12 Subtle & Sophisticated Festive Nail Art Ideas (& No Rudolph In Sight)

Party season has officially landed, which means there’s no excuse needed to take a more-is-more approach to outfits, makeup and, of course, nail art. If you want to avoid all things twee when it comes to your manicure (think cutesy reindeers and sentimental snowmen), then look no further. 

From decadent chrome finishes to high-shine glass nails, 2024 has seen so many incredible nail trends emerging, but it’s the understated designs that have caught our eye ahead of the holidays.

Ahead, find 12 sophisticated festive nail art ideas that you’ll love wearing all season long.

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.

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.

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. Use Lottie London Nail Gems, £5.95, to add some sparkle to your at-home manicures.

Cherry red French tips and the cutest bow design has 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, £18, is the perfect pillar-box red for the festive season.

Keen to stick to classic white French tips? Take further inspiration from nail artist Victoria on Instagram, who has adorned hers with dainty red bows.

Call it the Wicked effect, but green nails are going to be one of the most popular manicure shades for winter 2024, and this Christmas tree-inspired look by Pearlie Pressed is one of our favourite takes on the colour palette. The alpine green feels fresh and vibrant while the minimalist Christmas tree outline offers the most subtle nod to the holiday ahead.

Plaid nails are emerging as a huge trend for winter 2024 and they work so well for the festive season because you can really play with the colour combinations and size of the checks. Samantha’s traditional take uses red and green to create a classic holiday manicure. 

Colourblock 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 Mavala Nail Colour in Copenhagen, £6.40, as a wearable forest green shade.

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

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 Colour in 111 Ballerina, £29, for the most sophisticated base coat?

Snowflake nail art often runs the risk of appearing cutesy but Simu adds just a couple of dainty designs to a pearlescent manicure with frosty tips. Sally Hansen’s Insta Dri Nail Polish in Chromatica, £4.99, will help you recreate that pearly finish at home.

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. Try Manucurist Nail Polish in Gold Sand, £14, for the same expensive-looking metallic finish.

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 space design.