If you've run out of time to get a manicure but fancy having some festive nail art for the holiday season, these simple Christmas nails will be just what you're looking for.
From classic red, to candy cane stripes and icy blues, there are lots of ways to make your nails the perfect match to pair with your favourite Christmas jumper, or your choice of glitzy Christmas outfit for the day.
It's easy to do a manicure at home and soon you'll be creating your own nail designs throughout the year, from summer holiday nails all the way to Christmas!
Here are some of our favourite festive nail designs to inspire you...
Perfect presents
This design is so simple, yet effective - with one base colour and a thin brush simple wrap the ribbon and draw a bow!
Glittering red nails
The bold red is oh so Christmassy, and we love the glitter detail at the base - it makes a change from the more usual glitter tipped French manicure. This would also look great in dark blue with silver glitter.
Christmas dots
Polka dots are easier than you might think to do with nail varnish - the trick is to use a small brush, but objects such as bobby pins and toothpicks work brilliantly too, or even the tip of a cotton bud for a larger spot. Don't forget to finish with a layer of clear polish to keep your design looking its best.
Christmas tree
How lovely is this Christmas tree design, set off by a glittery accent nail. The dark green looks very sophisticated, yet the design and glitter add that fun element.
Let it snow (queen)
This icy blue colour gives us snow queen vibes, with a fantastic sparkly finish that's sure to twinkle in those Christmas lights.
Simple stripe
Green, gold and a stripe - this design looks great but is easy to achieve without spending hours trying to draw a straight line, just use striping tape!
Christmassy tips
This classic red and green combo is oh so festive, use a clear or pale pink on the base then finish the tips with your favourite Christmassy colours.
Candy cane nails
You can get really intricate candy cane nail art ideas, but we think this simple stripe is just as effective. Stick to bold colour on the other nails to make your design stand out.
Icy blue
If you prefer the cooler Christmas colours to the reds and golds, try out this iridescent blue design. Layering on different nail polish effects can create a huge impact, try out different glitter polishes and see what works!
Classic red
We love a classic red nail, and this dark colour is almost burgundy - set it off with a glitter texture and perhaps try your hand at adding a pattern. This snowflake looks intricate but can be made using a toothpick dipped in white nail varnish, or have a look for Christmassy nail transfers to stick on.
Starry nights
How great does this starry design look! While this might be one to try after you've had a bit of practice we just couldn't resist including it in our line up.
Christmas sparkle
'Tis the season to sparkle, so get that glitter on! Adding sparkly tips to these simple pale nails makes them really pop.
Glam party nails
If you know what you plan to wear for the big day, how about matching your nails to your outfit - we love this black and gold combo, and the mix and match style makes a bold impact. This would also be a great look for New Years!
Santa baby
A step up to the coloured tips listed earlier, this Santa hat addition is so fun! You could even add it to all of your nails for full on Father Christmas.
Penguin nails
Another adorable nail art idea for Christmas is a penguin - if full on black on the other nails is a bit too Scrooge-y for you, try pairing with silver or white glitter to give the impression of a snowy scene.
Snow globe nails
This simple sparkle will make it look like your nails are inside a snow globe - if in doubt add more glitter.
Christmas lights
This design does require some patience but it's worth it for the lovely finished effect, you just need a toothpick, some glittery nail polish for the string, and coloured nail polish for the lights. You could also try using a darker base and creating warm white lights out of silver glitter polish.
Snowflake
If colour's not your thing, you can still go Christmassy with a simple nude nail, by adding a small design such as this snowflake.
Red, Green and Gold
The classic trio is back again, as they say, if it ain't broke!
Reindeer nails
These chocolatey colours make us think of sweet treats, and the reindeer nail is so adorable - you could even try the reindeer design on all of your nails, and give one of them a red nose!