27 Festive Christmas Nail Ideas and Inspiration to Try in 2023 (2024)

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Christmastime is here and that means it’s time to start wrapping presents and busting out your ugly Christmas sweaters. There is no better way to accessorize than with some festive Christmas nail ideas for 2023.

There are so many designs you can do to celebrate capitalism’s favorite holiday, so we made it easier by narrowing down some options for you. Whether you like gingerbread men or copious amounts of red glitter, we have options for all styles.

Don’t like either? Maybe you’re due for a visit from three ghosts. They might put you back on the right track.
27 Festive Christmas Nail Ideas and Inspiration to Try in 2023 (1)

27 Christmas Nail Designs 2023

1. Xmas Sweater Nails

These are much less itchy than the matching ones your grandma bought you when you were a kid. Who says Christmas sweaters have to be ugly?

2. Gingerbread Man Nails

Run, run, as fast as you can to the nail salon for this fun nail design. Just keep an eye on the gingerbread man. If he gets away, he’s pretty hard to catch.

3. Glitter Dust Nails

Show off with some blingy glitter dust nails. This classy design is perfect for showing off how well you’re doing when you run into your high school ex at your hometown bar. Perhaps we’ve watched too many Hallmark movies this year.

4. Red Christmas Nails

This nail design could easily be mistaken for gift wrapping. If we had a present for every finger, then that’s a pretty good Christmas haul.

5. Gift Wrapped Nails

This bow probably won’t require someone to hold their finger in the middle to make sure it’s tight. It’ll just smudge.

6. Gold Metallic Accent Nails

This minimalist nail design does the most and the least at the same time. It’s like us at our parent’s house for a week.

7. Reflective Glitter Nails

Use the flash on this design to get the glitter to really shine. Like the camera flash. It won’t work by opening a trench coat.

8. Rose Gold Reindeer Nails

We can’t forget Santa’s favorite, Rosie the Rose Gold Nosed Reindeer. She is allowed in the reindeer games. Hey, we have to make up for the wage gap somewhere.

9. Red Snowflake Accent Nails

Now this is a nail design Mr. Claus himself would sleigh in. It would never clash with his outfit.

10. Mistletoe Nails

Hold up your thumb wherever you go to secure those Christmas kisses. With consent of course.

11. Festive Green French Tip Nails

This simple design is perfect for those who want to be Christmas-y but in a way where you might need a magnifying glass to see it.

12. Garland Nails

Garland just about looks good anywhere. Over fireplaces, down staircases. It even looks good on nails.

13. Red Snowflake Nails

Get yourself a set of nails as long as your Christmas wish list. Ours is pretty short, though: world peace–and a Dyson air wrap.

14. Candy Cane Nails

The only thing that would make this nail design better would be if it was made with actual candy canes. Cute nails and a snack.

15. Festive Jewel Nails

It’s definitely a jolly holiday when your nails are bedazzled. The problem is, once we bedazzle one thing, the next thing we know everything is bedazzled. Our dogs better watch out.

16. Chrome Christmas Tree Nails

The star on top of these Christmas trees really makes the design in this chrome nail look. Choose any type of tree you’d like. We’re gonna go with Douglas Fir this year.

17. Tree Accent Nails

Change up the accent to be anything Christmas-related. Gingerbread house, stockings, gremlins. We mean anything.

18. Neon Christmas Nails

Who says Christmas can’t be neon? And if they do say it, they’re just being a Grinch. Nothing a little holiday spirit and eggnog can’t fix.

19. Red Gem Nails

A subtle red gem nail design reminds us of gumdrop buttons. Not the gumdrop buttons!

20. Christmas French Tip Nails

This French tip nail design has all the classic colors of Christmas: red, green, gold, and silver. Bonus: these also double as Taylor Swift eras nails.

21. Beige Fantasy Nails

The textured snowflake tips give us sweater vibes. What, your hands don’t get cold?

22. Rose Gold Ornament Nails

We love an accent nail, but we love two accent nails even more. Three accent nails might be going a little overboard. Four is back to okay, because then it’s technically one. Now we’re confused.

23. Ornament Gem Nails

One would think you wouldn’t have to worry about breaking these when you fall, but you still do. Nail glue just isn’t as good as Krazy Glue.

24. Abstract Christmas Nails

If we squint hard enough, it looks like a Christmas tree. Who wouldn’t want nail art that can also be hung up in MOMA?

25. Ribbon Nails

A good manicure is the greatest gift of all. Well besides a puppy. And maybe an all-expenses paid trip to Disney World, while we’re asking for things.

26. Candy Stripe Nails

These candy stripe nails look good enough to eat. Or put on a toothbrush.

