Dress Up Your Nails To The Nines With The Best Festive Manicure Designs (2024)

Now that the Oxford Street lights are turned on and wafts of hot cocoa from Christmas markets are permeating the cold air, we can't help but feel ready for the festive season. We're already leaning into the spirit with winter nails in shades of burgundy and chrome finishes, and now we're set to take it to the next level with our Christmas nail designs.

While there is always room for nude nails, 2024 has been a big year for expressive trends such as ombre and elevated French manicures seen on both the runways and red carpets. Nail artist Saffron Goddard, who's designed looks for Molly Goddard and Completedworks, agrees. ' I feel like now we can be as overtop with with nails like never before, especially over the festive period,' she tells ELLE.

What are the best Christmas nail art designs to try this season?

'I’m loving chrome tips, fine glitter that is subtle for a classic effect and embellishment on the natural nail using coloured jewels,' says Goddard. There's no denying the professional-looking finish that comes from booking in with a manicurist, but if you prefer to do your own manicure at home, there are plenty of products that can fast-track your way to a cool finish.

Essie Special Effects imparts a chrome-like finish while the sparkly Dior Vernis limited edition top coat makes light work of achieving a shimmery, disco-ball effect. If it's a sheer confetti design you're after, try Rimmel Glitter Top Coat or reach for Nails Inc Magnet Effect Polish to cheat a cat-eye nail.

What are the best Christmas nail colours to try this season?

Butter yellow and autumnal browns made waves this year, but Goddard is also a fan of berry tones, rich chocolate, gold and silver metallics. Reds are a classic too, she says, name-checking OPI Big Apple Red as a firm favourite.

'For those not into the traditional nails looks like red and gold, I would recommend a Rouge Noir by Chanel. It is a classic shade that could go with any ‘festive’ look. Or for something shinier, Chanel's Phenomene [editor's note: now discontinued, so try Barry M in Tarragon] is a metallic purple-green that is a festive alternative to gold,' shares Goddard.

Ahead, the coolest Christmas nail designs to add to your moodboard

Dress up your 'clean girl' nails with a smattering of diamantés this party-season.

Cat-eye manicures are utterly magical. Michelle Humphrey, the manicurist who counts Harry Styles and Dua Lipa as clients, created this gemstone-hued version for Rita Ora; perfect for those who can't commit to a shade.

Why decide between bows, gemstones or sparkles when you can have all three and still keep it chic? Go with a neutral tone for a minimalist-maximalist feel.

This festive take on a French manicure uses a base of chrome-like, shimmer polish topped with plummy-red tips and tiny, tinsel-esque dots.

Cynthia Erivo is our new nail icon. The extra long talons and intricate designs are a real piece of art by nail artist Rose Hackle.

When celebs like Charli XCX and Aubrey Plaza need a fresh new mani, they call upon manicurist Steph Stone. Steal this sparkly, glitter-topped baby pink design for your next dinner party with the girls.

When in doubt, a single feature nail is always a good idea. Even better when it's adorned with a 3D bow.

A rich chocolatey tone always looks ultra-chic and wintery. Here, Melanie Graves went with DND Gel in Fudgesicle.

Glossy black manicures are a classic style, but for Nensi Dojaka's SS25 outing, manicurist Ama Quashie proves that it also serves as an excellent backdrop for a statement embellishment. This clear, single flower embellishment is like jewellery for your nails: cool and elegant, yet statement-making.

Oxblood nails are extremely popular this season, but why not switch it up with a subtle ombre? It still captures the festive mood of winter, but with a low-key, blink-and-you'll-miss-it twist.

If you can't go all out during the holidays, when can you? Take a cue from the festive lights on Bond Street with this dazzling manicure, complete with gold bows and diamantés.

If you love bright colours, there's little cooler than a rainbow-hued manicure with a dreamy finish. Add on white stars for a wintery touch.

A modern twist on party nails, this graphic, boxy design is equal parts clean and eye-catching.

Elevate a polished nearly-nude manicure with tiny gemstones and swishes of silver.

A single silver ribbon is the perfect accompaniment to an otherwise neutral manicure.