The holidays may still be a few months away, but it’s never too soon to start thinking about your holiday manicures. There are a lot of different ways to celebrate the season. Still, changing up your manicure to fit your festive mood is one of the most exciting. For some, a simple coat of polish in holiday colors is enough. Others may prefer a touch of nail art or sparkle to get in the mood. Then there are those who love the maximalist look and prefer to load up their nails with trinkets, charms and designs that have the power of a holiday Hallmark movie.
Fortunately, there are tons of looks to match any preference. Many of the designs even incorporate the industry’s top trends, like chrome, cat-eye designs and glazed finishes. You can also play around with texture to create a sculptural or 3-D look. The hard part is narrowing down the selection. Ahead, we’ve done just that—keep reading to see the best holiday nail looks thus far.
2024 Holiday Nail Looks
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Starry Glitter
Sparkles and glitter are a no-brainer for the holidays. On bare fingernails, this starry glitter polish has an enchanting look. But if you prefer less tinsel and more color, you can always opt for an accent nail, as shown in this set, instead.
IG: @nailsinc
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Santa French Tips
A full set of nail art isn't for everyone. Luckily, a French tip design is the perfect option for adding a touch of spice to your look. This Santa hat design is even easy to DIY at home.
IG: @bycheznails
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Candyland
Embracing the whimsy of the season is always fun, and there's no better way to do so than with a decorative manicure. Take a cue from this design that features themed nail art that also feels mature. Maybe even demure?
IG: @apresnailofficial
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Hanukkah Blue
Of course you don't have to go full-on with nail art, glitter and designs. A solid manicure in festive colors can be enough to get you in the holiday spirit. Adding a chrome finish only amplifies the look.
IG_denver_manic
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Red Velvet Nails
Think of this as the seasonal upgrade to your classic red nail look. The velvet nail trend is a given during the colder months, but the fuzzy effect can also be great for a simple holiday manicure.
IG: @samrosenails
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Holiday Plaid
Few prints signal that the holidays are here more then tartan plaid. From hair bows to pajamas, the cranberry, green and gold checked pattern is pretty synonymous with Christmas season. Who wouldn't want to bring that same energy to your manicure?
IG: @bycheznails
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Snowflake French Manicure
The French manicure is the ultimate universal design. It works year-round for any season and should be a staple in any manicure lineup. This set pairs the classic style with snowflakes for an aptly wintery look. Whether you're kicking off the holidays or are looking for a low-key seasonal manicure, this Frenchie checks all the boxes.
IG: @apresnailofficial
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Festive Stripes
Simple stripes can go a long way in creating a cool design. If you're new to nail art, try this style, which uses large stripes to create a fun pattern, reminiscent of a candy cane. Then top with tiny bits of holly if you're feeling festive.
IG: @samrosenails
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Champagne Glaze
Incorporating trends into your holiday manicure is a good way to keep them fresh. The glazed donut look never goes out of style and has a festive feel when done with a soft champagne color.
IG: @nailsinc
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Christmas Lights
Nail designs work well for holiday manicures with a barely there shade. The simplicity of a string of lights against completely natural nails, for example, feels festive and not overdone.
IG: @samrosenails
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Under the Mistletoe
'Tis the season to steal a kiss, and with this manicure, you can bring the mistletoe with you wherever you go. Even better? You can customize the design. For example, if you prefer deeper colors, swap out the grass green for a forest-colored polish.
IG: @bycheznails
