Is there anything more exciting than the lead-up to Christmas? Honestly, it's probably my favourite time of the year (sorry, summer). I love nothing more than choosing gifts for loved ones, heading to M&S for festive treats and trying on all of the glittering partywear for festive-season fun. However, I really look forward to my winter nail appointments. Let's face it—this time of year is busier than any other, so taking a little bit of time out to do something that makes you feel good is so important. Personally, getting my nails done always puts me in a great mood. For most of the year, I tend to stick to classic block colours such as burgundy and brown, but when December arrives, I like to have a little bit of fun and choose a pretty nail design instead.
I know I can always rely on sparkling French tips or a glittery polish to bring some festive cheer, but this year I decided to hunt down all of the best winter nail designs to get myself (and you) in the mood for the fun to come, no matter what kind of nail art or polish you like. So, without further ado, keep scrolling for all of my favourite winter nail designs, and don't forget to book an appointment at your favourite salon before the Christmas rush!
1. Brown Chrome Nails
First up is this beautiful take on classic brown nails. The chrome finish makes this perfect for party season, yet it still looks chic enough for every day.
Get the Look:
Price shown is members' price.
Beauty Pie has you covered this winter with this shimmery bronze shade.
2. Tuxedo Nails
For something a little bit different, why not try this fun tuxedo design? I love the fact that this trendy nail art will still match any outfit thanks to the monochrome shades.
Get the Look:
To achieve the half-and-half design at home, you'll need a thin-tip nail brush like this one from Manucurist.
3. Green Glittery Nails
It doesn't get much better than green glitter. I mean, how festive is this mani?
Get the Look:
I think this might be my Christmas nail polish of choice.
4. Studded Detailing
If you like something a little bit more minimal, try adding a single silver or gold stud to the base of the nail. It's so simple yet so stunning.
Get the Look:
This set from Mylee has all the nail decorations you could ever dream of.
5. Sparkly French Tips
I love a classic French-tip mani, but this delicate sparkly silver design is now my ultimate favourite.
Get the Look:
This is the sparkliest nail polish I've ever seen, and I'm obsessed.
6. Mixed Metals
If you like a bit of both silver and gold, don't be afraid to mix and match your metals. The pop of red makes this manicure even more winter-appropriate.
Get the Look:
Chanel has created the most beautiful gold nail polish. This is going straight on my Christmas list.
7. Snow White Nails
This snowy white shade is ideal for those of you who like something really simple and chic.
Get the Look:
This polish is actually called Alpine Snow. How perfect?
8. Silver Chrome Nails
Silver is definitely the colour of the season, so why not incorporate the trend into your manicure?
Get the Look:
Not only is this nail polish stunning to look at, but it's super affordable too.
9. Glitter French Tips
Another winter variation on the classic French-tip design is glitter French tips. Don't be afraid to mix and match your metals when it comes to this mani either, just like the one pictured here.
Get the Look:
This could be quite a tricky design to do yourself, so avoid the hassle with these handy press-ons.
10. Animal Prints
I'm seeing animal-print nails everywhere at the moment, and I'll definitely be taking this inspo pic to the salon.
Get the Look:
There are so many fun, printed press-on nails to get the look at home, and this tortoiseshell design is perfect for lovers of neutral tones.
11. Gold Foil Detailing
A minimalist mani that still incorporates some shine. Add a touch of sparkle with pretty gold foil.
Get the Look:
Mylee has so many different nail foils to choose from, no matter what design you fancy.
12. Matte and Glossy Finishes
I love mixing glossy and matte finishes, and this French-tip design looks so elevated.
Get the Look:
To get that matte finish, opt for a top coat like this one from Manucurist.
13. Shimmery Burgundy Nails
Burgundy is such a good colour for the winter months, but to make your mani a bit more interesting, opt for a shimmery, deep purple shade.
Get the Look:
This OPI polish is just what I had in mind.
Next Up: 11 Winter Nail Colours That Always Look So Elevated
-
I'm Bored of Red Christmas Nails—I'm Trying This Expensive-Looking French Manicure InsteadSparkle all the way.
-
Experts Say These Chic Nail Colours Look Even More Stylish on Your ToesHello, party feet!
-
From Elegant Colours to Glossy Details, These 7 Nail Trends Are About to Dominate 2025Watch this space.
-
It's Official—This Elevated Winter Nail Trend Is Dethroning the Glazed ManicureIf you're wearing it, I know you're chic.
-
10 Editors on Their 2025 Beauty Vision BoardsSelect your vibe.
-
Christmas Nails Can Be a Little Tacky, But These 13 Festive Manicures Are Elegant and Very ChicNo post-salon regret here.
-
The Elegant Nail Colour I Rely On to Make At-Home Manicures Look More ExpensiveOne for the minimalists.
-
The Glowdown: Nicola Coughlan Shares the Beauty Secrets We All Want to KnowYou won't want to miss this.
