39 Christmas nail art designs for some seriously festive fingertips

Our favourite thing about Christmas, besides mulled wine, festive films, chocolate advent calendars and going Kardashian-level OTT on the home decor? Christmas nail art, obv.

‘Tis the season for your nails to be on point, and thankfully, social media is awash with inspo.  We’re talking Santa hats, candy cane stripes and snowflakes galore. But if you tend to prefer slightly more understated nail art, there’s plenty of design ideas for you, too – think: a touch of sparkle, muted wintery shades (deep burgundy red, pine tree green, as well as snowy white and icy blue), and subtle mini motifs (you didn’t think you’d leave here without seeing at least one adorable tiny Christmas tree, did you?)

And of course, some are easier to achieve than others, but if you don’t have the steadiest hand, fret not. There are plenty nail art stencils, press-on nails and nail stickers out there to help you achieve your desired festive finish. The likes of Etsy and Amazon have heaps of designs, while Boots and ASOS are great for nail tools and false press-on nails.

So, gather your nail art kit (or, you know, just print screen and take to your fave manicurist), and have a scroll through some of our favourite Christmas nail art ideas for a magnificent merry manicure, courtesy of the beauty influencers of Instagram…

Red half moons

Business at the tips, party at the cuticles.

Star studded

We love this 3D stuck-on star design.

Gingerbread

Paired with a checkerboard design and double Frenchie, who knew gingerbread could look so chic? 

Silver stripe

Perfect for minimalists – a neutral base with some subtle sparkle over the top.

Christmas jumper

This Christmas jumper stripe across nails is adorable.

Starry French

These dinky stars are festive but chic and pared back.

Candy stripes

These candy cane colours are pure Christmas vibes.

Pine and gold

Rich winter colours like forest green feel extra cosy for winter, plus this star motive keeps it festive.

Full glitz

This delicate holographic nail makes glitter feel chill.

Christmas chrome

We love these pretty chrome accents which help this star mani feel fresh and modern

Santa Frenchie

A French mani that looks like Santas hat? It’s fun, chic and weirdly works perfectly.

Dinky tree details

We love this fir tree thumb accent alongside a forest green mani.

Snow globe

This icy white sparkle is perfect if you want to nod to Christmas, while keeping it chic and simple.

Red Frenchie

Swap out white tipe for red for a minimalists nod to Christmas.

Spruced up

This intricate holly design is beautiful

Starscape

This gold glitter and star combo looks incredible.

Midnight glitz

If you prefer to stick to deep blacks and navy’s this one’s got your name all over it.

Stars and sparkle

You can’t go wrong with a bare pink base and sparkle

Duochrome

We love the opposing glitters at the tip and cuticle

Metallic stars

A cute way to incorporate offbeat colours for Christmas.

Holly jolly

A simple accent nail that makes a statement.