15 Fun and Festive Nail Art Ideas for Holidays

Holidays are the perfect time to get a little more creative with your style, and your nails are no exception!

Whether you’re preparing for a cozy Christmas gathering, ringing in the New Year with friends, or celebrating any special occasion, festive nail art can be a fun way to add a personal touch to your look.

I’ve always loved experimenting with nail art during the holidays. It’s a simple yet satisfying way to get into the spirit of the season, and you don’t need to be a professional nail artist to create beautiful designs.

Over the years, I’ve picked up a handful of ideas that are easy to do at home, and today, I’m sharing 15 fun and festive nail art ideas to inspire your holiday look.

From glittery snowflakes to elegant holiday wreaths, there’s something for everyone!

15 Fun and Festive Nail Art Ideas

1. Classic Red and Green Christmas Nails

When you think of Christmas, what comes to mind? For me, it’s the classic combination of red and green. These colors are timeless and immediately set the holiday tone.

How to Create the Look:

• Start with a base of vibrant red or deep green polish.
• Add gold or silver glitter accents for that extra festive sparkle.
• You can even create small dot patterns with a dotting tool or a toothpick to mimic holly leaves or ornaments.

This design is perfect for anyone who loves traditional holiday colors.

2. Snowflake Designs

Nothing says winter like snowflakes! I love snowflake nail art because it’s elegant, versatile, and looks beautiful on all nail lengths.

How to Create the Look:

• Paint your nails with a soft blue or white base.
• Using a fine nail art brush or a nail sticker, paint delicate snowflakes or snowflake patterns. White, silver, or even holographic colors look stunning against a blue or purple background.
• Top off the look with a bit of glitter for that icy effect.

These nails are perfect for those chilly winter months and will have you feeling like you’re in a winter wonderland!

3. Festive Candy Cane Stripes

Candy canes are a holiday staple, and they make for such a fun nail art design. Whether you want to go for classic red and white or add a modern twist with pastel shades, candy cane nails will never go out of style.

How to Create the Look:

• Start with a white base.
• Using a thin striping brush, paint diagonal red (or your favorite holiday color) stripes across the nails.
• Add a glossy top coat to seal the design.

These nails scream Christmas and are perfect for those who love something sweet!

4. Elegant Gold and Silver Glitter Nails

If you’re aiming for a sophisticated, festive look, you can’t go wrong with gold and silver glitter. This design adds just the right amount of sparkle to your holiday ensemble.

How to Create the Look:

• Apply a neutral nude or light pink base coat to your nails.
• Then, layer gold and silver glitter polish onto the tips of your nails, or apply a glitter gradient for a more subtle effect.
• For added elegance, you can place a few rhinestones or pearls along the cuticle for extra shine.

This chic design will make your nails look elegant and festive, perfect for a New Year’s Eve party or any classy holiday event.

5. Christmas Tree Nail Art

I’ve always had a soft spot for Christmas tree designs—they’re cute, festive, and full of holiday spirit. You can go all out or keep it simple with a minimalist design.

How to Create the Look:

• Paint your nails with a solid green base.
• Use a gold or brown polish to create a trunk at the bottom of the nail.
• Then, use a thin brush or dotting tool to add small “branches” with red, yellow, or white dots or tiny decorations.

This is a fun and creative design for Christmas that will surely stand out.

6. Polar Bear Nails

Polar bears are adorable, and I love how this design combines cute and festive elements. These nails are perfect for those who want something playful and cozy.

How to Create the Look:

• Paint your nails with a white base color.
• Using a fine nail art brush, paint the outline of a polar bear face on one or two nails, or simply paint tiny bears using a dotting tool for their eyes and nose.
• Add little snowflakes or ice crystals for a complete winter scene.

These nails are sure to put a smile on your face and get you into the holiday spirit.

7. Reindeer Nails

Reindeer are a classic symbol of Christmas, and reindeer-themed nails are perfect for any holiday occasion. These nails are cute and festive, with just the right touch of holiday magic.

How to Create the Look:

• Start with a light brown or beige base.
• Use a darker brown to paint the reindeer antlers on your nails, and a black polish for the eyes and nose. You can even add a red nose for Rudolph.
• If you want to go all out, add some small gold or silver sequins as “bells” on the antlers.

These nails are playful and fun—perfect for Christmas parties and family gatherings.

8. New Year’s Eve Glitter Bomb

If you’re ready to ring in the New Year with a bang, this glittery design is just what you need. It’s bold, sparkling, and perfect for a New Year’s Eve celebration.

How to Create the Look:

• Start with a black or dark blue base.
• Apply a generous layer of silver or gold glitter, making sure to create a gradient effect from the tips of your nails.
• You can also add rhinestones or metallic gold foil for an extra glamorous touch.

