gingerbread christmas manicure

15 Chic Festive Nail Art and Manicure Ideas for 2023

Christmas nails just got even more joyful...

Updated: November 7, 2023

With Google trends showing searches for "Christmas Nails" up over 200 per cent in the days leading to Christmas, nail salon bookings are set to soar as customers flock to to celebrate this magical time of year with a festive mani. 

"Everyone likes to go for delicious rich shades at this time of year. My customers are starting to ask for a classic red, midnight blue, forest green, and all the glitter," explains Alice McNails, who boasts over 57K followers on Instagram and is an ambassador for salon booking app Booksy, "Classic designs always come back around at Christmas, candy canes, snowflakes, little presents, snowmen, and intricate holly and ivy details are forever popular."

"I'm loving experimenting with texture right now, high shine chrome in gold and silver is very popular and sugaring to create a snowy effect (when you apply acrylic powder or loose glitter to a wet gel layer) is perfect for a chic nod to Christmas," says Alice, "For a festive take on the classic French manicure, why not swap out classic tips and opt for festive tip nails with candy cane, frosted snow or Santa hat French tips in a sugaring effect."

And of course nothing says festive like red nails, "I predict 70 per cent of my clients will opt for some form of red on their nails this season, it's the Christmas crowd favourite." revealed Alice.

"3D snow globe nails, baubles, and the cat eye trend are all going to be popular - we'll be seeing more 3D elements everywhere."

Boughs of Holly

Deck your nails with boughs of holly for the ultimate chic winter nail.... "fa la la la."

The OTT Festive Mani

Mix and match with various festive motifs for a modern approach. 

MORE: Kylie Jenner's winter manicure is a glam-goth fantasy

RELATED: Winter nail colours: 7 ideas to inspire your next salon visit

Candy Cane Tips

Incorporating a dash of snow and swirls is a fun twist on the french manicure. 

3D Christmas Nails

If you're feeling daring try 3D for a lifelike tribute to the season. "3D snow globe nails, baubles, and the cat eye trend are all going to be popular - we'll be seeing more 3D elements everywhere," explains Alice.

Gingerbread Men Nails

For an adorable nod to the season's standout treat, add mini gingerbread men to your mani. 

Pink Festive Nails

Opt for a tonal palette of Barbiecore-approved pink for a departure from  classic reds and greens. 

Cherry Cola Nails

Everyone who grew up with Coka-Cola's holiday adverts featuring a truck-driving Father Christmas will understand why deep red cherry cola nails are ideal for Crimbo in 2023.

Baubles

One of the most classic motifs for Christmas is the glistening bauble, elevate yours with an ombre glitter effect. 

MORE: The need-to-know nail shapes and how to create them

RELATED: We tried London's most luxurious manicures, here's what we thought…

Christmas Cookies

For a neutral twist on nail art, try muted tones in soothing beige to give your festive mani a polished aesthetic. 

A Classic Wreath

Cherish the classic wreath ornament by sporting a chic tribute in mani form.

Snowflakes

Winter nails don't get more festive-chic than sleek snowflakes,  make yours chic by opting for a neutral base. 

Twinkling Stars

An ode to the classic Christmas song: Twinkle twinkle little manicure. 

Cinnamon Swirls

Pumpkin spiced nails, and latte hued marbling is big for 2023. Get ahead of the trend which works beyond the festive season. 

Tartan and Knits

Incorporate knitted textures and tartan patterns to get into the festive season.

Santa Nails

Red french tips and a subtle Santa hat, makes for an interesting take on the classic mani style. 

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