Cute and Festive Holiday Nail Ideas
With the holiday season right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about how to step up your nail game. Here are 21 short holiday nail ideas to get you in the festive spirit!
1. Christmas Tree Nail Art
Use green nail polish to paint the base of your nails, then use a thin brush or toothpick to add small dots of different colored polish for the ornaments. Finish it off with a small yellow star at the top of each nail for the perfect Christmas tree look.
2. Candy Cane Nails
Paint your nails with a red or white base coat, then use a thin brush to create diagonal stripes in the opposite color for a candy cane effect. Add a touch of glitter for some extra holiday sparkle.
3. Snowflake Nails
Start with a light blue or white base coat, then use a nail stamp or thin brush to carefully add intricate snowflake designs. Top it off with some iridescent glitter for a snowy finish.
4. Santa Hat Nails
Paint your nails with a red base coat, then use white polish to create a triangle at the top of each nail for Santa’s hat. Add a small dot of white at the tip for the fluffy trim, and you’ve got yourself a festive manicure.
5. Reindeer Nails
Start with a neutral base coat, then use a thin brush to create small brown reindeer faces on each nail. Add some small black dots for the eyes and a red dot for the nose, and you’ll have adorable reindeer nails.
6. Ugly Sweater Nails
Use a variety of nail stamping plates or nail stickers to create a different ugly sweater design on each nail. Think snowflakes, reindeer, and other classic holiday motifs for a fun and festive look.
7. Gingerbread Man Nails
Start with a brown base coat, then use a thin brush to create small gingerbread man designs on each nail. Add small white accents for eyes and buttons, and you’ll have cute gingerbread man nails that are perfect for the holidays.
8. Peppermint Swirl Nails
Start with a white base coat, then use a thin brush to create swirls of red and pink for a sweet peppermint design. Add a touch of glitter for some extra sparkle, and you’ll have striking peppermint swirl nails.
9. Nutcracker Nails
Use a variety of bright colors to create intricate nutcracker designs on each nail. Think soldier uniforms, curly mustaches, and bold patterns for a nail look that’s both festive and eye-catching.
10. Holiday Lights Nails
Start with a black base coat, then use a thin brush to create colorful string lights on each nail. Add small dots of different colored polish for the light bulbs, and you’ll have playful holiday lights nails.
11. Mistletoe Nails
Start with a light green base coat, then use a thin brush to create small mistletoe designs on each nail. Add small white accents for the berries, and you’ll have nails that are perfect for stealing a holiday kiss under the mistletoe.
12. Sparkly Snow Nails
Start with a light blue or white base coat, then add a generous layer of iridescent glitter polish for a snowy effect. Finish it off with some silver or white rhinestones for a touch of sparkle, and you’ll have nails that shimmer like freshly fallen snow.
13. Hanukkah Nails
Use a variety of blue and silver polishes to create designs representing the Festival of Lights. Think menorahs, dreidels, and Stars of David for a nail look that celebrates the spirit of Hanukkah.
14. New Year’s Eve Nails
Start with a black or metallic base coat, then use a thin brush to create designs representing the countdown to midnight. Think clock faces, champagne glasses, and glittering fireworks for a nail look that’s perfect for ringing in the new year.
15. Winter Wonderland Nails
Use a white or light blue base coat, then use a thin brush to create delicate snowflake designs. Add a touch of iridescent glitter for a wintry finish, and you’ll have nails that evoke the magic of a winter wonderland.
16. Holiday Gradient Nails
Create a gradient effect using festive colors like red, green, and gold. Start with a white base coat, then use a makeup sponge to blend the colors together for a stunning and seamless holiday ombre effect.
17. Holly Berry Nails
Start with a dark green base coat, then use a thin brush to create small holly berry designs on each nail. Add small red accents for the berries, and you’ll have nails that are perfect for the holiday season.
18. Snowman Nails
Start with a white base coat, then use a thin brush to create small snowman designs on each nail. Add small accents for the eyes, nose, and buttons, and you’ll have adorable snowman nails that are sure to bring a smile to your face.
19. Festive French Tips
Add a festive twist to the classic French manicure by using holiday colors for the tips. Think red, green, gold, or silver for a simple yet elegant holiday nail look.
20. Glittery Accent Nails
Add a touch of sparkle to your nails by creating a glittery accent nail. Use a bold and festive color like red or green for the base coat, then add a layer of coordinating glitter polish for an eye-catching and festive finish.
21. Holiday Sweater Nails
Use a variety of nail stamping plates or nail stickers to create a different holiday sweater design on each nail. Think cozy knits, fair isle patterns, and classic holiday motifs for a fun and festive manicure that’s perfect for the season.
There you have it, 21 short holiday nail ideas to help you get in the festive spirit. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year’s Eve, these nail designs are sure to add some holiday cheer to your manicure. Get creative, have fun, and let your nails be a reflection of the joy and magic of the season!
You can review our digital products by following us on Etsy.
