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

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.