35 holiday nail art designs our editors love

Booking a manicure ahead of the holidays accomplishes two things: It gives you some R&R (maybe add a pedicure, too), and you walk out of the salon with a festive accessory for the season.

We have some ideas and general guidance if you need design inspiration for holiday nails. "When planning your holiday manicure, choose a design that transitions smoothly across the season, especially if you tend to go a few weeks between manicures," Mazz Hanna, nail artist and CEO of Nailing Hollywood, tells Bazaar. "Think about any events on your calendar and select a look that complements the vibe of each one. Metallics, shimmers, and velvety finishes are versatile choices—they add a festive touch that works beautifully for almost any holiday occasion."

From mega-sparkle to more subtle (yet still seasonal) shades, here are 35 of the best holiday nail art designs from top artists.

Micro French

"I love the use of negative space and the metallic finish in this look by Hang [Nguyen]," says Hanna. "It’s hard to find nail art that suits short nails, and this design is just festive enough without going overboard."

Micro Chrome French

"The chrome finish on this micro French mani by Tara [Haye] adds a festive twist to a classic look," notes Hanna. "The micro French beautifully complements the almond shape of the nail."

Mixed & Matched

This design, also by Haye, combines classic winter shades—burgundy and deep green—with 3D metallic accents for an extra touch of glamour.

Blue Shimmer

Blue metallics meet cut-out hearts. The combo hits holiday without being too on the nose.

Red Rosettes

This mani seems loosely inspired by the rosette trend.

Festive Confetti

There's something to the subtly of the colorful confetti here. Keep the base sheer and the dots tiny.

Gold Halo

Sometimes called "orbit nails," this design plays with negative space in a fun way.

Cosmic Silver

A single coat of super-sheer silver polish (like this one from Olive and June) is all you need.

Olive Glaze

The perfect match for your holiday martini.

Pattern Play

Add a few different holiday-themed designs for an asymmetrical, patchwork manicure.

Metallic Tips

Chrome French tips get a modern twist thanks to 3D details in this mani courtesy of celebrity nail artist Brittney Boyce.

Accent Shimmer

Forest green is always appreciated this time of year. A flash of iridescence on one nail (or more, if you like) adds dimension.

Chunky Glitter

You can paint them onto a naked nail, but sparkles stand out even more on a base of white polish.

Green Velvet

In verdant green, the ever-popular shimmery velvet finish gives a tinsel-like effect.

Fine Line

Not every holiday nail design has to be time-consuming. This look—created by Tom Bachik for Camila Cabello—features a thin line of champagne sparkle down an otherwise natural nail.

All Wrapped Up

This cute design is the gift that keeps on giving.

High Shine

Liquid metallics can work on any length nail, but is perhaps most effective on long extensions.

Taking Shape

Are you looking for something a bit less obviously "holiday"? Try this geometric design from Zola Ganzorigt, who adapted it in red, nude, and green for various celebs.

Shimmer Party

Glitter nails are always a go-to during the holidays, but why stick to one color palette when you can go for two? This pastel green and pink combo makes us happy just looking at it.

Silver and Gold Accents

Add silver and gold foil to elevate plain nails and get into the festive spirit.

Side Half Moons

This mix of mahogany and copper is just so pretty on its own, but when layered together in half-moon shapes, it gives a level of sophistication and glamour that we love.

Ombré Glitter

Like the champagne of nail art, a wash of sparkly ombré is simple but effective.

Clean Lines

Metallic polish shines even more next to negative space and a thin white line for contrast.

Extra Extra

Can’t decide between a nude mani and something a little extra? Try both at once for a fun and festive visual mix. Three-dimensional accents glued across the center of a nude nail is the perfect holiday manicure.

Starry Night

This negative space glitter star manicure is festive enough to last you straight through New Year's Eve.

Colorful Twinkles

For a twist on classic stars, try doing them in shades of neon. Pro tip: Use toothpicks to get the detailing just right.

Gilded Wrapping

A golden take on a classic plaid pattern makes your nails look like super-fancy wrapping paper.

Foiled and Festive

Though we're a fan of foiled manicures all year long, we love how this take on the metallic trend feels right for the holiday season without being too literal.

Seeing Red

Red glitter nail polish is the epitome of a holiday manicure.

Nail Ornaments

One could say that a holiday manicure is the beauty equivalent of a Christmas tree ornament. This design from LA-based nail artist Hang Nguyen takes that idea and runs with it.

All Wrapped Up

A manicure inspired by bows and ribbons is cute, but sometimes, we look for something more minimalistic. This negative space and foil-strip manicure from South Korea's famous Nail Unistella looks like the cool-girl version of a wrapped holiday present.

Red and Gold

You can't go wrong with any combination of red and gold this holiday season. We love how nail artist Jessica Washick paired a half-moon red manicure with three gold Swarovski crystals glued to the base of her nail.

March of the Penguins

If you're bold enough to get this penguin manicure, prepare to be stopped one hundred times a day to the sounds of "ooh!" and "ahh!" and "so cuteeeee!"

Subtle Glitter

You don't need to cover your whole nail in glitter to get in the festive holiday spirit. Manicurist Betina Goldstein's design features a few colorful glitter dots on a clean nude polish backdrop.

Holiday Baubles

All you need is a skinny nail brush, a steady hand, and a little patience to create this festive red-and-gold nail art look at home.

Lead image: Pexels

Also read: Why is it so hard to break up with gel nail polish?

Also read: 30 cute almond nail designs to try now