15+ Simple Holiday Nails You’ll Be Obsessed With This Year
IG: staceymachin
I was literally painting my nails on the kitchen counter the other night – candles burning, half a mug of tea going cold – when it hit me how much I look forward to this tiny holiday ritual every year.
There’s just something about switching up your polish that makes the season feel more magical, you know? Suddenly red looks richer, green feels cozy instead of edgy, and a little sparkle on your fingertips almost feels like you’re already holding a glass of champagne.
And the best part? Holiday nails don’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s just a glossy coat that feels festive enough for a family dinner, and sometimes it’s full-on glitter and snowflakes that basically scream December.
Whether you lean more into classy holiday nails christmas or playful little details that qualify as cute holiday nails, there’s really no wrong way to do it.
Here are my absolute favorite simple holiday nails I’m sure you’ll love as much as I do!
15+ Simple Holiday Nails You’ll Love
Red Glitter Almond Christmas Nails
Okay so I saw these at the nail salon yesterday and literally couldn’t stop staring. The red glitter reminds me of those cheap press-ons I used to get at CVS when I was broke in college, except these actually look expensive? Like really expensive.
My nail tech said the trick is layering different sized glitter but honestly I wasn’t really listening because I was too busy taking photos. The almond shape is tricky though – you need decent nail beds or it looks weird. Trust me.
Chrome Red Almond Christmas Nails
Chrome is so 2024 but whatever, I’m still obsessed.
Bright Red Almond Christmas Nails
Classic red but make it sharp. I did this exact color for my work Christmas party last year and spilled red wine on my white dress – at least my christmas holiday nails matched the stain, right? Actually no that’s a lie, I spilled white wine. But still.
Red nails go with everything except maybe when you’re eating spaghetti because then you look like you murdered someone. My mom taught me that. She has strong opinions about nail colors.
Holly Christmas Flowers on Light Pink Almond Nails
This pink is what I imagine ballerinas would wear for Christmas if ballerinas celebrated Christmas? The holly details are so tiny I’d probably mess them up within an hour knowing me.
But they’re gorgeous. Very cottage core meets holiday season. I keep sending this to my sister who never responds to my nail inspiration texts but whatever, her loss.
Cream Almond Nails with Red Polka Dots and Bows
Polka dots and bows together feels like too much but it works? Giving me major vintage wrapping paper vibes.
White Snowflake Almond Nails with White French Tips
White on white is so minimalist I almost missed the snowflakes at first. Had to zoom in to see them properly. These christmas holiday nails are perfect if you work somewhere conservative but still want to be festive – like my friend Emma who’s a lawyer and can only do “appropriate” nails.
Though honestly white shows everything so good luck keeping them clean. I can’t even keep white sneakers clean for a day.
Brown Plaid Almond Nails with Bows and Polka Dots
Brown plaid for Christmas sounds wrong but looks so right. It’s giving fall energy but make it December? I showed this to my boyfriend and he said it looks like his flannel shirt which wasn’t the compliment he thought it was. Men don’t understand pattern mixing. The bows save it from being too masculine though. Barely.
Gingerbread Man Almond Nails in Brown
Tiny gingerbread men on your nails? Yes please. My inner child is screaming.
Emerald Green Almond Nails with Bows
Green nails still feel weird to me but this emerald is gorgeous. Very rich lady at the country club vibes.
Christmas Colored Dot Short Nails
Short nails are so practical but I always feel like I’m missing something when mine aren’t long. These dots are cute though – very confetti party vibes.
My coworker does her own christmas holiday nails and they always look like this, kind of random but in a good way. I’m too impatient to do dots myself. I’d mess up the spacing and then have to start over and then give up.
Almond French Tip Nails with Red Bows
French tips but make them Christmas. The bows are perfectly placed which means I could never do this myself.
Pink Almond Christmas Nails with Snowflakes
Pink and snowflakes shouldn’t work together but here we are. It’s like winter princess meets christmas holiday nails and I’m not mad about it. The snowflakes look hand-painted which probably means they cost more than my grocery budget but whatever.
Sometimes you need to treat yourself. My grandmother would hate these – she thinks pink nails are for teenagers – but my grandmother also wears beige everything so her opinion doesn’t count.
Cute Pink Almond Christmas Nails with Snowflakes and Reindeers
Reindeers AND snowflakes? Someone went all out here. It’s a lot but in the best way possible. Like Christmas exploded on your fingertips.
I sent this to my five-year-old niece and she texted back just heart eyes emojis. Kids get it. Adults overthink everything. Actually wait, she can’t text yet, that was probably my sister. Either way, someone loved them.
FAQ:
Which nail polish looks good for Christmas?
Red. Always red. But also, green or gold if you’re in the mood for classy holiday nails christmas – feels a bit fancier, you know?
What colors are popular for Christmas nails?
Loads of red, green, silver, icy blue. And then holiday nail designs – stripes, snowflakes, sparkles. Cute holiday nails are everywhere too, especially with glitter.
Which nail polish color is trending right now?
Velvet red, for sure. But wait, chrome too – I keep seeing christmas holiday nails with nude polish and just a tiny gold line, super minimal but kinda chic.
What nail polish color is the most popular at Christmas?
Red, no question. Most christmas holiday nails start with that, then maybe a bit of sparkle on top.
Which nail polish color goes with everything?
Nude, pinkish tones, or just plain red. Even if you throw in louder holiday nail designs, those shades don’t really fight with anything.
What is the Red Nail Rule?
It’s that whole TikTok thing – red nails get more attention, apparently. Who knows if it’s true, but honestly red just feels like classy holiday nails christmas anyway.