These nails are all about glitz and glamour, making them ideal for your New Year’s party look.

9. Holiday Wreath Nail Art

Holiday wreaths are another festive design that never fails to impress. This design works great for all holiday celebrations, from Christmas to New Year’s.

How to Create the Look:

• Paint your nails with a soft green base color.
• Use a nail art brush to paint a circular wreath shape around the edge of your nails. Add red berries, small pine needles, or even a little bow in the center.
• For added texture, you can use tiny beads or rhinestones to represent the ornaments.

This look is subtle yet festive, perfect for holiday gatherings or office parties.

10. Ugly Sweater Nails

Ugly sweater designs are all the rage during the holidays. Why not translate that fun trend onto your nails?

How to Create the Look:

• Choose a solid base color for your nails, like red, green, or white.
• Using a fine nail art brush, paint simple knit patterns or reindeer heads, snowflakes, and Christmas trees. The designs should be bold and fun, just like an ugly sweater!
• You can even add small “stitching” lines with a thin white or gold polish.

This quirky and playful design will make your nails stand out in the best way possible.

11. Gingerbread Nails

Gingerbread is synonymous with holiday baking, and it makes a delightful design for your nails.

How to Create the Look:

• Start with a brown base to mimic the gingerbread cookie.
• Use white and red polish to create tiny icing details, like buttons or a smile.
• You can also paint a small candy cane or holly for added flair.

These nails are sweet and festive, perfect for those who love the cozy vibe of holiday treats.

12. Festive Plaid Nails

Plaid is a classic holiday print that works great on nails too. The best part? You can easily customize it with different colors to match your personal style.

How to Create the Look:

• Start with a neutral base color.
• Use a nail art brush or striping tape to create the plaid design, alternating between red, green, gold, and other holiday colors.
• Seal the design with a top coat to prevent smudging.

Plaid nails are perfect for those who like a bit of tradition mixed with a modern twist.

13. Sleigh Bells Nail Art

Sleigh bells are a beautiful holiday symbol, and they make for a charming and elegant nail art design.

How to Create the Look:

• Choose a silver or gold base polish.
• Use a small nail brush or dotting tool to paint tiny bells and ribbons on your nails.
• Add a touch of shimmer or glitter to make the bells sparkle.

This design is festive and elegant, ideal for anyone attending a formal holiday event.

14. Frosty the Snowman Nails

If you’re looking for something whimsical, Frosty the Snowman is a fun character to recreate on your nails.

How to Create the Look:

• Start with a white base color for your nails.
• Paint a snowman face using black and orange polish for the eyes, mouth, and nose.
• Add tiny details like a scarf, buttons, and a carrot nose for extra charm.

These nails are playful and perfect for a family holiday celebration.

15. Christmas Lights Nail Art

Christmas lights are an iconic symbol of the season, and they make for a vibrant and fun nail design.

How to Create the Look:

• Paint your nails with a dark background color.
• Use a dotting tool to create colorful “lights” along the nails, mimicking the string of lights you see on Christmas trees.
• Top off the design with a glossy topcoat.

This is a fun and colorful way to add a little extra cheer to your nails this holiday season.

FAQs

1. Can I do holiday nail art without special tools? Yes! Many designs can be created with just basic nail polish, a toothpick, or a dotting tool. Nail stickers and tape can also help create clean lines and designs.
2. How long does holiday nail art last? Holiday nail art can last anywhere from a few days to a week, depending on the type of polish and topcoat used. Be sure to apply a long-lasting topcoat for better durability.
3. Can I add rhinestones or glitter to my nails? Absolutely! Rhinestones and glitter are great for adding extra sparkle to your holiday nail art. Just make sure to secure them with a clear topcoat.
4. Do I need to visit a salon for these designs? Not at all! Most of these designs can be done at home with a steady hand and the right tools. You can even find tutorials online if you’re unsure.
5. How do I remove nail art with glitter? Use a nail polish remover with acetone to gently remove glitter. Wrap your nails with a cotton pad soaked in remover for a few minutes to make the removal easier.
6. Can I do festive nails for New Year’s Eve? Yes! Many of the designs listed above, like the glitter bomb nails or the elegant gold and silver designs, are perfect for ringing in the New Year with style.

Conclusion

Holiday nail art is a fun and creative way to express your festive spirit. Whether you’re keeping it simple with classic colors or going all out with intricate designs, there’s a holiday nail look for everyone.

I hope this list of 15 fun and festive nail art ideas inspires you to try something new this season.

Don’t forget to add a bit of glitter, rhinestones, or charm to your nails you deserve to feel fabulous! Happy holidays, and may your nails shine bright all season long!