We’re all for a bold holiday nail look, but sometimes, simple is just as stunning. There are plenty of days when you need something quick and easy. Whether it’s festive French tips, delicate snowflake stickers, candy cane stripes, or glittery finishes, you can achieve a gorgeous holiday manicure without needing professional help—or even stepping into a salon.
Check out 17 easy holiday nail ideas that you can DIY for all your festive celebrations.
1. Red and Green Color Block
A minimalist design that makes a big statement! Start by painting the left side of each nail with an evergreen polish. Then, on the right side, add a glittery hue. Use a thin nail art brush to divide the two with a sliver of festive red from cuticle to tip.
2. Christmas Skittle Nails
A playful take on the classic skittle manicure! For an extra holiday touch, alternate colors, finishes, and textures like sparkles, cat-eye effects, and foil glitter for a fun mix of festive trends.
3. Bejeweled Milky Mani
This magical milky mani is surprisingly easy to recreate. Apply a sheer nude base and finish with a clear glossy topcoat. Then, glue colorful gems to each nail for an elegant yet simple design.
4. Christmas Star Nails
A minimalist holiday look with a touch of glam. Start with a milky white base, then use a dotting tool and nail art brush to add tiny metallic gold stars. If you're looking for something even simpler, use a gold chrome nail sticker for the same effect.
5. Dual Finish French Tips
Switch up the classic French manicure with a dual-finish look. Use matte satin polish as the base and finish with metallic tips for a chic, unexpected holiday vibe.
6. Chocolate Skittle Shimmer Nails
Chocolate brown nails are a hot trend, and for the holidays, add a bit of shimmer. Choose a velvet or shimmery brown polish, or if you only have satin finishes, top it off with a fine shimmery coat for an added effect.
7. Dainty Gold Bow
Bow nails are a holiday favorite! Paint each nail with your go-to red polish, and then add little gold bow stickers. Seal the design with a glossy top coat to keep the stickers from peeling off.
8. Frosted Ice
Magnetic velvet polish in a dreamy blue hue creates the illusion of French tips—perfect for a winter wonderland vibe. Add some magnetic polish manipulation for a unique twist on the classic.
9. Holly Jolly Red Nails
Shimmery red nails are a holiday classic. To take it up a notch, use a nail art brush to create snowdrift-inspired swirls or Art Deco-esque accents to make your nails stand out.
10. Frosted Pine Nails
A simple yet elevated monochromatic set, thanks to matte metallics. The pale green polish channels frosty days and the look of snow-covered pines.
11. Metallic Candy Cane French Tips
If you love an ultra-themed holiday look, metallic silver French tips are a great starting point. Then, use a nail art brush to add diagonal red lines for a candy-cane-inspired design.
12. Navy Snowflake Nails
For a non-traditional holiday manicure, navy blue and white snowflakes are the perfect combo. Whether you cover your entire set with snowflakes or use them as accents, it's a simple yet professional-looking design. All you need is a dotting tool and some patience.
13. Red, White, and Gold French Tips
Add a fresh twist to the classic candy cane manicure by alternating red and white French tips. To elevate the design, add gold borders around each nail for some festive sparkle.
14. Ruby Red Present Manicure
Inspired by perfectly wrapped gifts, this ruby red French manicure is all about the details. With a combination of solid red, 3D pearls, and tiny bow accents, this set screams holiday cheer.
15. Shimmery Green French Tips
Go beyond traditional red and try shimmering green for a bold holiday manicure. The green polish adds a festive touch, while the length of almond nails makes it perfect for showing off this beautiful color.
16. Sparkly Mix-n-Match Mani
Silver and white designs create a festive vibe that works from Christmas through New Year’s. A mix of French tips, starbursts, and swirls gives you the perfect combination of easy-to-do designs with just the right amount of seasonal sparkle.
17. Shimmery Red Nails
When in doubt, go for shimmery red nails! It's simple but elegant, and the shimmer adds just the right touch of holiday magic. Don't forget to touch up the edges with a bit of polish remover to perfect the look.
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