20 Fantastic DIY Christmas Nail Art Designs That Are Borderline Genius

‘Tis the season to drink and be merry, eat and be jolly, and Christmas-ify your home and yourself. Coordinating your outfit for your Christmas dinner (or lunch) to match the traditional red and green colors may seem a bit on the too much side – sure, it’s cute for kids, but adults? Not so much anymore. So instead of risking looking a little too costumey (unless you are actually wearing a costume), why not rather opt for themed nails? That way, when you’re complimented on your gorgeous nails, you’ll have the opportunity to shout “Nailed it!” (Oh yes, pun intended)

Red and Green Glitter

You don’t have to be too obvious with the red-and-green combo, so a few glitter flakes on a white or beige base could be the perfect touch. If you can’t find the two colors in one bottle, just get one of each and combine.

Nail Art Tutorial and Instructions – GlitterAndNails

Candy Cane Tips

This one is a little different to the regular candy cane stripes across the entire nail and that’s exactly what I love so much about this; a little bit of creativity ingenuity.

Nail Art Tutorial and Instructions – TheCraftyNinja

Frosty the Snowman

This snowman is just too cute, and I love the snowed-under effect of the rest of the nails. If you don’t have a superfine brush to make your jolly snowman, simply use a toothpick or bobby pin.

Nail Art Tutorial and Instructions – Pshiiit

Santa and Rudolph

These two together are just so damn adorable, but if you don’t have the patience, just make one of them as an accent nail.

Nail Art Tutorial and Instructions – TheCraftyNinja

Simple Tree

For those of you who prefer a minimalist approach with clean lines, have a go at these metallic trees. As long as you have some tape handy you’ll be able to pull this off easily. Top Tip: Use cello tape instead of painters tape – the polish won’t bleed as much.

Nail Art Tutorial and Instructions – Nailslide

Realistic Tree

These trees are actually even easier to make since you don’t have to cut the tape triangles – just two thin stripes and you’re good to go! Then you can decorate your trees as you wish.

Nail Art Tutorial and Instructions – BlueTapeAndNailTips

Soft Snowflakes

These snowflakes are perfect for a chilly Christmas, and you can use just about any base color; it doesn’t have to be a traditional color – these would even look great on black nails. Remember, if you don’t have a small tool, simply use the tip of a mechanical pencil.

Nail Art Tutorial and Instructions – DivineCaroline

Deck the Halls…

A little accent of holly on your French tips is the perfect small detail to get you looking as festive as you feel. You don’t always have to go all out; sometimes, less is more.

Nail Art Tutorial and Instructions – DivineCaroline

Winter Snowfall

With a simple combination of navy polish and silver glitter, you’ve got yourself the easiest snowfall nails!

Nail Art Tutorial and Instructions – TheBeautyDepartment

Christmas Pudding

Straight out of medieval England, these Christmas pudding nails are absolutely delish! And they’re not really that tough to make, either.

Nail Art Tutorial and Instructions – OneNailToRuleThemAll

Santa’s Hat

We’ve seen a number of Santa tutorials doing the rounds, but this floppy hat is a new one that I’m totally in love with.

Nail Art Tutorial and Instructions – KeshiaLilly

Elegant Sparkle

This nude-glitter is truly perfect for those of you prefer a bit of subtle sophistications over the more whimsical approach. A touch of sparkle goes a long way.

Nail Art Tutorial and Instructions – LoveMaegan

Christmas Elf

I’ve seen a whole lot of Santas and Rudolphs, but it seems the elves who do all the hard work back at the North Pole are being forgotten! So here’s a toast to those tiny hard-workers!

Nail Art Tutorial and Instructions – Plumpandpolished

Present me with a Gift

If you have a steady hand you can actually freehand these little gifts; but if you’re more on the shaky side, just use a bit of tape to get those box shapes. But don’t fret too much over perfection.

Nail Art Tutorial and Instructions – SylAndSam and Mobiturtle

Festive Water Marbling

Everyone knows about the awesome technique of water marbling by now, so put that into practice with your Christmas colors!

Nail Art Tutorial and Instructions – Snapguide

Abstract Tree

This one may take a bit more time than the previous trees, but it’s a bit more fun and funky. I’d suggest a white background though, so that it stands out more.

Nail Art Tutorial and Instructions – Nailslide

Alternating French Mani

Apply the concept of a French manicure, but just use Christmas colors instead. And to make it just that little bit more interesting, make an alternating finger. Easy, right?

Nail Art Tutorial and Instructions – SWalkerMakeup

Penguin Power

These penguins are beyond charming; why wouldn’t anyone want them on their nails?!

Nail Art Tutorial and Instructions – SheWhoDoesNails

Good Old Green and Red

The thing that I really like about this style is that it’s Christmassy without being too in-your-face; it’d work really well with pastel colors, too (not the biggest fan of that dark moss green).

Nail Art Tutorial and Instructions – MarieClaire

Mix ‘n Match

I love a bit of mixing and matching, especially during this time of year. Sure, it may take a little more time, but with some good TV and a glass of wine, you’ve got all the time in the world.

Nail Art Tutorial and Instructions – SoNailicious