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51 Christmas nail designs and ideas that are a must-try for the 2025 festive season
Whether you're a mani minimalist or love a super-festive nail art moment, there's an option on this list for you
Some people celebrate the festive szn by donning a pair of Christmas PJs and watching the occasional holiday movie. I, however, go balls to the wall. We're talkin' a full-size Christmas tree in my tiny studio, nonstop Xmas music album on vinyl and covering my entire apartment in lights – the whole nine, bb. Having said that, there is one thing both holiday minimalists (sry, can't relate) and full-on Nativity enthusiasts can agree on: Sporting a set of Christmas nails. After all, it's the easiest and ~chicest~ way to feel festive during the winter season.
So, whether you're decking the halls your mani in glitter or covering your entire nail bed in a Grinch decal (see below!!), you can get all the festive vibes without going full cheese. Just check out our curated list of Christmas nails, including simple designs, accent ideas and more.
The the the... The Grinch!
One of my favourite fun facts is that Jim Carrey’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas actually won an Oscar in 2001. Sure, it was for Best Makeup, but semantics! So, pay homage to everyone’s fave Oscar-winning film this season with a festive red-and-green mani complete with a Grinch nail art.
Plaid nails
I don't know about you, but lately, I've been seeing plaid nails everywhere. The best take I've seen so far comes courtesy of my current favourite creator, @rachrat_! Rachel's set perfectly captures the trend: a chic, alternating-colour plaid manicure that feels both tonal and totally seasonal, yet somehow still classic and timeless. And it's one that'll see you through the Twixmas period!
Burgundy
In case you missed it, burgundy is the colour trend of the season. So, naturally, we've been wearing the shade in everything from jumpers to skirts – and now, it's making its way onto our nails, too! That said, a burgundy nail isn't reinventing the wheel, so, to elevate the simple (yet classic) shade, we're all for framing with a dotted border. Shoutout Amy Louise Nails for the metallic silver x burgundy inspo!
Starry cat eye
If you're after a mani that will see you past Twixmas and into the New Year, look no further than these starry cat eye tips. They're party season ready, yet still understated enough to outlast the Xmas slump.
Dainty bows
It wouldn't be the holidays without a little ribbon-wrapped glamour, and this December's must-try mani proves it. The delicate micro-bow winds across all five fingers and adds a pop of red, while the shimmering cat-eye base (one of the biggest nail trends of recent years) feels equal parts magic and modern.
Aura nails
Browns, blues and burgundies may be the unofficial colour palette of winter, but blend them all together in an airbrushed manicure and you've got yourself a full-on seasonal moment. This soft-focus, diffused style takes the rich tones we already associate with colder days and turns them into something moodier, more dimensional and undeniably chic.
Fawn nails
Soft, warm and absolutely adorable, fawn nails are fast becoming winter's most wearable neutral. Inspired by the velvety tones of caramel, butterscotch and soft beige in a baby deer coat, this trend leans into cosy minimalism while still feeling polished, intentional and above all, interesting and different! Move over tortoise shell and cow print, this season is all about fawns!
Black and gold
Frost yourself (IYKYK) with these black n gold nails that just exude sophisticated Xmas party.
Traditional
Presenting: A slay interpretation of traditional Christmas nails. Mary, Joseph and their gang would be proud.
Bold and graphic
These bold and graphic Christmas nails are giving us Y2K festive wrapping vibes. Nostalgic or what?
Santa hats
You can't go wrong with red and white Santa hat tips. Classy and understated yet total Christmas vibes.
Chrome stars
Straight off my Pinterest board (literally) come these chrome star-donned nails. Top with silver gemstones for a full-on glitzy finish.
A ballerina Christmas
Incorporating the best of nail gems, decals and fine-line art is this ballerina-esque mani. The red and white colour scheme screams festive season.
Frosty the snowman
A super cute and iridescent take on the classic snowman nails. Because sometimes simple is the most effective.
Pearly details
Not only are we all for the square shape and red French tips but we love the pearl embellishments on this mani, too.
Put them in a frame
Although not festive on first glance, when analysing the detail on this set, you're fed an array of festive treats.
Christmas croc
Croc nail designs are all the rage right now, so, why not incorporate the trend this festive season with a red and green colour palette?
Starry night
Burgundy, gold, glitter and stars all meet the Christmas nail assignment. Tick, tick, tick and tick!
She's a baddie
One for the baddies, this set with have you on anything but Santa's naughty list... Slay sleigh!
Christmas chrome
If you're not making use of the chrome nail trend this Christmas season, then what are you doing?!
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
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