Holiday nail art conjures up images of Santa suits, Christmas trees and candy cane stripes. But seasonal manicures don’t have to be kitschy. Think subtle sparkle, plenty of red and green along with metallic accents. You can also go glam for New Year’s Eve by embracing deep purples, rose gold and even unexpected shades like black for your holiday nails.
When it comes to finding inspiration for chic holiday nails, we turn to the pros. From top manicurists sharing their runway creations to nail polish brands offering up some unconventional nail art ideas, we (and Instagram) have got you covered.
Ready to be inspired? Here are 20 festive (not tacky) holiday nails guaranteed to make the season bright.
[ Next: 51 Cool and Easy Nail Designs That Anyone Can Pull Off ]
Holiday Nail Art 2017
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Holiday Nail Art 2017 #1
Just tips were painted maroon at Tanya Taylor’s Fall 2017 show. The crescent shape will turn heads at your office Christmas party.
Image: Imaxtree
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Holiday Nail Art 2017 #2
Avoid any candy cane comparisons by only adding red swipes to a couple whitish beige nails.
Image: @jinsoonchoi
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Holiday Nail Art 2017 #3
Why let your nails have all the fun? Add some gold glitter to your cuticles for a sparkly statement.
Image: @mtmorgantaylor
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Holiday Nail Art 2017 #4
Ring in the new year with this daring black and silver holiday nail look from the Monse Fall 2017 show.
Image: @ritaremark
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Holiday Nail Art 2017 #5
Everyone will be fixated on this marble mani instead of watching the ball drop.
Image: @jinsoonchoi
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Holiday Nail Art 2017 #6
Red, green and gold are traditional holiday colors, but this nail art look is a thoroughly modern take.
Image: @_linitti_
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Holiday Nail Art 2017 #7
With a pine green this enticing, you don’t need any nail art.
Image: @smithandcult
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Holiday Nail Art 2017 #8
Rose gold will definitely be trending for the holidays. This textured take is more appealing than your standard metallic mani.
Image: @pshiiit_polish
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Holiday Nail Art 2017 #9
Ruby red holiday nails get an upgrade courtesy of this eye-catching speckled design.
Image: @jinsoonchoi
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Holiday Nail Art 2017 #10
Mix and match as you say farewell to 2017 by painting one hand deep purple and the other shiny silver. Or you could always go a step further and alternate the colors on each hand.
Image: @jinsoonchoi
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Holiday Nail Art 2017 #11
Go half-and-half this season by sporting silver and burgundy together. With this pairing, your holiday nails can take you from Christmas straight through New Year’s Eve.
Image: @aliciatnails
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Holiday Nail Art 2017 #12
Amp up your typical burgundy mani by adding little gold flecks into the mix.
Image: @mtmorgantaylor
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Holiday Nail Art 2017 #13
Sets of metallic stripes bring just enough bling to pale pink polish.
Image: @natural_nail_design
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Holiday Nail Art 2017 #14
A fun spin, or rather swirl, on candy cane holiday nails. The design really pops on wine-colored nails.
Image: @mpnails
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Holiday Nail Art 2017 #15
Red and gold were made next level with the introduction of a playful magenta pink at Christian Siriano’s Fall 2017 show.
Image: @ritaremark
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Holiday Nail Art 2017 #16
A hint of gold foil is instantly festive atop red holiday nails.
Image: @paintboxnails
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Holiday Nail Art 2017 #17
Get iced for 2018 by painting your nails a cool confetti pink.
Image: @deborahlippmann
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Holiday Nail Art 2017 #18
The red tips are expected this time of year; the gunmetal shimmer base isn’t.
Image: @deborahlippmann
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Holiday Nail Art 2017 #19
Cranberries are the official fruit of the holidays. Pay tribute with this dashing nail art.
Image: @deborahlippmann
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Holiday Nail Art 2017 #20
If you’re really into glitter, make a resolution to restrain yourself for New Year’s. Go full-on glitz with a couple nails, then use it as an accent on the others.
Image: @emalita1061
