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May the Ray

A lifestyle blog for the dream chasers

Beauty, Nails · November 30, 2020

28 Gorgeous Must Try Festive Nail Ideas

6.9K shares

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my privacy policy for more.

This post giving you the best inspiration for festive nail ideas, so that you can glide into the holiday season in style.

The holiday season is the perfect excuse to take your manicures to a whole new level. There’s something so satisfying about freshly manicured nails that makes you feel ready to take on the world, and with festive nail art, you’re not just embracing a style—you’re expressing the magic of the season.

From classic reds and greens to whimsical blues and soft, snowy nudes, the options are endless. Get ready to find inspiration in this roundup of holiday nail ideas that’ll have you gliding into every celebration with stunning, festive fingertips.


At-Home Essentials for Nail Care

If a trip to the nail salon isn’t in your plans, a DIY holiday manicure is easier than ever with these must-have tools and treatments:

  • 18-Piece Nail Care Kit: A well-rounded kit with everything you need for a professional manicure at home.
  • Nail Hardening and Growth Treatment: Perfect for strengthening nails and encouraging healthy growth before painting.
  • Base Coat/Primer: Prepares the nail surface for polish and improves color longevity.
  • Fast-Drying Top Coat: Seals your design and adds a glossy finish.
  • Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil: Keeps nails and cuticles healthy and hydrated.

28 Festive nail IDEAS for the holiday SEASON That You Have to Try!

1. Red Wintry Nails

red nails with snow flake nail art
Image credit: @adriannawysocka

Rich, wintry reds are always a classic. This look combines holiday charm with a bit of sophistication. A glossy or matte finish with subtle snowflake or holly accents brings a tasteful, wintry feel.

2. Dark Fall/Festive Nails

black nails with gold glitter nail art
Image credit: @magpie_beauty

For those who love a non-traditional holiday color palette, dark burgundy and chocolate brown tones are moody yet festive. Paired with gold glitter accents, they’re perfect for a low-key holiday vibe.

3. Nude Winter Dream Nails

nude nails with snow flake nail art
Image credit: @ujvary_aneta

These soft, nude nails with wintery touches (think snowflakes or frosty glitter) are elegant and understated. Perfect for anyone looking for a timeless, sophisticated look this season.

4. Starry Blue Winter Nails

blue christmas nails
Image credit: @adriannawysocka

Dark blue nails with starry details or metallic snowflakes are ideal for creating that cozy, midnight winter sky vibe. A touch of shimmer makes these nails feel magical!

5. Burgundy Festive Nails

burgundy nails
Image credit: @emily_nailstagram

Burgundy brings a rich, sultry feel to holiday nails. A deep burgundy base with gold or white accents gives a chic nod to the holidays without going too over the top.

6. Fantastical Winter Nails

christmas nails
Image credit: @ujvary_aneta

Dreamy, fairy-tale winter nails featuring intricate snowflakes, glittery gems are a beautiful choice. This look brings out the enchanting side of the season!

7. Gold Christmas-Inspired Nails

white nails with gold flakes and snow flakes art
Image credit: @barbrafeszyn

Gold on white nails are pure holiday glam. Whether you opt for metallic stripes or delicate gold snowflakes, this look is timelessly chic.

8. Feminine Christmas-Inspired Nails

white and pink nails with flowers art
Image credit: @ricekittynails

Soft pinks and nudes with festive floral or glitter accents are perfect for a delicate holiday look. These are ideal if you’re looking for something feminine yet festive.

9. Green Christmas Nails

green christmas nails
Image credit: @_mejzi

There’s no better time to go green! Festive greens paired with white snowflakes or glitter accents bring out the classic Christmas feel in the most beautiful way.

10. Grey Plaid Winter Dream Nails

gray Christmas nails
Image credit: @_mejzi

A trendy plaid design in muted greys with delicate white snowflake details—perfect if you want a cozy, wintry look without going full-on Christmas.

11. Short Fall/Winter Nails

short nude nails with leaf art
Image credit: @feliciadeebeauty

Short nails can be festive too! Earthy browns with tiny leaf designs bring the season’s vibe.

12. Red Holiday Inspired Nails

red christmas nails
image credit: @nailsby_jukus

A mix of rich reds and dark blues with tiny holiday details, these nails practically shout “Merry Christmas!”

