Fashion Girls Are Booking In for These 10 Festive Nail Designs

We're well and truly into the party-season swing, and festivities are underway. As we count down the days to the end of the year, I'm keeping my eyes out for the festive nail designs that the fashion set is booking in for. While we love the timeless nail colours that come with winter, there's something about this time of year that makes us want to experiment with nail art with a nod to the season.

Among the winter nail trends and party nail designs of the season, we can't help but get a little bit excited when the festive nail ideas start to crop up on our feeds—because if you can't go for glittery nails in December, then when can you?

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Data from SpaSeekers has found that there are 10 festive nail designs that are dominating right now, and nail salons are about to be inundated with these seasonal nail ideas. If you're looking for some nail inspiration for your eagerly awaited festive mani appointment, then look no further than these 10 chic designs to take you from now through to NYE.

1. Chrome Nails

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(Image credit: @nailartbyqueenie )

Chrome nails have made a huge comeback in 2022, and for the festive season, we can expect to see them reimagined in jewel tones of gift wrap or our favourite Quality Street sweets. These chrome tips give a nod to the festivities without being too OTT.

Shop the look:

2. Glass Nails

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

You might want to save this intricate design for your nail tech, but glass nails are so pretty this time of the year. The design sees the application of tiny sequin shards that result in a glittering shattered-glass effect. Is there a better way to channel a disco ball?

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3. Red French Tips

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(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

One for the minimalists out there who want to add a touch of festiveness to their fingertips, a red French tip is timeless and will see you through December.

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4. Velvet Nails

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If you're more of a velvet-suit kind of person than a glittery dress one, allow me to introduce you to velvet nails. This gel polish reacts with a magnet to give a cat-eye effect that catches the light in the prettiest of ways. 

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5. "Glazed Donut" Nails

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(Image credit: @nailartbyqueenie )

"Glazed donut" nails just might be the biggest trend of 2022, all thanks to Hailey Bieber. The trend is still going strong for the festive season, lending a frosted look your fingertips.

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6. Gold Nails

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Gold nails are a party-season favourite, and they suit everyone with so many golden shades to choose from. I've got my eyes on this antique gold polish with a shimmering topcoat.

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7. Metallic Green Nails

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Metallic Christmas tree green is the fashion girls' choice for the festive season, and I've spied it on just about every top nail technician this month. 

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8. Gingerbread Nails

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(Image credit: @pia_mbd
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Gingerbread nails are another seasonal trend that's gaining a lot of traction on TikTok. Gingerbread nail art is proving to be popular as festive-season nail art, but if that's a little too on the nose, why not choose gingerbread-inspired hues for your festive manicure? This gilded gold one is seasonally chic.

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9. Snowflake Nails

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(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

Snowflake nail art is a sure choice to get into the festive spirit, but a less literal snowflake design could look like these frosted French tips in icy blue.

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10. Half-Moon Nails

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

And finally, half-moon nail art is making a big comeback for the party season. The other plus of this pretty design is that it's virtually chip-proof, as it sits at the base of the nail.

Shop the trend:

Up Next, The Experts Have Spoken—This Is the New Manicure Trend Taking Over This Winter

Eleanor Vousden
Beauty Editor, Who What Wear UK

Eleanor Vousden is the beauty editor for Who What Wear UK. She was previously deputy editor at Hairdressers Journal, health writer at Woman & Home and junior beauty editor at beauty website Powder. She has also contributed to Wallpaper and Elle Collections with written and styling work.Working as a beauty journalist since 2015 after graduating in fashion journalism at the London College of Fashion, she has been highly commended at the BSME Talent Awards for her work on Powder and also contributed to the title winning Website of the Year at the PPA Awards.Eleanor’s journalistic focus is to provide readers with honest and helpful beauty content. Through words, video and live broadcast, she has interviewed several celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists and top dermatologists throughout her career, as well as celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Scarlett Johansson. She has a particular interest in finding solutions for acne and eczema, which she has experienced firsthand. She has also amassed a large collection of fragrances and can never say no to a new candle.When she’s not writing or testing the latest beauty product or treatments, she’s on the seafront in her hometown of Brighton and Hove, where she lives with her partner and her miniature dachshund.