Simple Holiday Nails: Nail Art That’s Festive, Not Flashy
Holiday nails don’t have to be all glitter and over-the-top designs. If you’re into something festive but still classy, I’ve got you covered. Let’s talk about simple, chic nail art that feels perfect for the season—without going overboard. We’re going for timeless, colors, clean designs, and just enough sparkle to keep things fun and polished. Here are a few ideas to try.
1. Classic Holiday Burgundy
A rich burgundy like OPI’s Got the Blues for Red is the ultimate classy holiday shade—timeless, bold, and perfect for any festive occasion.
2. Festive Winter Accent Nails
Mix dark red glitter and silver with simple white snowflakes and winter art for a festive (but classy) holiday look.
3. Chic White & Neutral Combo
Pair Heme Free Builder Gel in White with Hazelnut Latte and Frosted Cookie for a clean, neutral, and effortlessly stylish holiday manicure.
4. Red & Pink Holiday Mix
A mix of red and pink with a few fun nail art accents creates a festive and fresh look for the season.
5. Sparkly Snowman Nails
Silver glitter with a cute, simple snowman design. The accent makes this nail festive without looking over the top.
6. Pink Present Nails
Add some festive and feminine flair with sparkly pink nails featuring a cute present design—perfect for gift-giving season!
7. Purple Bow Moment
Obsessed with these ones! A chic purple manicure with one French tip and a cute bow detail—classy with just the right touch of fun.
8. Cozy Chocolate Brown Nails
Indulge in this rich chocolate brown with a tan accent nail and abstract design—perfectly cozy and chic for the holidays.
9. Shimmery Gunmetal Chrome
A sleek and shimmery gunmetal chrome nail that adds a bold, edgy touch to your holiday look.
10. Red & Neutral French Tips
A fresh take on the classic French tip with a mix of red and neutral tones—subtle, yet festive.
11. Delicate Neutral Gel
A go-to, but I love these during the holidays because they go with any festive outfit. This clean, basic gel neutral nail with a soft, sheer pink shade that gives the perfect timeless finish.
12. Festive Holly Nails
The perfect christmas nail! Go for bold red nails with a couple of subtle holly accent nails to keep the festive vibe without going overboard.
13. Mistletoe Magic
Classic white nails with a simple mistletoe design—perfect for spreading holiday cheer in a subtle way.
14. Green & Neutral Holiday Nails
Can we just appreciate how well done these holiday nails are? A stunning mix of green and neutral nails, each with a beautifully detailed holiday design—perfectly crafted for a polished festive look. Want them a bit more subtle? Pick your favorite design and replicate on one or two nails.
15. Festive Dot Accent Nails
A neutral nail with pops of red, green, white, and gold dots—subtle yet playful for the holiday season.
16. Champagne Sparkle
A stunning champagne-colored nail that adds a touch of luxe and shimmer to your holiday look—effortlessly festive and classy.
17. Candy Cane Nail Art
Sweet and festive candy cane stripes for a playful yet chic holiday manicure. Perfect for adding some holiday cheer without overdoing the nail design.
18. Silver Sparkle French Tip
A sleek neutral nail with a touch of silver sparkle on the French tip—elegant with just the right amount of festive shine.
19. Snow Capped Festive Nails
A soft white shimmer with a half French tip, finished off with intricate nail art for a sophisticated yet festive look.
20. Twilight Blue Nails
Love that these are a little different than your traditional holiday nail! A stunning blue shade reminiscent of twilight—elegant and moody, perfect for the season.
21. Mauve Magic
A soft mauve purple on almond-shaped nails—subtle yet striking for a refined holiday look.
22. Classic Red Perfection
Don’t underestimate the power of the classic red nail! A timeless neutral (in my opinion). This nail will go with any holiday look.
23. Festive Gold Tortoise Shell
A rich gold tortoise shell design that adds a bit of luxury and warmth to your holiday nails. Love these!
24. Emerald Sparkle
A stunning reflective green glitter that shifts beautifully in different lighting.
25. Golden Glow Ombre
A pretty gold ombre that blends warmth and elegance, or go for a rich copper ombre for a bold, festive finish.
You might like: 27 Fall Ombre Nails You Don’t Want to Miss
Recreate Holiday Nails at Home
Holiday nails are such a fun way to get into the festive spirit, and you don’t have to be a pro to pull them off. With the right tools and a few fun polish colors, you can easily recreate these looks at home.
If you’re not into DIY manicures or just want something quick, press-on nails are a great option. They last about a week and are a simple way to try out new designs. I’m a fan of OPI and KISS press-ons—they have tons of cute styles to choose from!
See all my nail favorites here: Shop My Favorites.