18 Christmas nail designs for the ultimate festive mani
It’s Christmaaaas! And at Get The Gloss we like our nails to reflect this. Check out our favourite festive mani designs to take to your next salon appointment
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Are you stretching out your current manicure so you can time it just right to get that perfect Christmas nail design? Us too. And we’ve hunted out this year’s best festive styles so you can take screengrabs to the salon – or even have a go at home if you’re a dab hand with nail art and stickers.
18 Christmas nail designs for 2025
1. Candy cane wrapping
Combining candy cane stripes using burgundy instead of bright red (a little more chic, we think) with some festive bows – this is everything we love about a festive nail design and more. Bravo @polishedbydonna
2. Garland tips
Book in for your regular French tips with a side of Christmassy holly and berries. These were created by @_by_shelley_ and are a lovely way to bring some festive cheer to your nails without having to forgo your normal look.
3. Ruby slipper nails
If all things Wizard Of Oz is now your reference point for most things, then you will love these deep glittery red nails which are a dead ringer for Dorothy’s ruby slippers. Painted by Glasgow-based nail technician @monmayernails, they’re perfect for party season, they go with everything (including a yellow brick road).
4. A moment of sparkle
If you fancy adding just a bit of festive spirit to your nails, but don’t want anything too full-on Christmas, then this chic and subtle design incorporating a hint of starry sparkle and shine is just the thing. If you’re near Rugby, book in with @beautybyjas
5. Brave new world nails
If reds and greens, tinsel and candy canes are not your vibe then how about something entirely different? We love these stylish dark blue and gold nails that somehow feel extremely festive, but aren’t too obvious either. Skillfully created by @monmayernails again.
6. Holly and the ivy
Classic and fun, we love this set created by @emilia_rose_beauty – you don’t need super long nails to carry them off either.
7. Metallic snowflakes
We’re a sucker for the simplicity here (even though they take an expert touch to create): gorgeous metallic snowflake shapes atop a clean natural base. Nice work @thegelstudio_
8. Christmas light delights
You may not have thought about twinkly lights for your Christmas nail design this year but @emilia_rose_beauty shows how to make them look stylish.
9. Candy canes
Is there a better colour combination for Christmas nails than red and white? This glittery candy cane-inspired set was created by @thenailologist
10. Gift-wrapped
Take inspiration from present wrapping and this season’s hottest festive accessory – the bow – with this dreamy set created by @nails.by.pk
11. Sugar and spice
How clever is Bridgend-based @gsbeautybase who created this ultra pretty look? In the mix, you have a heart-shaped Christmas pud, a dapper gingerbread man, a pink Christmas tree and gift-wrapping designs.
12. Festive dots
Another design that seems so simple but is super effective. If you have a steady hand then this could be one that you recreate at home, however, @beautique_kent has done the most fabulous job.
13. Bright Christmas
How sweet are these? @i.katie.ru created them for @eleanorbowmer. They’ll definitely be a talking point over Christmas lunch – but get a pro to do them.
14. Berries and garlands
Bring the festive outdoors to your nails as per this design by @basecoatstories
15. Touch of silver
If you like simple touches but still want to nod to Christmas then this is for you. @thenailroombygee has painted on molten silver motifs atop a soft pink base.
16. Wrapped in ribbon
There’s something incredibly soothing about following the trail of ribbon across this gorgeous set of nails created by @nailsbyashlyn
17. Green fingers
Combining Christmas tree green with a hint of sparkle, these gorgeous nails, created by @inspire_nail_studio, work on both long and short nails of any shape.
18. Golden girl
If you like to keep things more simple then why not just add a peppering of glittering gold to your nails, just like this design by @nails.by.iz_. The great thing is they will see you through to 2026 too.
