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?
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.
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.
Chrome silver is a festive-season winner that looks great applied all over the nails or as a French tip.
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?
No time for a salon appointment? Look for a chunky glitter polish like Off-White’s luxe topcoat to create the look in minutes.
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.
The ultimate festive red does exist.
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.
This magnet-reactive polish gives the velvet look in seconds.
“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.
If you have an at-home gel kit, then buff this powder on a non-wipe topcoat (like the one below) after curing for glazed nails at home.
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.
Chanel nail artist Betina Goldstein layered Chanel Le Vernis in Clair de Lune underneath the Le Top Coat in Etoile, a sparkling amber.
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.
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.
The perfect muted brown shade.
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.
This glitter is so sparkly.
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.
A nail art brush is key for creating the precise lines of this design.