27. Vintage Bauble Nails

We love a classic Christmas ornament, but we have to ask, what counts as vintage to Gen Z? 1992?

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Katie Schindelheim

Katie Schindelheim is a contributing writer for Darcy, where she covers nail designs, seasonal trends and topics, fancy co*cktails, and everything else you need to know about the best alcohol out there. She is also an actress, writer, and stand-up comedian who's appeared onstage at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles, Caroline's on Broadway in New York, and many other venues.

Katie is a fierce competitorwhen it comes to trivia and can often be found at bar trivia/pub quiz nights around L.A. She hates losing. Just ask her ex-teammates and ex-friends.

Follow Katie on Instagram and Twitter.

Latest posts by Katie Schindelheim (see all)

  • Razzle And Dazzle Into 2024 With These New Year’s Nail Designs - December 13, 2023
  • These Cute Christmas Nails For 2023 Are Even More Adorable Than Rudolph - November 29, 2023
  • Just 27 Amazing Christmas Nail Ideas To Inspire Your 2023 Holiday Manicure - November 22, 2023
27 Festive Christmas Nail Ideas and Inspiration to Try in 2023 (2024)

FAQs

What color are the nails for Christmas 2023? ›

Jewel Gel Polish Colours

Jewel-toned gel polishes are definitely at the top of the list for Christmas 2023. Think emerald green, deep sapphire blue and ruby red polish.

What color should I get my nails done for Christmas? ›

We typically associate green and reds with Christmas. Metallics, glitters, and shimmers in silver, gold, red, and more are also great—all these shades convey a cheerful and celebratory mood."

How should I do my nails for Christmas? ›

Especially during the holidays, you can never go wrong with an icy French manicure. These subtle designs always top the list of Christmas nail ideas, no matter where you look.

What is the story of the Christmas nail? ›

The Christmas Nail Story

The Christmas tree foreshadows the Christ-tree which only He could decorate for us, ornamented with nails as this. The nail reminds us each time we look at the tree that it was a tree upon which Christ was born to die. His death was the reason for being born to this earth.

What is the number one nail color for 2023? ›

One of 2023's biggest trends has been a version of classic ivory nails, known as pearl nails, which calls for a coat of pearlescent chrome on top of a traditional white nail color such as OPI Funny Bunny.

Are glitter nails in for 2023? ›

Nail Accents

From rhinestones to glitter to playing with matte and gloss topcoats, textured accents will continue to be popular in 2023, with an emphasis on playful designs.

How long before Christmas should I get my nails done? ›

And even if your party's been and gone, most of us will have catch-ups planned in with friends and family in the week or so before Christmas. “By getting your nails done on 14 December, they'll be fresh for Christmas shopping, festive days out and also the big day itself.

What color is best for holiday nails? ›

What nail colour should I wear on holiday? Neon gel polish is a classic if you're going on a beach holiday, but if you prefer a more subdued look, pastel shades are perfect for a relaxing vacation.

What are elegant nails for holidays? ›

Holiday nails can range anywhere from chic candy-cane swirls to Santa-hat nail-art designs, ombré polish with mistletoe, and even subtle snowflake nails. No matter where you decide to take it, there's an option for you. If you want to keep it classy, graphic lines and glitter finishes are the way to go.

What is the best nail color for Christmas? ›

You can't go wrong with a Christmas tree-green – it's a shade that flatters all skin tones. Try Manicurist's Nail Polish in Emerald, £14, a rich leafy green.

How many nails held Jesus? ›

The exact number of the Holy Nails has been a matter of speculation for centuries. The general modern understanding in the Catholic Church is that Christ was crucified with four nails, but three are sometimes depicted as a symbolic reference to the Holy Trinity.

What does the three nails Jesus represent? ›

The first nail symbolizes the forgiveness of sins, the second nail represents the reconciliation between God and humanity, and the third nail signifies the restoration of the broken relationship between humankind and the divine. The imagery of "Three Nails and a Cross" also embodies the triumph of good over evil.

What are the red nails trending in 2023? ›

In 2023, red manicure is in fashion, which means that it's time to show yourself. Gel polish of this color looks solid, expensive, sexy and very attractive.

What is the blue nail trend in 2023? ›

Dubbed the blueberry milk nail, this trending nails 2023 look consists of a powdery or creamy sheer blue shade that is applied over either a white, pearlescent, or beige base.

What color nails for Easter 2023? ›

According to manicurist and Nailing Hollywood CEO Mazz Hanna, colors like powder blue, pale orange, pastel yellow, mint green, baby pink, and lavender are your best bet for a beautiful Easter manicure. To create a blue-based Easter nail look, Hanna suggests reaching for Dazzle Dry's Lotion, Please!

What is the color of the year for nails? ›

color of the year 2024: peach fuzz.

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