13. Nude Snowflake Nails

nude nails with snow flakes art
Image credit: @katiealice_nail_design

For a timeless, winter-inspired look, these nude nails with delicate snowflake details are simply perfect. Understated but festive, they’re ideal for anyone seeking elegance this season.

14. Ocean Blue and Nude Festive Nails

pink and blue nails
Image credit: @beaunailss

Not overtly festive, but the combination of nude with hints of ocean blue and gold accents gives this style a magical, wintery feel that’s both stylish and seasonal.

15. Black/Chrome Winter Nails

silver and black winter nails
Image credit: @nailsby_jukus

Ready for something bold? These black nails with chrome snowflake details offer a unique alternative to traditional red and green. Edgy yet festive, they’re perfect for standing out.

16. Fall Aesthetic Festive Nails

terracotta nails with gold flakes
Image credit: @nailsbylily

Still in love with fall? These brown nails with gold accents transition seamlessly into the holiday season. The warm tones capture both the cozy feel of fall and the festivity of winter.

17. Purple Winter Nails

purple winter nails
Image credit: @mightbesun

These purple snowflake nails are whimsical and absolutely stunning, serving all the winter vibes in a beautifully unexpected color.

18. Red and Blue Christmasy Nails

red and black nails with christmas nail art
Image credit: @nails.byliz

These nails scream Christmas with a mix of red, deep blue, and delicate holiday floral accents. Perfect for anyone ready to embrace the holiday season in full force!

19. Pastel Wintry Nails

winter nails
Image credit: @nailsbyrosie_

Understated but far from boring, these pastel winter nails are subtle and chic, with just enough winter essence to keep things festive.

20. Black, White, and Gold Christmasy Nails

white, gold and black christmas nails
Image credit: @triplensalon

This black, white, and gold combination is a stylish twist on holiday colors. The design strikes a balance between holiday cheer and elegance.

21. White and Blue Accent Nails

white and blue winter nails
Image credit: @sylwia_nailss

The closer you look, the more mesmerizing these nails become. With blue and white accents, this color combo feels wintry and fresh—perfect for the season.

22. Blue and Silver Holiday Inspired Nails

blue and silver christmas nails
Image credit: @porlan_nails

Blue and silver are a match made in holiday heaven. These nails, with their intricate silver details, bring winter magic to your fingertips.

23. Emerald Christmas Nails

christmas nails of green and gold
Image credit: @nailsbykirstenchanel

Deep emerald green with subtle accents captures the richness of Christmas in a bold and elegant way. A must-try for those feeling the holiday spirit.

24. Pink Winter Nails

pink winter nails
Image credit: @monika_nails

Soft pink with a wintry twist—these nails are feminine and sweet, perfect if you want a delicate holiday look.

25. Red, Black, and White Christmas Nails

red and black christmas nails
Image credit: @majamarkowicz

With red, black, and white details, these nails have that little holiday-inspired pop without being overly festive. Simple yet eye-catching.

26. Mistletoe French Tip Nails

french tip nails for christmas
Image credit: @thegelshack

Classic French tips meet holiday magic with tiny mistletoe accents. This look is perfect for anyone wanting a festive twist on a timeless style.

27. Black Winter Inspired Nails

black nails for winter and christmas
Image credit: @sylwia_nailss

Sleek and chic, these black nails with festive accents are perfect for black nail lovers who want to add a touch of holiday flair.

28. Simple Green Nails

green glitter nails
Image credit: @nailssbykate

Sometimes, simple is stunning. These green nails are a testament to that, proving that even a minimalist look can capture the spirit of the season.


Thank you for checking out this collection of festive nail designs! I hope you found the perfect inspiration to add a little holiday cheer to your next manicure. Whether you go bold, bright, or minimal, let your nails be a celebration of the season!

Posted By: ngozamay · In: Beauty, Nails

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About Me

May is a twenty-something year old lifestyle blogger who likes travel, food and spends inordinate amounts of time reading. Her life motto is "try everything at least once!" Read More…

Comments

  1. Faith says

    November 17, 2024 at

    These nails are such beautiful & unique works of art, especially the black and greens.
    Your overall blog is beautiful

    Reply

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Hi there! I'm May and welcome to May the Ray, a young adult lifestyle blog where I share tips about lifestyle, food, fashion (+ so much more!), and where I try to inspire people to live life to the fullest!

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