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Christmas Nail Art Ideas To Get You Feeling Festive

By Carly Cochrane and Julia Richardson - 2 years ago | Updated
Christmas nails

Halloween has been and gone, chocolate selection boxes have started to swarm the supermarkets and it’s only a matter of minutes until the Coca-Cola advert hits our television screens.

Christmas is well and truly on its way, and whilst decking your house from top to bottom with sparkle can get you in the jolly mood, we prefer to showcase our seasonal spirit with some festive nail art.

That’s right, from December 1st it’s strictly Christmas nails in the Cosmetify grotto. It's standard procedure for us to give you a little inspo, so we've done the rounds and found a bunch of Christmas nail art ideas that make it straight onto the nice list.

1. Frosted fingers

Welcome the wintry weather with open arms (or hands) with this subtle snowflake design. Perfect if you don’t want to go too crazy with the sparkle, this festive take on the popular ombre nail will look wonderful when clasped round a warm mug of hot chocolate.

essie Original Nail Polish Salt Water Happy

essie Original Nail Polish

£9.69
essie High Voltage Nail Polish Collection 812 Feelin Amped

essie High Voltage Nail Polish Collection

£8.81

2. Candi-cure

Simple, elegant yet oh-so festive, this candy cane inspired manicure allows you to channel your inner sweetness. Whether you choose to stick to the red and white colour combo or experiment with other shades, this is a timeless classic that will look fab paired with a chunky knitted jumper.

ORLY Breathable Nail Polish Vitamin Burs

ORLY Breathable Nail Polish

£11.95
ORLY Breathable Nail Polish White Tips

ORLY Breathable Nail Polish

£11.95

3. Tree tips

Bring the baubles and the tinsel to your fingertips with this festive nail design. Intricate yet effortless, this tree manicure is a great option for Christmas nail art beginners. Just grab some glitter, tape and a matte top coat and you’re good to go.

ORLY Breathable Nail Polish Good Karma

ORLY Breathable Nail Polish

£11.95

4. Santa nail art

If this doesn’t scream Christmas spirit then we’re not sure what does. This incredible Santa Claws manicure is a winner if you’re looking to spread festive cheer. And if you're feeling really Christmassy, you could even throw a couple of cute Santa hats into the mix.

essie Gel Couture Scarlet Scarlet

essie Gel Couture

£13.23

5. Make it rein

Arguably, one of our favourite Christmas nail art ideas for 2023, we couldn't possibly flaunt a Santa-inspired manicure without following it up with his beloved reindeer crew. Whether you want to showcase Rudolph or go all out with the entire sleigh, this is a seriously cute nail art idea that will spread seasonal spirit in an instant.

Mavala Nail Colour Arosa

Mavala Nail Colour

£6.40
Mavala Nail Colour London

Mavala Nail Colour

£6.40
Nails Inc Keep It Tonal Nail Polish Set 14ml

Nails Inc Keep It Tonal Nail Polish Set

£22.00

6. Snowman-icure

If you can't possibly stray from a simple lick of paint then you're going to want to cast your eyes over this design. Pretty polka dots are combined with Jack Frost to bring you a super-festive manicure.

Mavala Nail Colour 49-White

Mavala Nail Colour

£6.40

7. When in doubt, wear an ugly sweater

Who would have thought that an ugly Christmas jumper could look so good. This fair isle print is the perfect go-to if you're looking to slowly introduce your fingertips to festive nail art. All it takes is a lick of jumper-coloured paint and a pack of stencils and you're good to go.

Mavala Nail Colour Izmir

Mavala Nail Colour

£6.40
essie Core Nail Polish Keep You Posted Collection 770 No Place Like Stockholm

essie Core Nail Polish Keep You Posted Collection

£4.54 £8.29 (46% off)

8. Ginger nails

Candy canes aren’t the only sweet treat this season. Show your appreciation for Christmas baking by giving your nails a gingerbread makeover. Time and precision is needed with this one but it’ll all be worth it in the end.

Jessica Custom Nail Colour Alotta Colada

Jessica Custom Nail Colour

£8.26 £13.00 (37% off)
Jessica Custom Nail Colour Simply Sexy

Jessica Custom Nail Colour

£7.01 £13.00 (47% off)

9. Twinkle talons

Twinkle lights are a must at Christmas time and not just on the tree. Test your nail art skills and create this intricate design using a range of bold colours on a white base coat. This is a sweet and joyful way to show your festive spirit, and you can even add a few gems if you're feeling fancy!

Jessica Custom Nail Colour The Proposal

Jessica Custom Nail Colour

£8.26 £13.00 (37% off)

10. Twinkle, twinkle: Glittery Christmas nails

This is the ultimate look for the Scrooges out there this year. If Christmas isn’t your favourite but you'd still like to get involved with the nail art, then give this minimal glitter design a try. It’s sparkly and festive without being too ‘in your face’.

Jessica Effects The Touch 2007 Star Spangles

Jessica Effects The Touch

£15.36

11. Tinsel time

The timeless classic decoration may look somewhat tacky anywhere else, but dazzle them at the NYE celebrations this year with ultra-glam, sophisticated nails that shine like tinsel with these fairy-dust inspired fingertips. This look is paired perfectly with a champagne flute at midnight!

Jessica Custom Nail Colour Platinum Gal

Jessica Custom Nail Colour

£8.26 £13.00 (37% off)

12. Don't be a Grinch

After this year you may be feeling more unfestive than ever, but remember there's always a light at the end of every tunnel. So what better way than to brighten up your Christmas with this playful, grinch-worthy and festive design. They're practically the nails that stole Christmas.

Jessica Custom Nail Colour Love You Very Matcha

Jessica Custom Nail Colour

£8.26 £13.00 (37% off)
ORLY Breathable Nail Polish Detox My Soc

ORLY Breathable Nail Polish

£11.95

13. Mrs Claws

If the out-there, festive designs are too much for you, then why not embrace this low-key, glittery top-coat glazed look. Mrs. Claus herself would agree that when it comes to class, this design gives her just the right amount of pizazz at her fingertips, without being too over-the-top.

ORLY Breathable Nail Polish Love My Nails

ORLY Breathable Nail Polish

£11.95
MAC Glitter Reflects Pearl

MAC Glitter Reflects

£16.50


So, that's a wrap. Christmas is the perfect excuse to get creative and these nail designs are a great way to kick start the festivities - you'll be surprised what you can fit on the end of your fingertips. Or give the gift of nail happiness with one of our nail varnish gift sets or Christmas gifts for her!

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Carly Cochrane

Written by Carly Cochrane

As the Senior Content Editor for Cosmetify, Carly is the go-to for all the latest (and greatest) beauty tips, tricks and trends. With over six years of experience in the industry, she knows all the ins-and-outs when it comes to health, beauty and wellbeing. 

Julia Richardson

Written by Julia Richardson

With a passion for all things beauty and makeup, along with a degree in creative writing, Julia is a great source of knowledge about the latest must-have products.

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