure.
Remember, your Christmas manicure is the perfect accessory for all your holiday activities – from wrapping presents and baking cookies to clinking champagne glasses on New Year’s Eve. So have fun with it!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with some hot cocoa and a holiday movie marathon. Time to show off my candy cane stripe nails while I cozy up on the couch.
