The end of 2020 is near (which the mutual feeling on that tends to be: yay) and we have even more reasons to celebrate: the holidays. Just because most of the country is in quarantine, or should be, doesn't mean the winter magic can't happen, or be celebrated. Nail design is a fun way to practice self-care and retain some of the holiday cheer in a safe way.
Whether one is cleared to get a manicure at a salon or if DIY is the way to go for nails this year, these designs from some of Instagram's most talented nail artists are great looks to gain inspiration from. We have general holiday ideas, ones for Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year's. Some are subtle, while others are merry and bright. There's a nod to millennial pink enthusiasts and yes, even penguins. 'Tis the season!
Holiday Lights
Aside from the holiday takeover in stores, Christmas lights going up on people's homes or buildings is one of the first signs the holiday season is here. That's the inspo for this string of lights nail look created by nailitmag. Connect them from nail to nail for a super legit design.
Green Candy Cane Stripes
Candy canes and garland stripes are the inspiration behind these nails, which are long almond-shaped nails. Any colors can be used, but the green and gold puts a twist on the classic red and white candy cane colors as done here by nailpromag.
Holiday Chic
For someone who just loves Christmas but can't decide on one color, we suggest taking a note from this nail design look by nailedbymel with glittery green nails with a candy cane and festive accent nail (or two).
Christmas Polka Dots
Stripes aren't everyone's style. Some folks prefer polka dots. And they do resemble twinkly holiday lights without the strings. Pick some festive colors and use a dotting tool or toothpick to add polka dots to a base color like gelbybre did here with red, green, silver, and gold.
Pretty in Christmas Pink
The holiday spirit doesn't always have to be embodied by the typical holiday colors of red and green or gold and silver, as lovely as they are. For nail designs that are more millennial, we suggest this gorgeous tree design with dusty pink polish.
Reindeer Chic
Rudolf would definitely be able to get behind this nail design. If reindeer are one of the holiday favorites, then why not add them on nails? Just take a neutral brown color and use a dotting tool or toothpick to create the cutie's face, as shown above.
Christmas Puddings
Christmas puddings are a huge part of Christmas in the UK. They're something many families have to end their Christmas dinner. Just create the circle on the nail up by the cuticle with shades of brown and add the cream and holly sprigs.
Festive Tips
Natural nails with a bright French tip is perfect for those who love minimal designs, and in this case, want to make it holiday chic. Any color can be used, but a pop of glittery Christmas green like these nails (or maybe Hanukkah blue) is a classic way to pay homage to the season.
Hanukkah Nails
Speaking of Hanukkah, we understand how easy it is for the Jewish holiday to get overshadowed by Christmas and that's why these nails showing off a bright blue Hanukkah design gets an endorsement from us. Stars of David on the accent nail with triangular designs on the other nails complete the look.
Winter Glitz
For a lot of people, the holidays are just a part of the season. It's more about wintertime in general, and welcoming the chillier weather and magical snowfalls. This light blue nail design looks straight out of a snowy day, complete with glitter, of course.
Snowmen
Snow! The holiday season and wintertime wouldn't be right without it for those of us who live in colder climates. No matter where one lives, we can all get behind having adorable snowmen as nail art to feel more cheery in the colder months, or feel a bit closer to it if we live in a warm climate.
Gingerbread Fun
Gingerbread is a holiday staple, as least as far as treats are concerned. Also, gingerbread house contests seem to be more competitive. Pay homage to the cookie with tiny gingerbread men as a design on nails. The one above from The Filing Cabinet Nails also worked in mistletoe and mini houses.
Candy Cane Red
Candy cane red is one of the best shades of red for any time of year, but this time especially. Bright red also makes the perfect base for candy cane nails. It's a fun and obviously Christmassy nail design that is sure to make things much sweeter this time of year.
Holly Jolly
Whether it's holly or mistletoe, these plants have so much meaning this time of year and they also happen to be beautiful plants in and of themselves. They make the perfect little designs to include on nails for Christmastime. This visual tutorial from la_nailedit can help with a DIY design.
Grinchmas
Holiday movies are part of our culture, and one of the ways that this time of year is different from the other seasons. There are a few classics, like Elf and It's a Wonderful Life, but The Grinch has a special place in our hearts, and on these awesome nails.
Tree Dreams
There's just something stunning about seeing an evergreen tree in the winter. There's a reason people literally bring entire 9-footers of them into their homes each year during this time. Celebrate the trees with one as a muted but amazing nail design.
New Year, New Sparkles
The New Year is like the best-for-last moment of the holidays. It's the the day to reflect on the year past and the one that's to come. And this year will surely hold a lot of hope for many. New Year's Eve is synonymous with sparkles and that's the inspo behind this design.
Candyland Nails
For anyone who has ever loved the game Candy Land and its bright and fun board design, they will love this nail design featuring the candy cane stripes, gingerbread men, and mistletoe — all on a nude base with white polka dots.
Starry Winter Night
Winter nights can be beautiful when the snow is quietly falling. This nail design is a darker but still beautiful take on the winter season, featuring intricate snowflakes and a reindeer on the accent nail in white over the dark green base color.
Penguin Accents
It wouldn't be a festive nail list if we didn't include penguins! These nails are both cute and fun. Paint the nails a base darker color and then add white snowflakes like the design above. But don't forget to add a penguin on the accent nail!
