19 Sophisticated Christmas Nail Art Trends (& No Rudolph In Sight)

It’s official. Party season here and with it comes a plethora of excuses to embrace a more maximalist approach to everything from your wardrobe to your makeup. It’s nail art that really comes into its own at this time of year, though. Whether you’ve got an office Christmas party or a cosy evening at the pub with friends, there’s no excuse needed to embrace a riot of glittering metallics, sparkles or a rainbow of jewel tones on your next manicure. 

Whether you’re into extravagant nail art or you’re looking for a more understated nod to the season ahead, we’ve rounded up some of the best festive nail art ideas to inspire your party manicure. Plus, we caught up with celebrity nail artist Kim Truong (aka KimKim nails), who has painted the nails of everyone from Kim Kardashian to Dua Lipa, to find out which festive nail looks she predicts will be popular in the coming weeks. 

Between glass nails and velvet textures, aka cat-eye nails, there’s no doubt that manicures with a holographic glow are going to dominate this party season. Marnie’s combination of silver cat-eye tips and metallic stars is pretty and understated.

From the milky pink base to the painterly mistletoe designs that peek in at the edges of the nails, Julita’s Christmas nail design is equal parts subtle and chic. As it’s a special time of year, why not try Chanel Le Vernis Nail Color in 111 Ballerina, for the most sophisticated base coat?

There are a few details going on in Jasmin’s holiday manicure but the overall effect is surprisingly subtle. The secret? Pairing the block colour nails and the alternative French tips with a negative spacchre design.

If minimalist nail art is more your thing, then Wendy’s pared-back take on festive nails will certainly appeal. There’s still glitz in the form of 3D pearls and golden rhinestones, and the petite dots of colour really pop against a sheer, milky base colour.

If you like a more understated approach to nail art then a metallic French manicure is a great festive option, like these nails by Alexandra Teleki. “Silver is a way to step outside your comfort zone and is a great party season colour, reminiscent of the trending chromes we’ve been seeing,” says Truong. Get the look at home with Essie Nail Lacquer in Apres Chic.

Micro French tips in a seasonal colour is a great option if you’re not big on nail art. “For those who like to play it safe, a deep autumnal red is an excellent festive choice because it captures the warmth of the season,” says Truong, like these nails by natural nail artist Corinna Bianca. “It’s a cosy, comfortable colour that remains timeless. I recommend opting for a dark red, something similar to the colour of mulled wine.” OPI Nail Lacquer in Malaga Wine, will help you get the look at home.

Cherry red French tips and the cutest bow design have propelled Vivian Marie Wong’s simple seasonal nail design to the top of our wish list for December. OPI’s Infinite Shine Nail Polish in Big Apple Red, is the perfect pillar-box red for the festive season.

As spectacular as a bauble on the Christmas tree, gems, pearls and crystals will be a huge trend for the festive period. “I think this year will be all about embellishments for the holidays,” agrees Truong. “These are great as they can be applied to your own nails, added to press-ons (like mine with Lottie London), or added in the nail salon too.” Take inspiration from these nails by digital creator Samantha aka @samrosenails on Instagram.

Call it the Wicked effect, but green nails are going to be one of the most popular manicure shades for 2025 and beyond, and this Christmas tree-inspired look by Stacey Machin is one of our favourite takes on the colour palette. The velvety alpine green feels fresh and vibrant, while the minimalist gold stars offer the most subtle nod to the holiday ahead.

This simple but impactful freehand bauble design by nail artist Hang Nguyen is so cute and festive. You can keep the colour palette as kaleidoscopic or as minimal as you like, or stick to the nail art on just one finger and go for a colour-block hue on the rest of your nails. It’s basically a seasonal take on a classic nail art dot.

Rather than an all-over glitter, Truong suggests “opting for a glitter tip to add a little glamour without being too overwhelming.” It’s an easy way to tip your glass to the season’s festivities without having to embrace top-to-toe sparkles. Look to these nails by natural nail artist Nat aka @sgbeauty.ldn on Instagram. If that’s too understated, you might like these deep glitter French tips by Samantha.

Micro French tips are always a good idea and make a particularly great option if you’re not into experimental nail art. This manicure by Nails by Marine uses a bright yellow gold that feels special and looks beautiful when it catches the light.

Whether you’re into multicoloured lights or not, there’s no denying how cute Charlotte Cliff's kitsch and colourful fairy lights look on this almond manicure. The nude base makes everything stand out.

If there’s one nail art look that we’ll be asking for this festive season, it’s this adorable ribbon and bow design by digital creator Melanie Graves. It uses classic holiday colours, but still feels quite minimal thanks to the neutral French manicure base beneath. If you haven’t got the steady hand to recreate something similar at home, nail stickers offer cute micro designs that you can stick over your nail polish of choice.

Colorblock nails always look good, and Kendra J. Nails’ iteration uses two shades — a deep teal and a shimmering cranberry — to play with dimensions for a more abstract approach to a simple manicure. We love OPI Infinite Shine Gel-Like Nail Lacquer in Happily Evergreen After, as a wearable forest green shade.

“As cliché as it is, glitter is always the first thought for a party nail as it adds some sparkle to even the simplest of outfits,” explains Truong. “I think that incorporating some sparkly nail art would be a trendy way to try it this year, particularly with star or sparkle shapes,” like these nails by nail artist and educator Bryony Howell.

If there is ever an excuse to go OTT with your nail art then the festive season is it, and this dazzling combination of shattered silver shards and broken emeralds by Chanel nail artist Betina R Goldstein will certainly turn heads. While the textures and colours are classic party season, the jagged edges and abstract application means it’s a wonderfully edgy take on the festive nail art.

Chrome manicures have been a huge nail art trend for 2023 and lend themselves perfectly to the festive season, too. We love the cool blue shade of this one and the combination of colourful French tips and matching gems by celebrity manicurist Michelle Humphrey.

A double French nail design provides the perfect opportunity to play with colour, and nail artist Lauren proves it’s a great base for a festive manicure by incorporating a candy cane-inspired palette of red, white, and gold.