What better time to experiment with nail art than the holidays? From minimalist designs to over-the-top artistry, there’s a nail look to help you celebrate in style. Here, 25 of our favorite bold, colorful, and festive ideas from Instagram's mani maestros that are guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit.
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.
NYE Glitter
Glitter looks so much cooler when done in a gunmetal metallic. These nails are just what we want to be wearing when the clock hits 12.
Let It Snow
Wear snow decals against a blue and white background for a fun seasonal nail look.
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.
Gilded Roses
This metallic floral motif may be intricate, but the end payoff is well worth it. If you have a little less time on your hands, one accent nail paired with solid red would pack just as much punch.
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.
Related article: The 18 Nail Trends To Try Now
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.
Candy Striper
Upgrade your year-round nude manicure with a tiny candy cane painted along one side of each nail.
Sugar Plum
A rich plum nail polish is just as festive as red, green, blue and silver—but far less expected. We love it paired with a single delicate snowflake accent nail.
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.
Related article: The Best Nail Art Trends For Fall 2020
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're looking for something a little 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.
Sweater Weather
Why don't you match your nails to the buffalo plaid blanket you'll be using to stay warm by the fireplace this holiday season?
Eight Crazy Nights
Any combination of blue-and-silver works for a Hanukkah-inspired manicure, but if you've got the patience (and hand-eye coordination), try this nail art design using metallic nail striping tape.
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.
Related article: The Best Manicure Inspiration That You Can Recreate At Home
The Grinch
Nail artist Amy Tran created this Grinch-inspired nail art look using China Glaze's limited edition Grinch nail polish collection (of course).
This article originally appeared on Harper's BAZAAR US.